Energy Audits and Infrared Scans for
Homes and
Construction Projects
Blower Door Testing
Blower door testing of building tightness and air infiltration. Duct Blaster testing of the building's HVAC system to locate air leaks in the duct system. A complete digital report of findings with recommendations for repairs needed is included.
In order to determine if a new house is well sealed (its tightness) or if an older house is getting too much or too little air exchange, pressurization tests are often performed.
We use blower door testing to check building tightness and air infiltration. We use duct blaster testing of the building's HVAC system to locate air leaks in the duct system.
Blower doors consist of a frame and flexible panel that fit in a doorway, a variable-speed fan, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure differences inside and outside the home, an airflow manometer, and hoses for measuring airflow. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings.
Using blower door testing techniques on a home, we are able to measure the cubic feet of air infiltration per minute. This provides valuable information about the building's air barrier and air changes. We may also use a smoke pencil to detect air leaks.
As with all of our services, a complete digital report of findings with recommendations for repairs needed is included.
HVAC Duct Leak Testing
Why is HVAC duct leak testing important?
Air conditioning and heating bills can significantly increase due to leaky ducts. Duct leakages can result in poor heating and cooling at home, creating unpleasantly hot or cold rooms and humidity problems in general. And the worst part, duct leakages can create air quality problems by pulling pollutants and irritants directly into the house.
(These images show an Infrared HVAC duct leak inspection in an attic. Heat is leaking from duct connections. Seal all connections with duct mastic and perform an HVAC duct leak test to make sure the duct leakage to the outside is below 4% leakage.)
Equipment capacity and performance can be dramatically reduced, as well as potentially dangerous indoor air quality problems may be faced due to Leaky Ducts. In fact, many of the comfort complaints experienced by homeowners today are results of duct leakage.
Both the Colorado Stretch Energy Code and the current IECC code require HVAC duct leak testing for both new construction and new HVAC system installs in existing homes.
For more information, or to schedule an HVAC duct leak test, click here.
HERS Ratings
A HERS Index is a way to evaluate a home’s energy efficiency and compare the option for increased energy efficiency performance.
A HERS Index Score can be very valuable in new construction, renovation, or purchase of a new home to provide the information on cost of ownership, best options of increased energy efficiency, and compliance with local energy codes.
Infrared America LLC provides complete HERS ratings of new and existing homes using the latest REM/Rate software systems. If you are looking at selling your existing home, a lower HERS index may help to promote the home sale by showing potential home buyers the HERS energy efficiency report.
So, if you are looking a building a new home, larger residential development, or renovating your existing home, call Infrared America LLC for a quote from our professional HERS rater services.
Currently, under the 2015 IECC code in effect in Colorado as of January 1st, 2017, a new construction home would be required to meet a HERS index of 55 or lower. Adding renewable energy systems to the home will allow an increase in the HERS index from 55 up to 62.
Infrared diagnostic services include:
Home Energy Audits
If you’re looking for a way to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, the first step is to get an expert, third-party energy audit. Flemming Lund of Infrared America LLC is one of the most trusted and experienced auditors in Colorado and can provide you with the answers you need about home.
Why should I get an energy audit?
Paying astronomical energy bills while still being uncomfortable in your home, especially during the summer and winter, can be a thing of the past. An Infrared America LLC energy audit will provide you with a detailed report which addresses each unique issue your home has and describes how it can be resolved. Other companies may just tell you that your attic needs insulation or that you need new windows — we’ll show you exactly which spots in your attic and lacking insulation and perhaps that all your windows need after all is simply some thorough air sealing.
After making improvements to your home following an energy audit, you’ll notice:
What does a home energy audit include?
An energy audit with Infrared America LLC starts with a thorough infrared scan of your home’s walls, floors, and ceilings. The advanced infrared technology showcases temperature differences which allow defects in insulation and air sealing to be spotted easily.
Once a thorough infrared analysis is completed, a blower door test is conducted to assess airtightness and measure air infiltration. This provides you with information about how much energy is being wasted and offers a baseline to measure against once improvements to air sealing are completed.
Following the blower door test, for an additional fee, an optional Duct Blaster test is performed to uncover any leaks in your home’s ductwork, which waste energy and cause discomfort whenever your heating or cooling systems are working.
Up to 24 hours after the end of your home energy audit, you will receive a comprehensive digital report outlining each area of inefficiency in your home with recommended solutions that will help to improve comfort, savings, and energy efficiency.
Comprehensive Energy Audits
The truth is that companies performing energy audits often have a hidden agenda — they’re the ones actually doing the retrofit work! They tend to be vague in their recommendations and may embellish certain issues. At Infrared America LLC, you will receive an expert analysis from an unbiased third party.
We won’t be selling you on anything unnecessary throughout the process, and you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the most thorough energy audit available. Flemming will communicate with you directly, perform your audit, and provide you with a complete report that your preferred retrofit contractor can then use to make improvements to your home.
Ready to get an unbiased, professional analysis of your home? Contact Flemming or call (720) 227-4586 to learn more and schedule your energy audit today!
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