The home energy audit will be performed by an Avista certified home energy audit contractor, who will complete an in-depth analysis of your home’s energy efficiency.
During this procedure, the auditor will use state-of-the-art equipment to analyze how energy is being used and where energy loss is occurring. An in-home energy audit will take 2 to 3 hours to complete. You will receive a personalized written report within 10 working days.
The in-home energy audit process follows these steps:
- Initial Interview
- Outdoor Inspection
- Indoor Inspection
- Diagnostic Testing
- Installation of Weatherization Materials
- Comprehensive Written Report
1. Initial Interview
When the Auditor arrives they will conduct an initial interview. The auditor will collect as much background information as possible about the house. Any existing energy, comfort or ventilation problems should be discussed at this stage, including concerns you may have.
2. Outdoor Inspection
The auditor will perform a walk around inspection of the building’s exterior. The auditor will be looking for any apparent moisture and air leaks around the windows, doors, walls, and roof. The auditor will also determine how the attic is being ventilated.
3. Indoor Inspection
The interior of the home including, the attic, walls, and basement (if one is present) are checked for moisture and insulation levels. If the home has a crawlspace it will be inspected for moisture and insulation levels.
The auditor will assess the age and condition of electric appliances that are in the home; refrigerators, freezers, clothes washer and dryer, water heater etc. All of the gas burning appliances; furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, stove etc. will also be assessed at this time.
The auditor will check for water leaks around all faucets, showers, toilets, and water heaters. The flush volume will be noted for each toilet, and the flow rate will be noted for each shower head.
4. Diagnostic testing- Blower Door, Pressure Pan and Combustion Appliance Zone Tests
The auditor will then perform a series of diagnostic tests that include:
Blower Door Test - The blower door is a tool that is used to depressurize your home. The depressurization accentuates the air leaks making them easy to detect and identify with a thermal leak detector or smoke generator.
The blower door test is also used to determine how much excess outside air is entering or leaving the home. All homes need to "breath" that is they need fresh air, but too many air changes can result in drafts and lost energy.
Pressure Pan Test - A pressure pan is a tool used to determine if there is a leak in the ductwork near a supply register or return grille. The test is performed in conjunction with a blower door test, this will accentuate any duct leaks and make them easier to find.
Combustion Appliance Zone Test - This test is performed to ensure each gas burning appliance is operating safely and drafts properly. The test determines the level of carbon monoxide (if any) within the home. During the combustion appliance zone test appliances are also checked for gas leaks.
5. Installation of weatherization materials
The auditor will install (with customers permission); 6 CFL’s, up to two low flow shower heads, up to two door sweeps, weather stripping around an exterior door and one outlet gasket. You will also receive a tube of silicone caulk, one can of expanding foam, three plastic storm window kits, outlet and switch plate gaskets and an Avista energy use guide.
6. Comprehensive written report
Within ten working days, you'll receive a detailed audit report by mail. This report will outline specific steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Please note your report and future savings will be based on your current energy usage and today’s energy rates.