Condition Assessment:

For existing homes, we offer an audit that is a diagnostic survey and inspection. A Condition Assessment usually takes 3 to 5 hours of time at your home.

During a Condition Assessment we use sophisticated instruments such as Blower Doors and infrared cameras for diagnosing the source of problems. The blower door is able to test the overall air tightness of a house and is essential to you and our inspectors for finding where the home is leaking cold air in or losing conditioned air to the outside. Infrared imaging enables you and our inspectors to see colder and warmer areas in walls, ceiling and windows. The two instruments together enable pinpoint accuracy for identifying drafts and energy loss through the building envelope.

Drafts, loss of heat in winter, and high utility costs for AC in summer can each be cost effectively addressed by taking action on the items identified in an audit.

In each condition assessment we inspect the insulation levels throughout the home, including the attic, basement, and walls. We also examine the HVAC systems to determine their expected efficiencies, test air ducts for leakage where applicable, and review your utility bills. We then furnish a report that summarizes the findings and makes recommendations for improvements prioritized by maximum savings vs estimated costs.

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Audit:

A HERS Audit is a more involved Audit than a Condition Assessment. A HERS Audit can be used in several ways:

1. When seeking an Energy Star Certification 
2. When required to qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) or an Energy Improvement Mortgage. 
3. To develop very specific “what if” analyses on improvements to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the various design or building components.

A HERS Audit can be performed on either a proposed or an existing home. This type of Audit requires entering data from your home into a computer program to create a model. The model software is a sophisticated system tested and authorized by the US Department of Energy for HERS Raters.

Energy360 Solutions is an accredited home energy rating agent. We furnish unbiased third-party HERS ratings. The home’s HERS “score” is used to compare it against national and international codes and standards for its level of energy efficiency. Some view the HERS score as similar to the EnergyGuide label found on new appliances or the fuel efficiency sticker (mpg) on the window of a new car.

The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) and its utility-sponsored ENERGY STAR Homes program requires a HERS Audit. A HERS Rating for an Energy Star project begins with a computer model and analysis based upon plans and specifications. A preliminary energy rating is calculated. If the energy rating is too high, recommendations are made to improve the design and/or specs for the purposes of energy performance and to achieve the required Rating = 85 score or better. Recommendations address framing, insulation, air-sealing, and ventilation strategies, as well as assisting with decisions on selecting ENERGY STAR labeled appliances and lighting fixtures. Construction Phase Inspections – During construction, the HERS Rater must inspect the air-seal and insulation before any is concealed by dry-wall, cabinets or other work. Additional mid-construction inspections may be needed during construction. Final Inspection – When the home is completed, the HERS Rater inspects and tests the house. Testing includes using a state-of-the-art blower door and an air-duct testing unit (if applicable). Ultimately, if all passes inspection and testing, the home is certified as Energy Star, which qualifies the builder to obtain a $2,000 tax credit and be an Energy Star Partner.