What can I expect if I call you for an energy audit?

Our energy audit also called a Home Performance assessment takes about three hours. We will invite you to shadow us as we work our way through your home as we perform our inspections and tests:

Exterior of your home - We inspect for moisture problems, proper attic and crawl space ventilation and window inefficiencies.

Interior of your home - We inspect for indoor moisture problems, proper room ventilation, air leaks and insulations levels.

Attic - Inspect for insulation levels, air sealing opportunities and ventilation.

Crawl space and basement - Inspect for moisture problems, insulation levels and air sealing opportunities.

CAZ testing - Tests combustion (natural gas or propane) appliances for efficiency, carbon monoxide levels and natural gas leaks.

Blower Door Test - High tech instrument for measuring the volume of air leaking from your home and helps identify the location of leaks.

Duct Blaster Test - High tech instrument for measuring the volume of air leaking from the duct system in your home and helps identify leaks.

Infrared Scan - A high tech and innovative tool that helps find leaks in your home, detects insulation levels, mold and moisture issues through thermal signatures of the home.

After our testing is completed a report is generated and the home owner receives a hard copy as well as an electronic copy of the findings and we consult on the improvements that can be made to make your home more energy efficient.

What is a Blower Door?

A high-tech measuring tool that measures the volume of air leaking from your home and helps identify the location of leaks in the envelope of your home.

What is a Duct Blaster?

A high-tech measuring tool that measures the volume of air leaking from the duct work in your home and helps identify the leaks.

What is a CAZ test?

CAZ stands for Combustion Appliance Zone. This tests the gas appliances in your home for efficiency, gas leaks and also detects carbon monoxide levels.

What do these tests tell me about my home?

The combination of these three tests plus an infrared scan tells our technician and the homeowner a comprehensive in-depth look at the efficiency of the home from the envelope of the home all the way through the duct work, including insulation levels.

What does BPI stand for?

BPI stands for The Building Performance Institute. BPI sets the standards for our energy audits and home performance testing. These same standards are in the process of being adopted by the federal ENERGY STAR® Program. Check out the program here: www.bpi.org

How do I know if my home has issues?

Do you have high energy bills? Cold or hot rooms, single pane and/or aluminum windows?

Are there any steps that I can take that can help reduce my energy costs?

Lower your thermostat. Install compact florescent or LED lightbulbs. Try running your dish washer, washing machine or dryer in the evening or early morning to help heat your home. Also try setting your water heater to 120 degrees.

Are there any cash incentives or rebates I may qualify for?

YES! If you are a customer of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Light or NorthWest Natural Gas there are cash back incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon. Check out the current incentives here:

Are there financing opportunities that I can take advantage of?

YES! Currently we have financing options through Green Street Lending. This program has partnered with Umpqua Bank and the Energy Trust of Oregon. For more information please visit www.greenstreetloan.com or you can call 1.866.790.2121.
Also at NorthWest Infrared we are working with Clean Energy Works Oregon and trying to establish financing options through this program also. So stay tuned! If you have any questions about Clean Energy Works Oregon or any of our other financing options please call us at 503.487.6810. Or

Infrared Thermography, what is it? How does it work?

Simply stated, infrared thermography is a picture of thermal radiation or heat. All objects emit energy from its surface as electromagnetic waves and the magnitude of those waves is related to its temperature. Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is longer in wavelength than visible radiation or visible light. Infrared cameras capture and produce an image in a form we measure as heat.

So why would I use Infrared imaging?

There are many applications for infrared imaging from medical applications to high voltage electrical line inspections. Infrared imaging can reduce trouble shooting time, detect potential failures before they occur, maximize the life expectancy of equipment, detect moisture issues, insulation issues, and other energy inefficiencies in a home application. It is a valuable tool as a time saver, a great resource for preventative and predictive maintenance and it is safe! Infrared imaging is a non-contact method of inspection. It has no impact on the target at all, meaning that production doesn't have to stop so you can inspect. It is also two dimensional so we can compare two or more points in a single image.