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The following information is provided to encourage you to learn more about your home. While we try to keep this list current, we can not accept responsibility for the content of the links. Please contact us if a link is broken. Thank you.  
energy audits
thermal imaging
carbon monoxide
insulation
air sealing
recommended reading
miscellaneous

 

energy audits

 

Descriptions of our energy audit overview, process, and pricing can be found in the navigation bar at the top of this page.

NJ's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
Certified NJ Program Contractors
Home Energy Saver (a do-it-yourself energy audit)

Rehab Advisor


 

thermal imaging

 

Descriptions of our thermal imaging overview and pricing can be found in the navigation bar at the top of this page.

Infrared, or thermal energy, is energy containing light waves longer and less frequent than those visible to the human eye. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of many different wavelengths and frequencies. Only those wavelengths between 750 nanometers (reds) and 400 nanometers (violets) are visible to the human eye. Other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum can be viewed with special equipment such as x-ray machines or thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imaging cameras such as ours can effectively see and measure the wavelengths between 800 and 1200 nanometers (or 8-12 microns.)

Thermal imaging requires specific cameras, software, and training to interpret the images. Analysis of the images can determine locations and severity of heat transfer such as with missing insulation. Temperature differences created by evaporative cooling of moisture can reveal hidden moisture problems such as with leaking roof membranes and stucco panels (EIFS)

EERE Consumer's Guide: Thermographic Inspections
DOE: Thermography Factsheet

 

 

carbon monoxide

 

Descriptions of our carbon monoxide testing overview, process, and pricing can be found in the navigation bar at the top of this page.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, odorless, colorless byproduct of incomplete combustion. Gas-fired water heaters, furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, and other combustion appliances produce carbon monoxide. Due to efficiency limitations, certain CO levels are expected and should be properly vented.

As part of the energy audit, carbon monoxide levels are checked at several locations in the home. High level readings are noted in the report and could be an indication of backdrafting, improper burner adjustment, cracked heat exchangers, or other issues.

All homes should have at least one carbon monoxide detector (in addition to smoke detectors) near the living and bedroom areas. These detectors should be replaced every few years as the sensors tend to deteriorate.

Carbon Monoxide -Indoor Air Quality (EPA)
Consumer Product Safety Commission

 

 

insulation

 

Insulation provide resistance to heat transfer and comes in several popular forms with some being more appropriate than others depending on the application. Insulation should, as much as possible, completely surround your home's thermal envelope. Insulation is not typically an air-sealer.

Identifying Old Insulation
Vermiculite Attic Insulation
Insulation Fact Sheet (a bit dated)
Before You Design, Build, or Renovate

basement insulation:
Renovating Your Basement
A Builder's Guide to Residential Foundation Insulation
Basement Insulation (MN Dept of Commerce)

 

air-sealing

 

Air-sealing refers to methods used to tighten up your home and control the air infiltration. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established minimum recommended ventilation levels for your home to insure healthy conditions. A blower door test, included with our energy audit, can be used to determine the requirements for your home.

EERE Consumer's Guide
Air Sealing (ENERGY STAR)
Home Sealing (ENERGY STAR)
Air Sealing in Occupied Homes

 

 

recommended reading

 

No Regrets Remodeling
Residential Energy
The New Way Things Work
Build Like A Pro: Insulate and Weatherize
The Healthy Home Handbook
Building Construction Illustrated

 

miscellaneous

 

 

 
     
     

 

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