Your WE Home Energy Assessment

An energy assessment is a diagnostic analysis on your home and its energy efficiency. The assessment consists of a series of tests that find all the opportunities for saving energy.

A professional energy assessment may include but is not limited to a blower door test that decompresses the air within your home and allows us to determine all of the air infiltration problem spots. We may also use an infrared camera that allows us to literally see through the walls within your home and determine where you may be missing insulation and have excessive air-loss.

Your WE Home Energy Assessment will: Rate your home's overall health, safety and energy efficiency Identify specific areas that need improving Provide a to-do list for making these improvements over time Increase the comfort of your home Increase the value of your home Help you save 20% to 40% off your energy bills

The results of the tests are then logged into a home energy analysis software program which provides a detailed energy assessment showing savings and costs for energy efficiency improvements, as well as tips on ways to reduce energy bills.

A WE energy conservation specialist - a certified Wesson Energy assessment professional - then gives you a complete report card on your home's current health, safety and energy efficiency; and offers suggestions for steps you can take to improve your home's overall performance. These customized solutions for your home guarantee to reduce your energy bills by an estimated 20% with a payback period of 1 to 5 years. You will also receive information on contractors who can implement these solutions, and a list of products and services that will increase your home's energy efficiency. You will be able to use your report card to see where you could take advantage of savings as part of the stimulus bill (2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act).

What gets checked:

EXTERIOR

• Survey for moisture, drainage issues
  
• Inspection for cracks, openings or unusual signs on the exterior
  

HEALTH & SAFETY CONCERNS

• Measurement of relative humidity inside
  
• Inspection of thermal ductwork
  
• Discussion of your family members' allergies or health symptoms, especially during the winter months
  
• Testing for carbon monoxide
  

POWER

• Review of existing light fixtures
  
• Survey of major appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, air conditioner, washer, dryer, dehumidifier), checking and noting age and efficiency
  
• Measurement of power draw of phantom electronics and appliances, such as televisions, computers, etc.
  
• Review of your utilities' bills and use habits
  

HEAT

• Inspection of your heating system
  
• Conducting a combustion efficiency test
  
• Assessment of whole system
  

WATER

• Check for hot water temperature
  
• Measurement of flow rate from various water outlets
  
• Testing water quality - hardness, acidity (pH), iron, nitrates and TDS (minerals)
  

THE THERMAL "ENVELOPE"

• Inspection of the attic for insulation levels and bypasses
  
• Checking the attic access for leakage, insulation effectiveness
  
• Inspection of the basement for possible air leaks and insulation effectiveness
  
• Survey of windows and doors for air leaks
  
• Inspection for any holes or penetrations