TEST EQUIPMENT

A variety of instruments and test equipment is used in the Home Energy Audit. Below are some of the primary instruments:

A carbon monoxide (CO) analyzer is used to test the safety of combustion appliances.CO is a by-product of incomplete combustion and can be very dangerous.

A calibrated blower door measures the air infiltration of the home by creating a slight negative pressure (-50 pascals) and determining the air leakage rate in CFM. Every home needs some fresh air for comfort and safety. The Minimum Ventilation Rate (MVR) is calculated using standardized formulas.

A thermal imaging (infrared) camera provides visual images of ineffective insulation and areas of heat loss. The camera can also be used to check for overloaded electrical circuits and moisture in structures.

An electronic gas leak detector can quickly find leaks in gas piping and appliances. Gas leaks are dangerous and costly.

A recording watt meter is used to measure operating efficiency and operating cost of a refrigerator. Refrigerators operate 24/7 so efficiency has a direct bearing on energy costs.

A borescope inspection camera has a very small camera on a flexible probe and enables the operator to see inside walls & ceiling cavities.

If you are contemplating and energy audit consider the following:

• Is the Auditor certified by a reputable agency?
• Is a "calibrated" blower door used in the audit?
• What kind of report and information will be available?
• What is the total cost of the audit?
• Does the cost include thermal imaging?