No Foolin' Advanced Home Energy Assessment is needed

April 1, 2014 Updated Apr 1, 2014 at 1:08 PM CDT

No Foolin' Commerce Recommends an Advanced Home Energy Assessment before Making Major Home Improvements, Upgrades

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Before embarking on home energy improvements or remodeling, especially major projects, the Minnesota Department of Commerce strongly recommends having an advanced home energy assessment.

An assessment, or energy audit, of how your house is functioning can help you decide what needs fixing or replacing. A followup inspection after the work has been completed can help document the energy savings.

An energy assessment will identify some simple lowcost measures you can take, such as weatherstripping doors, and it can help prioritize more expensive but costeffective measures, like adding insulation and airsealing or replacing a heating system.

Analyzing the operation and interactions of the various components of the home upfront can save in the long run.

For instance, consider an energy assessment before replacing major equipment such as a furnace or boiler. Determining and addressing air leakage, insulation, and other issues can help to correctly size a new heating system and ensure that it will work as efficiently as possible.

An advanced energy assessment should include the following: A review of energy bills to help assess home performance and identify savings opportunities. A blowerdoor test to determine air leakage. Infrared scans to detect insulation levels and sources of air leaks. Efficiency and safety testing for combustion appliances. A thorough visual inspection for attic, wall, crawlspace, foundation, basement, window, door, and roof problems.

Contact your gas or electric utility to arrange an advanced energy assessment. More comprehensive assessments are available from private contractors specializing in comprehensive home performance reviews.

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No Foolin' Advanced Home Energy Assessment is needed