What is a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of your home's energy performance. During an energy audit, a certified professional will inspect your home's energy usage, insulation, heating and cooling systems, and appliances to identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. In this article, we will explore what a home energy audit is, how it is beneficial, who can complete an energy audit in Maryland, and what happens after an energy audit. A home energy audit is a detailed examination of your home's energy usage and performance. During an energy audit, a certified professional will assess your home's insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and lighting to identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. The auditor will also perform a blower door test, which measures the amount of air that leaks out of your home, and use thermal imaging to identify areas of heat loss.

How is a Home Energy Audit Beneficial?

A home energy audit is beneficial in several ways. First, it can help you identify areas of energy waste and inefficiency in your home. By addressing these areas, you can reduce your energy usage and lower your utility bills. Second, an energy audit can help to improve your home's comfort and indoor air quality by identifying areas of air leakage and inadequate insulation. Third, an energy audit can help to reduce your carbon footprint by lowering your home's energy usage.

Who can Complete an Energy Audit in Maryland?

In Maryland, energy audits must be completed by certified Building Performance Professional that is licensed with BGE and PEPCO with Home Performance with Energy Star. These professionals are trained to identify areas of energy waste and inefficiency and recommend solutions to improve your home's energy performance. You can find a certified energy auditor in Maryland by visiting the Maryland Energy Administration's website.

What Happens After an Energy Audit?

After an energy audit, the certified professional will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and recommendations. The report will include a list of energy-efficient upgrades and improvements that can be made to your home, along with estimated costs and potential savings. The auditor may also provide you with information on available rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.

Once you have received the energy audit report, you can decide which upgrades and improvements to make to your home. Some upgrades may be simple and affordable, such as sealing air leaks or adding insulation, while others may require a larger investment, such as upgrading your heating and cooling system or installing solar panels. It's important to prioritize upgrades based on their potential cost savings and your budget.

What is Infrared Imaging?

Infrared imaging, also known as thermal imaging, can be helpful in many different ways. Here are some examples:

Identifying heat loss: Infrared imaging can be used to detect areas of heat loss in buildings, which can help identify areas that need to be insulated or sealed. This can improve energy efficiency and save money on heating and cooling costs.

Detecting moisture: Infrared imaging can also be used to detect moisture in buildings. Wet areas will appear cooler in the thermal image, making it easy to identify areas where there may be leaks or water damage.

Electrical inspections: Infrared imaging can be used to identify hot spots in electrical systems, which can indicate potential problems. This can help prevent electrical fires and other hazards.

Medical diagnostics: Infrared imaging can also be used in medical diagnostics to identify differences in skin temperature that may indicate injury or disease.

Detecting pests: Infrared imaging can also be used to detect pests in buildings, such as rodents or insects. The pests will appear as dark spots on the thermal image, making them easy to identify.

Overall, infrared imaging can be a valuable tool for identifying temperature differences and abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye. It can provide valuable information to help identify potential issues and make informed decisions about repairs or improvements.

What are the Different Ways to Insulate an Attic?

-Batt insulation: Batt insulation is a type of insulation that comes in pre-cut panels or rolls. It can be made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, mineral wool, and cotton. Batt insulation is easy to install and is often used to insulate attics with standard spacing between joists.

-Blown-in insulation: Blown-in insulation is a type of loose-fill insulation that is made from materials such as cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool. It is typically installed using a special blowing machine that blows the insulation into the attic space. Blown-in insulation is ideal for attics with irregular shapes or hard-to-reach areas.

-Spray foam insulation: Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is sprayed onto surfaces as a liquid, and then expands to fill gaps and cracks. It is often used to insulate attics with irregular shapes or to seal air leaks.

-Radiant barrier insulation: Radiant barrier insulation is a type of insulation that reflects heat away from the attic. It typically consists of a layer of foil or other reflective material that is installed between the roof decking and the insulation.

-Insulating foam board: Insulating foam board is a type of rigid insulation that is made from materials such as polystyrene or polyisocyanurate. It can be installed on the underside of the roof decking to provide a continuous layer of insulation.

It’s really important to properly assess the condition of the attic and determine the best approach for insulation. Homeowners may want to consult with a professional insulation contractor or energy auditor to determine the best approach for their specific situation. Properly insulating an attic can help to reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and prevent moisture buildup and damage.

What is a BLower door test?

A Blower Door Test is a diagnostic test that is used to measure the airtightness of a building. The test involves setting up a specialized fan that is placed in an exterior doorway of the building. The fan is used to depressurize the building by drawing air out of the building, which causes air to be drawn in through any leaks or gaps in the building's envelope.

