By Larry Parrish, CR, CGR, CAPS

I recently signed up for a home energy audit on my own home through Xcel Energy. They offer two versions-comprehensive audit with blower door for $90.00, or an add/option for thermal imaging camera at an additional $30 ($120 total). On the open market, these tests retail at about $500. Furthermore, Excel will bill you through your regular monthly utility bill.

Xcel has contracted with Lightly Treading to conduct the audit. I arranged the audit with Xcel, and Lightly Treading called to schedule the appointment about 10 days hence. They even scheduled one late in the day for my convenience. The auditor who came was very thorough, well trained, and courteous. The audit took about 90 minutes. He encouraged me to walk around with him and ask lots of questions. He was patient and enthusiastic, with lots of suggestions and advice.

A comprehensive written report was mailed to my home a few days later with lots of details, including color photographs depicting the images from the infra-red camera. Those images were very graphic and compelling. The report indicated that my house leaks enough to totally exchange all the air in my house with outside (unheated) air every two hours. Believe it or not, that is about average (and very expensive).

The blower door was quickly installed in place of our front door. The powerful fan blows to the outside, creating a negative pressure in the house. Enough of a vacuum to make it very easy to determine where the envelope of the house has leaks. No smoke sticks required.

It was very easy to feel a strong breeze in many places. Some were expected, but many others were a surprise. The ceiling recessed can lights, even though they were all IC (insulated can) rated, leaked air so much they felt like ceiling fans, though they had insulation packed around them. There is a new air tight fixture designed to cure this-these fixtures are designated ICAT.