REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION EXPENSE
Most homes in the North East rely on Fuel Oil, Natural Gas, Propane or Electric for heat. Many have begun using pellet or wood burning stoves in order to reduce their energy expenses. Any fuel source or means to heat relies upon holding and maintaining the heat that is created.
The first law of thermodynamics states that heat travels from hot to cold via radiation, conduction or convection. Convection involves the loss of heat with air currents and Conduction involves heat transfer through a material that is continuous between the temperature differentials. You do not need to have a science degree to know that we rely on our floors, walls and ceilings to hold heat, however, how often do you examine the elements that make up our envelope. Windows and doors have borne the brunt of the industries attention and anyone would agree that insulation is the principle barrier.
"
A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link "
Special equipment is not needed to determine the common leaks in your energy envelope. Properly hung doors, proper threshold, weather-stripping and properly adjusted latches are common correction to breeches. Locking windows and properly adjusted heat appliances serve the envelope as well. Other conditions exist that can only be detected with experience with the construction type, age of home and a trained eye. Lack of insulation, insulation settlement, integral conduits of heat escape paths and malfunctioning heating equipment can cost hundreds of dollars of extra cost annually. Equipment is necessary for a complete and comprehensive analysis. Recommendation for improvements have a greater reliability and accuracy having the benefit of the result of an inspection using an infra red imaging device and combustion analyzer.
HEAT LOSS/GAIN ANALYSIS
Heat loss analysis involves an audit of every condition and area of your home, including site orientation, that relates all conditions to arrive at the annual heat loss and gain.The determined Heat loss analysis is used for sizing heating equipment . The determined Heat Gain is used for sizing air conditioning equipmment. The analysis is also used to determnine the affect of upgrades considered.
INFRARED IMAGING
An example of an infrared image (example) illustrates color coded heat loss. The linked image was taken during the day when the temperatures in the image were between 27.1 and 37.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note that the lighter colors represent the greater heat loss and the darker colors represent low or no heat loss.
COMBUSTION ANALYSIS
A combustion analyzer samples the exhaust gas from your heating equipment and can determine the efficiency of fuel used. Results can indicate the need for an adjustment. The results of testing and the age of your equipment may suggest that the equipment be replaced with a modern efficient unit.
RETURN OF IMPROVEMENT INVESTMENT
An estimate for professional services can be provided with prelimimnary information:
1. Address of subject?
2. Age of home?
3. Style of home?
4. Size of conditioned spaces with ceiling heights?
5. Volumn of unconditioned spaces such as basements, attics and attached garages?
6. Heating fuel type.
Final recommendation(s) will include the projected savings and anticipated investment return.
Interested inquirys can be directed to John at mailto:pencilbase@aol.com . Include all of the information that you are comfortable with, however, I would refrain from providing the property address until such time as we can talk.
