To provide the energy saving services, we had to become certified (Building Performance Institute - Building Analyst) energy auditors and we needed to be able to “test out” after completing our work. As with any process, “what gets measured, gets improved”. Even more important in this example…If you can’t measure it, how do you know if it was improved! We believe that anyone selling energy saving services such as windows, insulation, or air sealing must have the skills and equipment to perform energy audits.
Whole-House Approach to Energy Efficiency
If you wish to solve comfort problems or reduce your energy bills, Stellar Energy Audits can help. A BPI- Building energy auditor will make an in-home visit and provide energy efficiency suggestions to improve the comfort, durability, safety and affordability of your home. The energy auditor will:
Analyze your home through a comprehensive "House as a System" energy efficiency audit
Answer your specific questions about energy use in your home
Review your natural gas bill to understand how much energy your home uses
Provide recommendations and cost saving analysis, prioritized to show you where you'll get the most savings
For Xcel Gas and Electric customers, these audits are available at reduced rates through Xcel’s provider Lightly Treading. The use of the Xcel Energy Audit program can result in additional rebates from Xcel. If you use the Xcel program, please request Stellar Energy Contractors as your auditor.
If you would like to contract with us directly, Stellar offers two levels of audits:
1.Standard Audit ($125)
The Standard Audit will:
Analyze your energy use.
Give you information on energy-saving measures with potential costs and estimated savings.
Provide a blower door diagnostic test.
Perform a furnace efficiency and combustion safety test.
Provide a natural draft and worst-case depressurization test if the home has atmospherically-vented appliances.
2. Expanded Audit ($185)
In addition to all of the services available in the Standard Audit, the Expanded Audit will also include:
An infrared camera inspection to further pinpoint the location of heat loss and air leaks,
and
A report with infrared camera pictures emailed to you.
What specifically does each audit provide?
Description
Standard
Expanded
Discuss customer concerns and initial questions in an interview.
Review annual gas usage regarding heating, domestic hot water (DHW) and other uses of natural gas in your home.
Measure DHW temperature and adjust as necessary.
Check furnace filter and provide a reminder care with your filter size on it.
Assess heating system, water heater, and other gas appliance replacement and clean-n-tune options and needs.
Inspect the thermal envelope of your home, diagnose and provide recommendations for improvements to attics, sidewalls, windows/doors, etc.
Prepare written report including all appropriate documentation.
Provide fact sheets, rebate applications, financing options, 800#s & websites, tax credit information, etc.
Perform a blower door diagnostics test to identify air leaks.
Perform a combustion safety (carbon monoxide) and furnace efficiency test.
Perform a draft-only worst case test (measure how furnace operation is affected by exhaust fans, clothes dryer, etc.) in homes with atmospherically vented appliances.
Perform an infrared scan to identify areas of heat loss through walls and attics (Weather dependent = available only in the winter months).
Provide an infrared diagnostic report with pictures and recommendations e-mailed to you.
Do you need and Audit?
For some homes, our Standard Audit is sufficient. For others, there can be significant benefit in having a Performance Audit. If you have already had a Standard Audit and are still having energy issues in your home, a Performance Audit could be what you need. Or, if you notice two or more of the following in or around your home, our Energy Audit may be for you.
Ice dams on the roof.
Moisture or frost in the attic.
Mold or moisture spots on interior walls.
Condensation on your windows.
Stains around ceiling exhaust fan(s).
Cold spots in areas of the house.
Inadequate or older insulation.
Remember:
We are in the Energy Audit business to reduce your energy usage. You will be credited for any audit fees if we are selected as the contractor to perform the recommended retrofits. Additionally, there are no audit fees if the audit is performed to confirm or “test out” the retrofit work.
