The Energy Hound

After arriving at my condo and spending several hours checking for air leaks, insulation inadequancies, etc. I was provided a complete report on areas that could be improved in order to save energy. The report included evaluations of all systems and appliances as well as recommendations for improvement. Photographs of the specific areas were included as well as listing of recommended minimums. I was very impressed with the service provided.

Ian arrived exactly on time, and he spent over three hours with me. After getting through some helpful basic questions about the house, we started in the basement, then moved to the main floor, and then spent time in the attic, where he carefully inspected the conditions, used his thermal-imaging camera, and took plenty of regular photos. The next step was the blower-door test, during which we walked around again and checked for leaks. It was extremely helpful to be able to accompany Ian so we could see things together, discuss options, see the thermal images, etc. The full report arrived via email two days later. Overall this was a very helpful and pleasant experience. He was friendly and knowledgeable, and this was an "independent audit" where he was not pushing or selling anything. I now have a helpful plan for a series of energy fixes, ranging from a number of simple fixes that will be easy to do myself and extending up to more major upgrades that will be costly but have good energy paybacks. I strongly recommend that you be there in person so you can see what he is seeing and get the benefit of his advice. You will learn a lot more if you are there in person, and he is happy to have you look over his shoulder. This was enjoyable and worthwhile and a good value for the money.

Ian arrived at my home 2 hours before I got home from work and started working on the audit. At this time he took thermal images and inspected my house. When I got home he performed a Blower-door test and walked around with me to explain what actions I should take. 2 days after the test he gave me a report of his findings and recommendations. One problem area I had was my recessed lighting in my enclosed porch. The recessed lighting acts like a chimney. I have stopped the air flow and now the room is much more comfortable. Ian also told me how to build a Styrofoam door to seal an unheated room over our garage. He gave me many other ideas. He was friendly and did not mind me following him when he was working, this was about an hour. He would have stayed longer but I needed to go out for dinner.