RESIDENTIAL

Facility SERVICE L.L.C.

RESIDENTIAL Examinations

So you think you need more insulation?

A visit to most any ”big box” home improvement store on any given weekend will find people carting away piles of insulation for their existing homes. Unfortunately simply adding insulation without an examination is often a complete waste of time and money. Simply considering apparent depth or thickness of insulation does not tell the tale. In the end, thermal conductivity, or thermal resistance is important. A simple internal envelope examination will identify areas needing more insulation, saving the home owner money and time in the end.

How ‘bout an energy audit?

Many thermographers claim to perform complete energy audits. Keep in mind, an energy audit is more than taking several pretty pictures. A true energy audit will include accurate temperature measurements (indoor – outdoor), with all ambient conditions (wind speed, solar exposure, etc..) and use this information to first determine the mechanical efficiency of the building envelope (heat loss/gain). This is merely the beginning, as there are a multitude of other variables and engineering calculations required to meet the minimum requirements of an energy audit.

Most home owners do not need a complete energy audit, but rather an accurate building envelope evaluation.

Anyone have a blower door?

Blower doors are used to induce a negative pressure (vacuum) on a building, inducing air flow through the smallest opening - including wall plates, door seals and light switches. If you want a “very tight” house, this is certainly the way to go. Again, for the cost, most home owners are better to employ a simple building envelope evaluation. Since the evaluation cost is less expensive, the payback is faster.

Do you feel a draft?

There are many items installed throughout a house that can allow cold air into the living space. Most of these are relatively small, or the perceived airflow insignificant as to be completely over looked. Proper use of a good I/R camera will identify such issues without question. Until now, the cost of a simple I/R evaluation has been somewhat cost prohibitive to the average home owner. Facility SERVICE L.L.C. specifically targets this market to better serve the overall community. Rates and programs have been developed to make this service feasible to any home owner.

Above - A cedar-sided house circa 1970. Note the bright areas indicating heat loss to the outside, particularly at the bottom drip molding location.

Above - A new exterior door. Note the dark areas indicating air leakage through window frames and door seals. A blower door was NOT used in this examination..

Above - A ceiling duct is allowing cold air from a partially exposed A/C duct to “fall” into the room. Also notice the void in the “lid” insulation at the joist connection. This home is less than 3 years old at the time of examination.

I/R Inspections & Examinations

Above - New construction, “recessed can fixture” lacking insulation above. Quite often un-gasketted fixtures will show evidence of air leakage.

Above - New construction, voids of “blown in” glass insulation, not visible from attic inspections (without I/R camera).

How good is new construction?

Many home owners believe they know how good their house was insulated - after all, they built it, right? Guess again. It is very easy for even the most conscious home builder/owner to miss some areas during construction. Most often these problems are easily mitigated once identified.

What’s the cost?

We have found publishing rate schedules to be ineffective. Every home owner is as unique as the home itself. We will work with you to develop a plan commensurate with your needs and budget. If the service can’t make a return on your investment, why go through the effort.

Be careful when considering “building age based” rate schedules, as well as services without a clear payback. Know your needs, budget and ideal result before you hire any infrared service.

By the way,

As a home owner there are many other I/R applications that may be useful. Please see the Loss Prevention page for these ideas.

Who should look at this page?

· Home owners & builders

· Rental property owners & managers

· Insulation contractors

· Restoration contractors

· Insurance companies

· Realtors

· Home & dwelling inspectors