Q: My house is only a few years old, what can you possibly do for me?
A: The devil is in the details and some newer houses have more small problems in the heating, cooling, and energy areas than older homes had. You may have enough insulation but you probably have many more areas where air leaks into and out of the house than older homes had. Only a blower door test can tell for sure.
Q: If you repair my air leaks, will my house be too tight?
A: It is virtually impossible to make a house that is already built tight enough to cause a problem. A post-repair blower door test can tell for sure but most houses still have some room for improvement after we are finished. The leakage is typically in areas that are inaccessable after the house is built.
Q: If 10 inches of insulation is good, why not put 20 or 30 inches in?
A: There is a point of diminishing returns. 16" is just about the limit for our climate. More than that and the weight of the insulation is a factor that needs to be considered. Also, the savings from an additional foot of insulation could take 20 years to recoup.
Q: If I'm building a new house, is there something I can do to make sure it is energy efficient?
A: Yes. Start by consulting with us early to learn when you will reach the energy saving crossroads during construction. We can also be your energy agent during construction as well as your insulator if you choose.
Q: What are the dark stains at the edges of my wall-to-wall carpet?
A: They are evidence of infiltration. When the wind blows, it creates pressure differences between the inside and the outside of your home.
When there is more pressure outside like on a windy day, it forces air through the cracks and gaps in your attic and down through the walls.
It comes out through electrical outlets and where the wall meets the floor. Since the air is from your attic, it is full of dust and tiny insulaiton particles.
That is what makes up the dirt. Keep in mind that what you can't see is the cold air that comes in with the dirt. You feel it and pay for it in your heating bill, but the only visual evidence is the dirt.
If you have a questions, drop us a line. We'll be happy to answer it.
