Home performance testing can reveal hidden energy leaks, potentially saving homeowners up to 30% on energy bills annually.
Home performance testing is a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort. This specialized service, carried out by certified professionals, uses advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint areas of energy waste, poor ventilation, and potential health risks. The tests can reveal hidden issues, such as air leaks, under-insulated areas, and inefficient heating or cooling systems, which can cost you money and compromise your home’s comfort. By investing in home performance testing, you’re not only ensuring a healthier, more comfortable living environment, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the climate crisis. The cost savings in energy efficiency often offset the testing expense, making it an investment in both your wallet and the planet’s future.
Examples
1Building Envelope
Assesses insulation and sealing to detect heat loss and air leaks, enhancing energy efficiency.
2HVAC System
Inspects heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units for optimal performance, reducing energy usage.
3Duct System
Checks for leaks or blockages that affect heating/cooling efficiency and indoor air quality.
4Combustion Appliances
Ensures safe operation of gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces, preventing carbon monoxide issues.
5Ventilation
Verifies effective removal of moisture and pollutants, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
6Lighting and Appliances
Evaluates energy usage, identifying opportunities for more efficient alternatives.
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: Home performance testing can pinpoint energy inefficiencies, such as leaks or poor insulation, enabling targeted improvements. This can lead to significant energy and cost savings over time compared to homes not tested.
- Improved Health & Comfort: By identifying problems with ventilation, humidity, and indoor air quality, home performance testing can enhance the health and comfort of your living environment, a benefit not necessarily provided by simple energy audits.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing energy use, a correctly oriented home contributes less to greenhouse gas emissions, which is a significant advantage over traditionally-oriented homes in the fight against climate change.
Cons
- Initial Cost: Home performance tests can be an added upfront cost on top of construction or renovation expenses, which simple walkthrough inspections don’t incur.
- Time-consuming: These tests can take several hours or even days to complete, requiring time commitment from homeowners.
- Limited Availability: Depending on your location, it may be challenging to find certified professionals to conduct comprehensive home performance tests compared to common home inspectors.
Costs
1New Construction
For new constructions, the cost of home performance testing generally ranges between $250 to $800. The exact cost depends on the size of the home and the specific tests being conducted. This is often not included in standard practice. It may represent a premium of about 0.1% to 0.4% on a $200,000 home.
Hiring Pros
- Research Professionals: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Check Certifications: Look for professionals certified by Building Performance Institute (BPI) or those who are RESNET HERS Raters to ensure they follow industry standards.
- Ask for References: Request past client references to verify the quality of their work. Experienced testers should willingly provide this information.
- Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from at least three experts to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Don’t let cost be your only deciding factor.
- Understand the Scope: Ensure the expert covers all essential aspects – building envelope, HVAC, duct system, combustion appliances, and ventilation in their testing.
Do It Yourself
- Educate Yourself: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Safety First: Understand the risks associated with the DIY route, such as dealing with electrical systems and potential gas leaks. Some tasks are best left to professionals.
- Get the Right Tools: Invest in necessary tools, including a blower door, infrared camera, and combustion analyzer. Renting may be more cost-effective.
- Start Simple: Begin with easy tasks like sealing drafts, adding insulation, and replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models.
- Follow a Systematic Approach: Start from the building envelope, move to HVAC and duct system, and finally, combustion appliances and lighting. This approach allows you to work methodically through your home’s systems.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Integrate Performance Testing Early
Make performance testing a part of your design process from the beginning. This proactive approach allows you to create a building that is energy-efficient by design, not just as an afterthought. Consider elements like orientation, envelope design, and HVAC system layout in the context of energy efficiency.
2Utilize Modeling Software
Use building energy modeling software to simulate the energy performance of your design. This can provide insights into potential improvements before construction begins.
3Collaborate with the Builder
Collaborate closely with the builder to ensure that your design intent is effectively translated into practice. This can help avoid issues that might compromise the building’s energy performance.
For the Builder:
1Quality Control During Construction
Implement quality control measures during construction to ensure that work is being done in line with energy performance goals. This includes things like correct insulation installation, careful sealing of the building envelope, and proper installation of HVAC systems.
2Engage a Certified Professional
Hire a certified professional to conduct performance tests during critical stages of the construction process. Early detection of issues allows for timely corrections.
3Education and Training
Ensure your team is knowledgeable about energy-efficient construction techniques and the importance of careful craftsmanship to achieve energy goals. Understanding the ‘why’ behind their work can motivate them to meet higher standards.
1Integrate Performance Testing Early
Make performance testing a part of your design process from the beginning. This proactive approach allows you to create a building that is energy-efficient by design, not just as an afterthought. Consider elements like orientation, envelope design, and HVAC system layout in the context of energy efficiency.
1Quality Control During Construction
Implement quality control measures during construction to ensure that work is being done in line with energy performance goals. This includes things like correct insulation installation, careful sealing of the building envelope, and proper installation of HVAC systems.
2Utilize Modeling Software
Use building energy modeling software to simulate the energy performance of your design. This can provide insights into potential improvements before construction begins.
2Engage a Certified Professional
Hire a certified professional to conduct performance tests during critical stages of the construction process. Early detection of issues allows for timely corrections.
3Collaborate with the Builder
Collaborate closely with the builder to ensure that your design intent is effectively translated into practice. This can help avoid issues that might compromise the building’s energy performance.
3Education and Training
Ensure your team is knowledgeable about energy-efficient construction techniques and the importance of careful craftsmanship to achieve energy goals. Understanding the ‘why’ behind their work can motivate them to meet higher standards.
Resources
Books:
“Home Energy Handbook” by Paul Scheckel.
- “Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings” by John Krigger.
Websites:
Building Performance Institute – BPI (https://www.bpi.org/)
- ENERGY STAR from Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.energystar.gov/)
- Residential Energy Services Network – RESNET (https://www.resnet.us/)
- U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Saver (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver)
