Winthrop, Maine
Office (207) 377 9293
Mobile (207) 557 2844
Fax (207) 377 4444
| RESIDENTIAL Services | Commercial and Industrial Services |
RESIDENTIAL Services
Jiffy Quick:
No site visit. We interview you by phone and gather information like structure size, occupant count, heating & cooling systems, fuels, year of construction, renovations, number of stories, unconditioned attached areas and energy use history for all fuels. Using this information we will prepare a proprietary Structure Metrics Index which will give you a quick view of your opportunity to improve the structure’s comfort & performance.Back to top
Site Visit with Jiffy Quick:
After a Jiffy Quick we do a short site visit and walk-thru to inspect the structure. We provide a contemporaneous verbal report identifying easy, low-cost, weatherization opportunities, and recommendation on activities that can lower energy costs and improve the occupant comfort immediately. No written report issued.Back to top
CAP Site Visit & Advice:
Services comparable to those offered by the local Community Action Program (Low-Income) Agency. Includes a visual and thermal imaging inspection of the building to identify the thermal boundary, structural issues such as insulation deficiencies, and moisture infiltration points as well as a blower door test to measure the air leakage and identify leaks in the building envelope. We provide a contemporaneous verbal report identifying easy, low-cost, weatherization opportunities, and recommend activities that can lower energy costs and improve the occupant comfort immediately. No written report issued.Back to top
Evaluation and Diagnostic:
A thorough inspection and assessment of the building. This site visit
takes 3 to 5 hours typically and includes a complete visual and thermal
imaging inspection of the building to identify the thermal boundary,
structural issues such as insulation deficiencies, and moisture
infiltration points. A blower door test is performed to measure the air
leakage and identify leaks in the building envelope. Air infiltration
can amount to more than 30% of the building’s energy consumption.
Combustion safety tests are preformed on all carbon burning appliances
like gas or oil fired furnaces, boilers, stoves, water heaters, etc..
Each appliance is tested for spillage, draft, efficiency, temperature,
and levels of Carbon Monoxide and other gases, to identify appliances
which may require service or replacement. Indoor air quality is a
critical concern when altering building components. You will receive a
basic written report detailing our findings and specific
recommendations with a general work scope plan by options listing the
potential savings with each one.
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Comprehensive:
This is the service used most often because we can apply all of our tools and knowledge to your project. We build on the work done in the Evaluation and Diagnostic, expanding our activities to enhance the report. We will identify which enclosed spaces have the most air leakage and how big the holes are, so you know where to concentrate your efforts. We will help you define your work scope, document performance standards, answer your questions and prepare you for working with your contractor. Using our Maine standard cost database we will expand our recommendations to include ROI (return on investment) and Savings to Investment Ratio analysis and after the work is complete, we return to the site and retest to confirm that the performance standards were met before you pay the contractor.Back to top
New Construction:
Requires a unique mix of services. We will work with you to create a package for your specific needs.Back to top
Indoor Air Quality:
Indoor Air Quality is a broad area of inquiry. We provide services addressing concerns in five of the nine indoor air quality problem areas seen in the typical building. These areas of concerns are often exasperated when a structure undergoes energy conservation retrofits so we always give consideration to them during any engagement. We comply with the MIAQC IAQ Protocol V4 Release 2.3.2010, applicable ASHREA standards, and the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.We will provide services limited to these specific service areas on a case by case basis at customer request:
- Evaluate all combustion appliances and worst case back drafting of combustion gases.
- Measure, evaluate and address combustion make up air requirements.
- Evaluate needs for kitchen, bath and work area exhaust fans, measure, model requirements and address.
- Measure and evaluate compliance with applicable standards and building codes. Address need for whole structure mechanical ventilation and energy recovery.
- Using state of the art data loggers, measurement tools, direct observation, and lab tests where needed, evaluate potential moisture and/or mold issues, recommend mitigation strategies.
We do NOT evaluate and address:
- Possible needs for radon mitigation.
- Possible lead paint hazards. Note: We are trained and certified to use lead safe practices when working in your structure and we will assume that if it was built before 1978, there is lead paint present, and use lead-safe work procedures. We do not do lead mitigation work.
- Possible asbestos hazards. Note: If friable asbestos or vermiculite is found we cannot run a blower door test.
- Possible rodent problems. If rodent activity and droppings are noted, we will suggest action plans to better seal the structure and offer resources to help in this effort. Rodents are associated with several serious diseases and they will damage the best structure. If rodents move into a building they will chew through most of the materials used to air seal. Electing to use rodent resistant materials when sealing holes in foundations and attics makes the house become more resistant to rodent colonization and the air sealing more durable. We do not do rodent mitigation.
