Georgia - homesafe atlanta

Due to the successful growth of HomeSafe's energy audit practice during 2009, the need arose to create a separate entity to handle residential and commercial energy audit services and the resulting client consultation work.  To that end, Green Summit Consultingwas formed to focus solely on the energy consulting needs of our client base.

Feel free to browse the site of Green Summit Consulting for extensive energy effciency information or review the existing information on this page.  Either way, know that HomeSafe Inspection and Green Summit Consulting are under the same management and take the same client-focused approach.

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HomeSafe Inspection is proud to offer its clients the most thorough energy audit available. If you are interested in improving your home’s energy performance, an energy audit is for you. A comprehensive energy audit can increase your home’s energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable and healthier home for your family. You will also be helping to protect the environment through energy conservation.

Instead of guessing the causes of your home’s energy efficiency problems, our Building Performance Institute certified auditors use diagnostic equipment to test your home.  Rather than focusing on a single component, such as single-pane windows or an old air conditioning system, diagnostic tools (blower door, ductwork blaster, and infrared thermal imaging camera) are used to undertake a ‘whole house approach’ to create recommendations for heating and cooling equipment, insulation, air infiltration, windows, doors, and lighting.  See below for more in-depth information on these diagnostic tools.

It truly is a holistic approach to creating a more energy efficient and healthier home. When implemented, these improvements eliminate drafts, create more consistent temperatures, improve ventilation, improve humidity control, and lower utility bills.

Each 4 - 6 hour assessment includes an interior and exterior visual inspection and diagnostic analysis using the tools mentioned above as outlined by EPA guidelines. A list of prioritized improvements is provided in an easy to understand report that is typically 15-20 pages in length.

This is a full scope home energy audit that should not be confused with the free or low cost assessments offered by window or insulation contractors.  Their energy ‘audits’ are very narrow in scope, are conducted by personnel without comprehensive training in this field, and the audit is typically aimed to sell their companies’ products and services.  We have no vested interest in the results of the audit since we do not perform any of the recommended improvements. 

Click here to see infrared photos taken during our energy audits.  

GEORGIA POWER REBATES AVAILABLE

If you are a Georgia Power customer, you are eligible for a rebate of 50% of the energy audit fee (maximum of $200) through the Home Performance with Energy Star Program.  This program was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, and its standards help ensure comprehensive, unbiased recommendations. HomeSafe Inspection is an approved energy audit provider under this program.  We have completed specialized training and our completed work is subject to quality assurance reviews to ensure the work is done accurately.

Each client is provided with a report and certificate to obtain the rebate. Additionally, Georgia Power is offering rebates up to $1700 for consumers who make certain recommended improvements. Rebates vary according to the improvements made and are dependent upon diagnostic testing after completion.

DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS IN DETAIL

(Courtesy of the U.S. Dept. of Energy)

BLOWER DOOR - A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings. Auditors then use an infrared thermal imaging camera to detect air leaks in the building envelope. These tests determine the air infiltration rate of a building.  Blower doors consist of a frame and flexible panel that fit in a doorway, a variable-speed fan, a digital pressure gauge to measure the pressure differences inside and outside the home, and an airflow manometer and hoses for measuring airflow.

INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA - Thermography measures surface temperatures by viewing light related to the heat that is outside the visible spectrum.  The camera sees the temperature variations within the home.  Infrared cameras are also commonly used with a blower door test running. The blower door helps exaggerate air leaking through defects in the building shell.  It also allows auditors to check the effectiveness of insulation and determine whether the home needs additional insulation and where it should go. 

DUCTWORK BLASTER – A ductwork blaster utilizes a fan and pressure gauge to pressurize your home’s HVAC ductwork system.  The purpose is to determine the amount of conditioned air leakage through the ductwork.  It is estimated this type of leakage increases heating and cooling costs approximately 30% and also contributes to comfort, health, and safety problems.

Click here to see infrared photos taken during our energy audits.

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