Energy Reduction Services

faq'S

What is a Blower Door?

A Blower Door is a large fan that is calibrated and temporarily mounted in a door frame to force air into a structure, thus creating a dome of pressure inside. Pressurized air is forced through any crack, crevice, or poorly insulated area which leads to leak detection.
Variable speed Blower Door fans are used to adjust pressure for more sensitive applications.
Thermal imagery detects air loss at various points throughout the structure. In addition, the Blower Door measures compares air flow through the fan against pressure inside, thus computing overall air (energy) loss.

What are Duct Air Tightness Measurements?

Duct air tightness measurements are used to diagnose and demonstrate leakage problems, estimate efficiency losses from duct leakage, and certify compliance with duct leakage standards such as California's Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Why is it important to understand duct leakage?

Homes throughout the United States contain more than a million miles of duct work making them a prime source for energy inefficiency.
Industry experts estimate that more than two-thirds of existing duct work is leaky enough to justify sealing or repair. Studies indicate that duct leakage can account for as much as 25% of total house energy loss, and in many cases has a greater impact on energy use than air infiltration through the building shell.
Leaky ducts can significantly increase air conditioning and heating bills, reduce equipment capacity and performance, and result in potentially dangerous indoor air quality problems. Duct leaks can actually pull pollutants and irritants directly into a structure.

What do I need to know about air leakage?

Everyone knows that air leakage can cause drafts, but energy researchers have discovered that sealing air leaks is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to save energy and, in turn, save money.
A typical structure may lose about 1/3 of its heat through walls and ceilings, 1/3 through windows and doors, and 1/3 through air leakage.
A few hours of air sealing with inexpensive sealants can often reduce the air leakage by about 1/4 to 1/2, resulting in a saving of 10% to 20% of the total heating and cooling bill.
Each structure has different amounts and types of air leakage. The most efficient conservation technique is to spend adequate time sealing those leaks.
Energy Reduction Services uses technology exclusive to this area to quickly and accurately identify leaks.

How does insulation work?

Insulation helps keep your home at the desired temperature based on heat/air settings and climate.
The more heat flow resistance your insulation provides, the lower your heating and cooling costs.
Heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. Insulation prevents or slows air transfer.
Insulation helps reduce heat transfer or flow.

How does moisture move through a house?

The basics of the way moisture can move through your home are the following:
• With air currents
• By diffusion through materials
• By heat transfer.
Of these three, air movement accounts for more than 98% of all water vapor movement in building cavities. Air naturally moves from a high pressure area to a lower one by the easiest path possible—generally through any available hole or crack in the building.
Moisture transfer by air currents is very fast (in the range of several hundred cubic feet of air per minute).
Most common building materials slow moisture diffusion to a large degree, although they never stop it completely. Insulation helps reduce heat transfer or flow.
In most U.S. climates, properly installed vapor diffusion retarders can be used to reduce the amount of moisture transfer. Except in deliberately ventilated spaces, such as attics, insulation and vapor diffusion retarders work together to reduce the opportunity for condensation in ceilings, walls, and floors.
To effectively control moisture in your home, consider your climate when exploring your moisture control options

What is the R-Value of Insulation?

An R-value indicates insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.
The R-value depends on the type of insulation (for instance, blown or bats) and includes its material, thickness, and density.
Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow.
The effectiveness of insulation's resistance to heat flow also depends on how and where the insulation is installed.
The amount of insulation or R-value you'll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the section of the house you plan to insulate.

What is Energy Star?

Energy Reduction Services is a partner of ENERGY STAR®. ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.