Green Term Defined: Energy Audit

An energy audit is an inspection that looks at energy flow in a building. The objective of an audit is to identify things that can be modified to reduce energy usage and increase comfort and safety for the occupants of the building.

These audits usually involve a blower door that depressurizes a house or office and thermal imaging technology to see the thermal bridges and air leaks. The audit will also identify equipment, lights, and appliances that can be replaced or upgraded to reduce energy consumption.

North Fork Middle SchoolNorth Fork Middle School - Energy audit

There are common places that you can address without an audit to cut your energy loss. 

  1. Caulk the gaps and cracks
  2. Seal the electrical outlets
  3. Seal your crawl space
  4. Add insulation in the attic

In Harrisonburg for homes that use electric heat, HEC provides free energy audits. This free audit is performed by me and is a very basic level audit that will identify a litany of items to improve. If you do not live in the city, or do not have electric heat ,or own a commercial project, or want a comprehensive audit, you should call Building Knowledge.

harrisonburg energy audit

 

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Related Posts

Rocktown Energy Fest: Gaines Group Panel

Rocktown Energy Fest: Gaines Group Panel

We are beyond excited for our very own Charles Hendricks to attend the first annual Rocktown Energy Fest to ...
At Home Energy: Around the House

At Home Energy: Around the House

This week we went over the different ways to conserve energy using sunlight and rainwater, but if growing your own ...
At Home Energy: Hydro

At Home Energy: Hydro

Much like the sun, water also offers many opportunities that can save money and the environment. If you are ...
At Home Energy: Solar

At Home Energy: Solar

As the desire to utilize green energy grows, the tools to harness it expand as well. As the options continue to ...

Discover more from The Gaines Group Architects

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading