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Step One: We inspect the home from the basement to attic. This includes evaluating the condition of the foundation, heating/cooling system, windows, doors, and insulation.
Step two: Since air leakage is often the single greatest cause of home energy loss, a blower door test is used to determine the home's "tightness" or air leakage rate. The blower door fan, which is installed in an exterior door, lowers the air pressure inside the house by blowing air out. (See illustration.) Air from the outside then rushes in through cracks and openings in the home's walls, floor, and ceiling to replace the air removed by the blower door. Special gauges measure the amount of air being pulled in through these leaks. In many homes, the amount of air leakage is comparable to leaving a small window open year round.
Step Three: Another inspection of the home is performed while the blower door fan is running so that specific points of air leakage can be identified.
Step Four: Information from the inspections is used to conduct a computer analysis of the home's energy use.
Step Five: You receive a copy of the computer analysis, a list of suggested energy efficiency improvements, and an estimate of the savings you can expect from each improvement.
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