Frequently Asked Questions
Why use 411 Inspection Services?
At 411 Inspection services we take a tremendous amount of pride in doing our job to the best of our ability. We have invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours on training. We are, by far, the best at what we do. If you want to get the best Energy Evaluation your money can buy you have come to the right place.
Why Get a Home Energy Audit?
When it comes to saving energy most people think that spending fifteen thousand dollars on new windows is the best way to make their house more energy efficient. What most people don't know is that the old single paned windows and storm windows their parents had are almost as energy efficient as today's replacement windows. 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 hundred dollars wisely than by spending a whopping fifteen thousand dollars on new windows.
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, and the amount of information we review 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.
Doesn't My Utility Company Offer Energy Audits / Energy Tune-Ups?
At one point the local utility companies offered a limited energy evaluation. For the most part their inspection was limited to them 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.
Why do you use an Infrared Camera?
An Infrared Camera is the most powerful tool an energy auditor can get. Getting an inspection without one doesn't 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.
Do you use a blower door as part of your inspection?
No! Blower doors only tell you the volume of air leaking out of your home. We already know your home has air leaks; the big question is where they are? We use infrared cameras because they are the best tool on the market for finding air leaks.
I was told I can get a Free Energy Audits?
The people that offer free energy audits are making their money by trying to sell you oil or by selling you services they offer. Most of these inspections are done by oil companies that only inspect your oil burner. Needless to say they have a vested interest in doing your energy audit.
I have one goal and that is to provide you with the most thorough unbiased energy evaluation available.
To learn more about getting a Energy Audit, contact 411 Inspections Services today at 201-530-1553.
