Structure Metrics

What are the benefits and disadvantages of selecting Professional Analysis/Audit Services over an Integrated Energy Auditor/Contractor?

This is an important distinction to be drawn among, and within, the building analyst/energy auditor community. Those who conduct analysis/audits and may recommend contractors to do the needed work (like us), and integrated auditor/contractors who combine contractor and auditor skills with the expectation that they will be hired to do some of the work themselves that their audit indicates needs doing. There are benefits to hiring each type of professional. Maine Home Performance, Maine State Housing and Efficiency Maine programs support both.

The Energy Auditor, potential benefits and disadvantages:

Trained specifically to analyze structures and systems as well as conduct energy audits, all based on building sciences, most entered the field because of their passion for energy efficiency and to increase the comfort and safety of buildings and dwellings. We are not contractors but have been heavily involved in the trades over years, we do not expect or intend to do the work that our analysis/audit may reveal as necessary for your structure.

Potential Benefits:

Purity:

The analyst/auditor is not trying to sell you insulation or windows, or trying to convince you to replace your furnace. We want your building to be safe, efficient and healthy. Our primary interest will be in energy efficiency and health and safety issues, not in any specific product or service. (You won't need to worry about being talked into re-insulating your entire house unless you actually need to do it, because we are not going to profit from the job when you hire it out).

The Whole Picture:

We will point out all areas of concern, and won't be tempted to shy away from identifying an issue (say, roofing) that's not within our specific realm of expertise. The pure scientist's primary expertise is the analysis/audit itself.

Building as a System Approach. The true analyst/auditor will view your building as a system. This innovative approach recognizes that everything in a building interacts with everything else, and the more airtight a building is, the stronger the interaction will be. Unlike a specialized tradespersons (an HVAC contractor, or an insulation specialist, or say your furnace man), we will be able to assess when a new boiler needs to be accompanied by increased ventilation, or when increased insulation needs to be preceded by air sealing.

No Conflicts:

An analyst/auditor who doesn't plan on making any of the improvements himself may be able to point you in the direction of someone who does have expertise in whatever needs to be done.

We work with our customers to ensure that the contractor doing the work is very familiar with todays energy issues, weatherization standards, materials and techniques, and can use our report to perform their work properly. Depending on the contractor, we can visit the site during the work. Because it is often difficult to adequately convey to a contractor unfamiliar with today's scientific methods what the energy issue is and what the recommendation mean, we try to work with BPI certified folks that are schooled in the necessary techniques and procedures. But no matter what, we work with your contractor so you do not have to act as translator of the information.

You are the focus:

The true building scientist works with you to prioritize work based on a factual analysis and your needs. Using well accepted financial models we will help you consider your return on investment based on the anticipated energy savings.

You have an infinite opportunity to invest in the building. We can help you make informed decisions.

Scientific Discipline:

The analyst/auditor uses scientific methods to test the building that are independently replicable. Said another way, a different building scientist can retest the building, and assuming no change in the structure and the same atmospheric conditions, they will attain the same results we did. In fact, many programs that we work in have independent quality control teams that will retest our work with no notice to us. In some areas of expertise we participate in international peer reviews.

We live this and embrace it.

Quality Control:

Before now it was nearly impossible to verify that contracted work was performed properly. Now, an analyst/auditor can use the same scientific methods to test the building after the contractor is finished and verify that the work attained the agreed upon performance targets, before you make a final payment.

No Additional Commitment:

Finally, just because you've had an analysis or audit doesn't mean you are ready to do the work or have it done.

It can be a nuisance to have to explain to a contractor that you think they are great, but you're going to hold off on the windows because the project is too big to take on right now, or look for a differently skilled contractor, or someone whose hair doesn't stick out that way. Some will hound a customer to get the work, especially today.

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Potential Disadvantages:

Lack of continuity:

There is a lot of information (and a lot of very specific information) that comes out of an audit ("some caulking here," "some foam over there") that can be lost on the contractor doing the work. We work hard with our customers to minimize this and will even assume limited clerk of the works responsibilities when requested.

More owner/manager involvement in the project:

If an analyst/auditor is not performing the retrofit work, then the building owner/manager will need to find an appropriate contractor or go the DIY route. Either way, this adds a step. We understand this but look at it as an opportunity instead of a burden because our customers will have the knowledge to ensure that wherever possible, the contractor doing the work is very familiar with todays energy issues, weatherization standards, materials & techniques, and can use our report to perform their work properly.

If you need help, we will be pleased to meet with your contractors because this gives us another opportunity to explain the ‘Test-In’ and ‘Test-Out’ process required to qualify for most incentives, as well as comply with both national and state building performance standards. Depending on the contractor, we can visit the site during the work but typically we work with BPI certified folks that are schooled in the necessary techniques and procedures. If you are uncomfortable working with contractors we can work them on your behalf so you do not have to act as translator of the information. We can also help you with your contractor selection and may even know certified folks in your area. But no matter what, we will work with you and your contractor to make sure that everyone clearly understands the work scope so the project is successful.

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