Energy Audit FAQs

Why Get a Home Energy Audit?

When it comes to saving energy, most people think that buying new windows or a new heating system is the best way to make their house more energy efficient. Most people think that spending more always saves them more, but when it comes to energy related repairs and upgrades that's not always the case. Believe it or not, you can get more "Bang For Your Buck" by investing a few thousand dollars wisely than by buying new windows or upgrading your heating system.

Why use 411 Inspection Services?

We have performed over 1,000 energy audits, we have installed every type of insulation available, we have received extensive heating and cooling equipment training, and we have all of the diagnostic tools needed to properly test your home. We know what we are doing and we have the experience and accreditations to back it.

How long does the Energy Audit Take?

The typical 2000-3000 square foot home takes between two and three hours. The size of the home, number of problems we find, the amount of information we review, and the number of questions you have will determine how long the inspection takes. If ancillary inspections are being preformed the inspection may take a little longer.

Should I be there when you do the inspection?

I strongly encourage you to be present. Getting a list of problems and going over them while I inspect your property are two very different experiences. Additionally, one of the advantages of using the infrared camera is that I can show you the air leaks and other problematic areas. Getting a photo is one thing, but seeing it first hand is an invaluable experience.

Why do you use an infrared camera and a blower door?

Infrared Cameras and blower door are the most powerful tools an energy auditor can use. Getting an energy audit without both of them makes it hard to identify the real problems your home has. The infrared camera helps us find air leaks, helps us determine how well your home is insulated, and helps us find other exterior envelope energy related problems. The blower door tells us the volume of air leaks and helps us find the leaks. If someone tells you they don’t use both of these tools then it’s time to find another inspector.

Doesn't My Utility Company Offer Energy Audits?

At one point the local utility companies offered a limited energy evaluation. For the most part their inspection was limited to their checking your stove, water heater, and boiler to make sure they were working properly. The inspection took all of 15 minutes and there was no report. When electricity and natural gas got deregulated, the utility companies had to cut their budgets and they stopped offering this limited inspection.

I was told I can get a Free Energy Audits.

You get what you pay for! The people that offer free energy audits are making their money by trying to sell you oil or by trying to sell you heating equipment. We don’t sell any products so our audit doesn’t have a hidden agenda.

CAN I DO MY OWN ENERGY AUDIT?

Yes. There are steps you can take to physically examine your house. You can search the web for tools that may help, and you can read books on how to save energy. However, a trained Energy Auditor will save you time, provide you with the professional evaluation that includes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and thermal imaging to identify the problems that really count, and help you avoid costly upgrades that may be a waste of money.

To learn more about getting a Home Energy Audit call us at 201-530-1553 or 914-623-0491

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