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Construction & Renovation Planning:
Uses our knowledge and software tools to help decision makers scientifically evaluate energy efficiency and performance proposals and opportunities.Back to top
Infrared Imaging:
Uses radiation beyond the visible spectrum of light, that we perceive as heat, to find hidden problems before it is too late. Examples are roof and plumbing leaks, interior wall moisture, electrical shorts & faults, failing equipment and even vermin nests.Back to top
Duct & Air Handler Testing:
Uses a specialized blower and matched & calibrated air flow measurement instruments to test and document the efficiency, air tightness and performance of forced air duct systems, air handlers, and heat recovery units like air to air exchangers, both single and dual pass systems.Back to top
Project Management
Building owners often have us design and manage their energy conservation project. In some projects we are required by an incentive program to provide oversight of the project and when complete, do the test-out, sign off and acceptance.From energy efficient lighting to energy efficient renovations, we can handle your project -- big or small --from start to finish. We will make contractor referrals to architects, engineers and builders, handle construction bidding, and coordinate your energy saving upgrades. We will do as much, or as little as you want. We do the work; you reap the savings.
Remember: You don't need to spend a lot of money to see a savings in energy consumption and to feel more comfortable in your home or building. The simplest improvements can make a dramatic difference!
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Alternative Energy Investments
With so many choices for alternative energy sources and uses available today and the rapid change in technology, the building owner faces a daunting task figuring out what are the best options for their needs. We will work with you to define your needs, manage product & vendor selection and prequalification, through bidding to contract award and acceptance.Back to top
Do It Yourself Improvements
If you decide to go ahead with the project yourself, we can provide many articles for do-it-yourselfers and building owners who want to use their own staff and contractors.But, no matter what some
may say…
YOU CAN DO IT!
YOU CAN DO IT!
Once you begin to understand basic concepts of "building science", the majority of weatherization work is relatively simple. It is just that getting to the work area may not be!
In fact, there are areas in almost every building that you cannot get to without moving major structural components like roofs and walls.
As A Do-It-Yourselfer, Do The Best That You Can. It All Helps.
If you are handy, willing to pay careful attention to details, crawl into tight spaces and get dirty, we will give you advice to help you complete the recommended work yourself. We only ask that you bring us back to verify that the work is done right, so that you get the best overall result and to ensure that you have not inadvertently created a health or safety issue. Even if you don’t want or need a full energy audit or building analysis, be aware that any changes that you make can alter the air flow in the house and cause deadly problems.
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Consulting
We offer a full range of services including building performance analysis, energy efficiency audits, conservation planning, alternative energy technology selection and evaluation, home renovation planning, green building and energy efficient environmental design concepts, water conservation and other sustainable lifestyle opportunities.We work with building owners, operators, & managers, prospective buyers, engineers, architects and contractors to help design projects that meet the most demanding energy efficiency standards. We have a thorough, hands-on understanding of how buildings are put together and how they can come apart due to poor design and environmental degradation. We will put our expertise to work for you. We pride ourselves on our commitment to continuous education and are continually updating our knowledge of building sciences through advanced certifications and training.
But, the fact is that the most cost effective time to take dramatic steps in improving the efficiency of any building is when it is being built. So any project in an existing building always involves compromises. We can help you work through your options to reach your goals of energy efficiency and healthy air quality. Then we can help you select contractors skilled in up to date weatherization methods and technologies.
If you’re starting new construction, creating an addition, or renovating an existing property we will help you, and your construction team, make the most cost effective and environmentally sustainable building choices.
Some of our consulting services:
- Consultation and guidance for new home construction and remodels using energy efficient, high performance principles, including super insulation, near zero and zero energy homes.
- Air sealing measurement and problem area identification services on new construction and remodels.
- Energy efficiency opportunity analysis using powerful modeling software.
- Assisting in the qualification of client projects for loan requests to community banks and the Maine State Housing Authority.
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New Services Coming Summer of 2010
- Consultation on and certification of Energy Star® qualified new homes.
- Third party energy code inspections for the required IECC section of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.
- Assistance in the qualification of clients for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) or Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM).
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COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL Services
Commercial and Industrial Services
These services are offered on a specific project basis.Most typically in the area of Infrared Thermography (IR) where we are highly skilled, we provide a wide variety of services from predictive maintenance in a manufacturing environment to commercial roof inspections, building diagnostics, or electrical inspections. All performed by ISO 9712 qualified personnel.
With our partners we provide other services such as commercial & industrial building inspections and assessments (ASTM 2018 - 01) ASTM Phase I ESA (ASTM E 1527, E 1528), construction progress inspections, HUD 203(k) inspections, heating and refrigeration system load and application analysis, and structural analysis & mechanical failure reviews. We also can conduct building moisture & mold investigations, as well as radon water/airborne & water quality testing.
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