Here are just a few examples of how homeowners have used energy audit results to make specific - and cost-effective - performance improvements to their home.

Case Study No.1: Low Cost Improvements Bring Home Into "Moderately Airtight Home" Category

Work Scope: Energy audit on 45-year-old 2-story home identified numerous areas of heat loss, with a cfm rating of 2380, indicating a "Existing Home Median," meaning the house performs at the same level as when it was built.

Suggested plan of staged improvements, beginning with main floor and second floor, with basement to be addressed in near future. Installed additional 8 inches of insulation to attic space, sealed and insulated attic access panel, replaced old non IC rated recessed lights with new IC rated recessed light fixtures, caulked all window and door trim.

Results: Blower door re-test revealed a reduction of air infiltration of 650 cfm's to 1730, improving the home into the category of "Moderately Airtight Home." The target airflow was 1770; the new airflow rate of 1730 is slightly better than the target airflow for a home this size.

"Thanks so much for your patience and courtesy while working on my home, it was greatly appreciated." - Patricia

Case Study No.2: Add Comfort and Lower Heat Bills

Work Scope: energy audit on 49-year-old ranch style home and developed plan for improvement. Installed an additional 8 inches of cellulose insulation to bring attic insulation depth to recommended R49 value for climate zone, basement rim joist areas sealed with foam and insulated with fiberglass batt, installed combustion air line to utility room, installed new kitchen window. Air sealing, while minimal, resulted in good air infiltration reduction.

Results: Blower door re-test revealed a reduction of air infiltration of 650 cfm’s to 1730, improving the home into the category of "Moderately Airtight Home." The target airflow was 1770; the new airflow rate of 1730 is slightly better than the target airflow for a home this size.

“The window looks absolutely fabulous, thanks for a great job!” – Marten

Case Study No.3: Reduce Energy Bill of Older Home

Work Scope: Energy audit performed on 100-year-old home revealed numerous small, difficult to reach energy leaks. Installed new exterior door in basement, sealed off old basement windows that were exposed to unheated area of crawlspace with foam board and caulking, sealed all rim joist in basement with two part foam to air seal and insulate, caulked all door and window trim, wrapped water heater in insulation blanket.

Results: Blower door re-test revealed a reduction of air infiltration to 2875 cfm's. Client stated monthly heat bill was $100 dollars lower than prior year.

"You have done so much leg work researching this project. We appreciate all that you are doing, thanks so much" - Dean & Kathy

Case Study No.4: Correct a Very Leaky Older Home

Work Scope: Energy audit performed on 30-year-old home, revealing the home tested as a "Very Leaky Older Home." Found small addition had two ceiling levels lacking good insulation and not sealed from cold attic space. Sealed all air infiltration areas in attic space with two part foam, installed rigid foam board on knee wall area and sealed with tape, spray foamed all accessible top plates, installed additional 8 inches of insulation in attic space, sealed joints of all basement rim joist and insulated, vented bath fan and dryer vent to exterior.

Results: Blower door re-test revealed a significant reduction of air infiltration of 2063 cfm's, improving the home to the "Moderately Airtight Home," category.

Case Study No.5: Increased Comfort Throughout Upstairs Living Area

Work Scope: Energy audit performed on 20-year-old home and work scope developed for improvement applications. Sealed all recessed light fixtures and air infiltration areas in attic space, installed an additional 10 inches of cellulose insulation to attic space.

Results: Blower door re-test revealed a reduction of air infiltration of 550 cfm's and a much more comfortable, easier to heat upstairs living area, even though the air tight applications were applied only to the attic space.

"We have been very impressed with your company's professional approach, always un-intrusive and courteous" - Stephen