What makes it extreme? Today I traveled across the border with our fair international neighbor to the north 4 times to run one of these for 15 minutes. Why? Because the Washington State Energy Code requires blower door testing of all new residences, and any addition over 750 sq ft, Read more »
During a blower door test, a fan installed in the front door pulls air out of the house, creating a slight vacuum. The amount of air that flows through the fan is measured in cubic feet per minute, and is compared to a mathematical model of the house to determine Read more »
The Appraisal Institute just released a new form for home appraisers that helps quantify the additional value of energy efficiency upgrades to a home. The Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum form is available here: http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/downloads/AI_82003_ReslGreenEnergyEffAddendum.pdf. The areas of the home appraised include insulation, water efficiency, HVAC, windows, daylighting, appliances, Read more »
After arriving onsite, the auditor talks with the client about the home, and the client’s experience in the home. The auditor and client tour the home, and the client is able to point out any areas of concern. The auditor measures the footprint and interior spaces of the home, and Read more »
A client recently told me that during the depths of last winter, he was spending upwards of $1000 per month on propane. My first thoughts were that the house was too leaky, or not insulated, or that the ductwork was shot. But, through diagnostic testing, I realized that the real Read more »
Jargon. I forget how much of it I use until I get that blank stare from a client. So here is a primer, and a reminder that if I start using too many acronyms in a conversation, you are to poke me in the chest and say "Hey! Speak English!" Read more »