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Now Providing Energy Audits

August 02, 2011    Leave a Comment   

A Four Part Process

Exterior Inspection

A visual inspection assesses site issues such as exposure to elements and drainage. There will be review of Utility locations and conditions as well as Window, Door, Roof and Cladding conditions.

Interior Inspection

A visual inspection will also assess interior issues involving R-values of walls, floors and ceilings. Location and conditions of ducting will be assessed. Appliances will be assessed for age and condition.

Combustion Analysis

A Combustion Analyzer will be used to determine the condition of HVAC systems and Hot Water Heaters which have direct affect on efficiency of the appliance and air quality of the building.

Blower Door Test

Though the importance of air tightness is known to builders, architects & homeowners, few know how tight their buildings are. Until recently, the building community has relied on subjective estimates of air tightness. Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately assess the tightness of a building by visual inspection alone and without this knowledge it is impossible to design effective approaches to ventilation and air quality. A Blower Door Test provides the relevant data to determine accurately the air tightness of a building.

The Report

The ENERGY AUDIT will culminate in a comprehensive report that will demonstrate what existing conditions are costing in excess energy use on a daily basis. The report will follow with a plan to implement and start saving energy and money right away. Projections of return on investments will be included.

Jon C Duvall Design & Construction enthusiastically endorses and installs alternative energy systems. However, it is our recommendation to address more economical issues first so you recognize immediate returns. And when you do invest in alternative energy you will obtain the best value for your dollars. Why install 20 solar panels when with a few changes you will only need 15?

Our Energy Audit Costs are Modest

Less than 3500 square feet
3500 to 7000 square feet 600.00
Over 7000 Custom

*BPI Building Performance Institute

LEED Credentials

January 27, 2011    Leave a Comment   

Some years ago when the U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Building Certification Institute was in its infancy we explored the idea of getting involved w/ LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accreditation. After wading through hours of electronic “paperwork” we came to the conclusion that LEED was just another organization using sustainable living as a platform to make money. It certainly didn’t teach us anything new. Nor would it affect the way we live or manage our business. Sustainable design and construction in fact isn’t a way of doing business for us. It is who we are.

Since that time LEED and the US Green Building Council has garnered a lot of clout.  We still may question the “nobility” of the organization but we are being won over by a certain valuable asset that comes with LEED credentials. That largely being notoriety. Not long ago explaining our design choices, operating procedures, our choice and use of materials to future clients, friends, family and social acquaintances often resulted in bored or confused stares. The general public is much more aware and invested in the value of sustainable living today.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has done a good job of spreading the word. By being a LEED Professional we would be able to demonstrate to a broader public that sustainable living is indeed a valuable component of our business. We are proceeding with the process of having our first project certified and are moving toward becoming accredited as a professional.  Stay tuned!

www.usgbc.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design