During the test, a technician will use specialized equipment to measure the amount of air flowing through the fan and the pressure differences between the inside and outside of the building. This information is used to determine the building's air leakage rate, which is expressed in cubic feet per minute per square foot of building envelope area.

Blower Door Tests are commonly used in Maryland and other states to identify air leaks in homes and other buildings. Air leaks can cause drafts, uneven heating and cooling, and increased energy costs. By identifying and sealing these leaks, homeowners can improve their home's energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.

In Maryland, many energy efficiency programs and contractors offer Blower Door Tests as part of their energy audit or weatherization services. Some utility companies also offer incentives or rebates for homeowners who have a Blower Door Test performed and make energy-saving improvements based on the results.

What is the ACH Code for new homes in Maryland?

The ACH Code for new homes in Maryland is 3 ACH (air changes per hour) at 50 Pascals of pressure. This means that in a Blower Door Test, the new home should not exceed 3 air changes per hour when the building is depressurized to 50 Pascals of pressure.

The ACH Code is a standard for measuring the airtightness of a building, and it is used to ensure that new homes meet minimum energy efficiency requirements. A lower ACH value indicates a tighter, more energy-efficient building envelope, while a higher ACH value indicates more air leakage and a less efficient building envelope.

In Maryland, new homes are required to meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards, which include a maximum ACH value of 3 ACH at 50 Pascals of pressure. This requirement applies to all new homes built in Maryland, regardless of the heating or cooling system used in the home.

What is the code for Duct testing in Maryland?

The code for duct testing in Maryland is based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2018. According to this code, all new residential and commercial buildings in Maryland are required to have their HVAC duct systems tested for air leakage.

The duct testing requirements in Maryland mandate that the ductwork should be tested to verify that it has been installed and sealed in accordance with the applicable building codes and standards. The test must be conducted by a qualified technician using specialized equipment, such as a duct blaster, to measure the amount of air leakage in the duct system.

The code requires that the maximum allowed leakage rate for residential buildings is 4 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area, or 8 CFM per 100 square feet for commercial buildings. The test must be conducted at a pressure of 25 Pascals and the results should be recorded on a form that includes the test date, location, and technician’s name.

It is important to note that the duct testing requirements may vary depending on the specific jurisdiction in Maryland. It is recommended to consult with local building officials or a qualified HVAC contractor to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards.

What are the Different Types of Insulation, R-values per Inch, and Which One is the Best out of Them All?

Different Types of Insulation

1. Fiberglass Insulation: Fiberglass insulation is made from tiny glass fibers and is one of the most commonly used types of insulation. It comes in batts, rolls, and loose-fill forms and can be installed in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

2. Cellulose Insulation: Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products and is treated with fire-retardant chemicals. It can be installed in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

3. Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation is made from polyurethane and is sprayed into place using a special machine. It can be installed in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

4. Mineral Wool Insulation: Mineral wool insulation is made from rock or slag fibers and is available in batts or loose-fill form. It is ideal for use in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

5. Radiant Barrier Insulation: Radiant barrier insulation is made from a reflective material that helps to reflect heat away from your home. It is typically installed in attics and can help to reduce energy costs.

R-values per Inch

R-value is a measure of how well insulation resists the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs. Here are the R-values per inch for the different types of insulation:

1. Fiberglass Insulation: R-value ranges from 2.2 to 3.8 per inch.

2. Cellulose Insulation: R-value ranges from 3.1 to 3.8 per inch.

3. Spray Foam Insulation: R-value ranges from 5.0 to 8.0 per inch.

4. Mineral Wool Insulation: R-value ranges from 3.0 to 3.3 per inch.

5. Radiant Barrier Insulation: R-value ranges from 3.0 to 11.0 per inch.

Which Insulation is the Best?

The best type of insulation for your needs depends on several factors, including the location of the insulation, the climate in which you live, and your budget. Spray foam insulation has the highest R-value per inch and is ideal for areas with limited space or difficult-to-reach areas. However, it is also the most expensive option. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are more cost-effective and can be installed in walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Mineral wool insulation is a good choice for those looking for a more eco-friendly option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several different types of insulation available on the market, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the best type of insulation for your needs, it is important to consider the R-value per inch, location of the insulation, climate in which you live, and your budget. Consulting with a professional insulation contractor can also help you make an informed decision and ensure that your home or building is properly insulated for maximum energy efficiency and comfort.