Services
See the chart below for a description and comparison of the services provided in both an assessment and a rating.
| Service | Assessment (BPI-standard) | Rating (HERS-standard) | Assessment & Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generally For Existing Homes | Generally For New Construction | ||
| Building measurement |  |
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| General thermal characterization of home | |
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| Detailed thermal characterization of home | |
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| Ventilation target calculations (specific to the home) | |
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| General building science consulting | |
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| Measurement of home ventilation (and leakage), using blower door | |
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| Thermal imaging of home using infrared camera and blower door | |
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| Identification of home leakage locations | |
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| Combustion zone pressure safety testing | |
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| Combustion appliance safety testing (draft, spillage, CO) | |
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| Includes a second site visit for post-improvement, follow-up testing and quality assurance | |
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| Computer modeling of home's thermal characteristics | |
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| Generate HERS rating (non-certified) | |
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| Duct leakage-to-the-outside testing | |
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| Identification of duct leakage locations, as possible | |
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| Testing and evaluation of individual room characteristics, as needed | |
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| Furnace Efficiency measurement, as needed | |
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| Microwave Leakage Testing, as needed | |
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| Written report includes ventilation recommendations | |
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| Written report includes specifications for improvements | |
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| Written report includes recommended improvements prioritized by cost and effectiveness (includes payback, ROI, etc.) | |
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| Written report includes carbon footprint calculations | |
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| Written report includes HVAC sizing calculations | |
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| Written report includes subsequent estimated HERS ratings based on improvements | |
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| Base Fee For Average Home (Also, see below) | $400 Now $299 |
$450 Now $399 |
$600 Now $449 |
| Duration of on-site testing | 4 to 5 hours |
4 to 6 hours | 5 to 8 hours |
| © 2010 David Rabenau | |||
Services marked "as needed" are situational, and are performed if circumstances demand, or as time permits. In addition to these fee-based offerings, any of the services above can be performed at $49 an hour plus travel.
Additionally, all fee-based services (in table above) include an initial interview, and travel expense to and from the site (within a 25 mile radius).
Fees are subject to change at any time.
Assessment Up-charges and Down-charges:
- Homes greater than 3,000 square feet or with 2 HVAC systems, add $100. Homes greater than 5,000 square feet or 3 HVAC systems, add $200.
- Homes with a "half-story", add $50.
- Homes less than 1,000 square feet, subtract $50.
ENERGY STAR Certification and/or Builder Tax Credit Verification for New Homes:
- Is only for new homes.
- Is most beneficial when initiated before construction commences.
- Requires a certified HERS rating (Additional fee is typically $100).
- Requires an additional pre-drywall site inspection of the insulation (Additional fee is typically $100).
- Includes recommendations if results do not meet ENERGY STAR or Builder Tax credit rating threshold.
- Includes required reports to EPA or other needed agencies and/or required documentation for IRS Builder Tax credit filing.
- Total fees for typical ENERGY STAR certification is $550.
Leed for Homes (LEED-H) Verification:
- Is only for new homes or major "gut" rehabs (walls exposed to the studs on at least one side).
- Does not necessarily require a certified HERS rating, but may depending on compliance path.
- Usually requires an additional pre-drywall site inspection of the insulation.
- Best if initiated before design phase, or as early as possible.
- Fee based on Scope of Work and number of site visits required.
