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Thermal House Services


Energy Audits:

Infra-red Imaging

infra red thermal imagingOne of the most powerful qualitative tools in our inventory is the infra-red camera. By employing the latest in thermal imaging technology we are able to identify and isolate trouble spots. It is important to note that thermal imaging is a qualitative tool used in combination with other diagnostic tools to assess the integrity of the building.

Shown here is an infra-red thermal image of a structure. The brighter “hotter” colors reveal temperature differences. The studs in exterior walls as well as the exterior wall bays are visible, these are "thermal bridges" that conduct heat. By utilizing thermal imaging technology we can make qualitative analysis observations of a structure without being invasive.

Using our Infrared Cameras we will locate anything from a leaky roof to flood or fire damage. This process is completely non-invasive, safe, and user friendly.

Blower Door

Blower DoorOur blower door depressurizes the building drawing cold air (visible with an infrared camera) into the structure along the same pathways that warm air escapes your building under natural conditions. A linked digital manometer - which measures subtle pressure differentials - can precisely quantify how much air is leaving your building. A blower door test before-hand will help us establish work scope. A final blower door test after work is completed enables us to quantify exactly how much we have reduced your air exchange and how much money you will save.



Duct Blaster

duct blasterDon’t let the name scare you. This is a useful tool used to locate and treat leaky heating ducts. Treating leaky ducts can help lower heating costs.

This diagnostic tool is really just a smaller version of the blower door we use to depressurize a structure. The duct blaster performs the same function for heating/cooling systems and ductwork.

 

 


Diagnostic Services Menu

Energy Audit                                        3 hours on site
This basic service will result in comprehensive understanding of how your home performs and detailed recommendations for improvements with a focus on health, safety, and energy efficiency.  This assessment will use diagnostic equipment to address:

• Thermal envelope performance, insulation effectiveness
• Air leakage utilizing Blower Door
• Building durability issues
• Ventilation, air quality, other health and safety issues
• Combustion efficiency
• Appliance and electrical systems review
• Return on Investment Analysis of each proposed improvement 
• Complete Post-Improvement testing at no extra charge

The written report of the Energy Audit will document the above findings and includes:
• 6-8 page report, both digital copy and hard copy
• Air infiltration measurements and analysis
• Combustion Appliance performance and health and safety test results
• Existing mechanical ventilation analysis
• General home Health and Safety recommendations 
• Thorough analysis of the flaws in existing thermal boundary and insulation and proposed fixes
• Electrical usage analysis
• Renewable Energy recommendations
• Basic Energy modeling including savings estimations and return on investment from proposed fixes
• Price estimate of Thermal House performed remediation 
• Submittal of the project to Efficiency Vermont for financing and incentive screening

Hourly Consultation
Thermal House’s experienced building scientists are available for consultation on a per hour basis on certain projects.  We can provide assistance and expertise on:
• New Construction and remodel Thermal Envelope Design
• Energy Star Rated New Home Construction
• Diagnostic Test-outs and quality assurance checks 
• Expert Witness testifying in construction related litigation
• Infrared Imaging 

Please note that in order to qualify for numerous state and federal incentives and tax credits, all residential projects (in Vermont) must be preceded by an energy audit (or Building Performance Analysis), be submitted to Efficiency Vermont and pre-screened and approved before any work begins.  Most homeowners who complete recommended improvements qualify for audit rebates.  Please see our website or call our office for more information.

 

**Our audit price includes all follow up testing at no additional cost**

Call our office for pricing and help with deciding which of these options is best for you.

802-874-7222
Thermal House | 19 Bennett Drive | Brattleboro | Vermont | 05301
 

Thermal House as a Building Performance Company - 
the holistic approach

Thermal House as a Building Performance Company - the holistic approach

 

Thermal House in not just an “insulation company” – we are a building performance company. Building science has grown into a legitimate discipline. Up until recently, buildings were constructed according to age old tradition where efficiency was not a priority.

We at Thermal House take a holistic approach and view a building as a system where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. By taking this approach we are able to consider all features of the structure and recommend improvements based on the entire system – a systems approach.

 

 


Energy Analysis

thermal boundary

 

In order to accurately assess the performance of a building we include a comprehensive energy analysis. Within this report we are able to quantify areas of heat loss and estimate the projected savings of improvements. Fuel usage, heated square feet, and volume of the building are some of the factors that we consider when performing energy use analysis. Through comparison of before and after data we have witnessed the astonishing savings that have been achieved by homeowners who have enlisted the services of Thermal House.

Image courtesy of US EPA

 

Remediation

Remediation can take several forms and is probably one of the single most important steps in making your property more energy efficient. The average home has over a quarter mile of penetrations that allow air fenestration. Through air-sealing, filling voids, and weatherizing the structure we can significantly reduce heat energy exchange.


Consulting

Thermal House is one of the original building performance companies. We have extensive experience and knowledge. As a result we have become recognized as quality consultants. From the field to the courtroom our founder, Keith Abbott, is the regional professional for building science/performance related questions.

 

Energy Star Certified New Construction

energystarlogoWe work extensively with Efficiency Vermont and other recognized organizations to help you achieve the Energy Star Certification. Significant savings can be realized, loans are easier to obtain, and security in the knowledge that your property meets certain standards are just some of the benefits that accompany energy star certification. Additionally your homes value will increase and become more attractive to potential buyers than a non-energy star home.



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