If you’ve been watching your energy bills inch upward, you might be wondering just how efficient your home is. One way to find out is having an HVAC-system professional do a home energy evaluation, also known as an energy audit. The audit can help you determine where your home is losing energy and how you can lower your cooling and heating costs. A crucial component of the home energy evaluation is the blower door test.
The blower door is simply a variable-speed fan and pressure gauge built inside a frame that fits inside an exterior doorway. The unit also has an airflow manometer and hose, which measure the airflow. The auditor secures the blower door in the doorway and then activates the fan to lower the pressure in your home. Once the depressurization takes place, air from the outside flows into your home via cracks and fissures. The auditor can then determine the exact location of the air leaks.
In addition to the blower door test, your home energy evaluation may include measures such as an infrared camera or surface thermometers. The outside of your home will also be examined for problem areas. In addition, your auditor will probably ask you questions about your home energy consumption, the number of people living in your home and average thermostat settings. By using all of these tools and asking these important questions, your auditor can help you find the best ways to maximize your energy efficiency. He can also help you prioritize your home-energy improvements, which could range from investing in a new cooling and heating system to sealing the air leaks in your home. .
For more expert advice about home energy evaluations and other issues related to home comfort, contact the energy professionals at CCAC. We’ve been serving homeowners in the Coastal Bend area for more than 35 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home energy audits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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