Energy and Environmental Audits:

    Energy Audits  are a relatively new concept in the realm of residential and commercial inspections.  Engendered by a significant rise in energy prices and a large governmental push towards Energy Conservation, consumers are becoming more aware of the need to minimize their energy consumption and associated costs.  Coupled with the increasing cost of electricity, homeowners have become increasingly concerned about the "Energy Wortiness" of their homes primarilly in an effort to reduce energy bills.  These factors are among the more compelling reasons why the Energy Audit industry has evolved.  As with most new enterprises, there is little, if any, regulation in the form of licensing or educational requirements at hand for those who wish to provide these services.  For this reason, due diligence must be exercised when selecting a company or individual to perform an audit.  To learn more about the cautions to be aware of and selecting an auditor, click on "Important Facts About Audits" on the side menu or click the highlighted title above.

What is an Energy Audit?

An Energy Audit is a process whereby a trained professional with appropriate equipment will inspect a given property in an effort to determine deficient issues that impact the unwanted energy loss or gain into the property, ie.. utility cost.  These items would include, in part; the Structure Envelope, HVAC Systems, Attic Space, Insulation and a host of other items to lengthy to include here.  Once the inspection is completed, the inspector will prepare a report pointing out the deficiencies with recommendations as to remediation.  In general, this is what most Energy Audit companies and individuals will provide.

The Real Horizons Energy Audit

At Real Horizons, we believe that an Energy Audit is not simply an investigative process for the purpose of minimizing utility costs, but must also include an analysis of the Environmental conditions of the home. Maximizing utility savings alone does not necessarily translate into an optimal living environment but both must be determined to arrive at a balanced approach that will achieve savings, health and comfort.  Real Horizons will inspect all related systems in the home that have a potential impact on unwanted energy loss or gain such as; the Structural Envelope, the AC system efficiency, all exhaust venting  at the kitchen range, baths and dryer vent, Attic ventillation and insulation, soffit vents, windows, doors, thresholds, weather stripping, window glass factors and many other such items.  We make extensive use of an infrared camera to scan all areas of the home for deficiencies which cannot be seen with the naked eye such as air leaks , missing insulation and moisture intrusion in walls and ceilings.

However, our inspection does not stop there. In addtion to, and a departure from what other auditors provide, we will conduct an Environmental Survey of the entire home.  This includes logging the ambient temperature, humidity and dew point in each room and recording the return and supply air temperatures and airflow velocities at each register in the home.  This data is essential in that it will permit us to determine; the probability of moisture formation in the home which can cause mold as well as attract insects, the consistency and eveness of cooling throughout the home, and if registers are delivering conditioned air at an appropriate rate.  When completed with the onsite inspection, we will walk your home with you and point out the more significant issues.  Only after these procedures are completed will we prepare a report with recommendations that will maximize your health, comfort and savings.

Our reports are the best in the industry and provides our clients with the condition of their home in clear, concise and tech free language.  The narrative report is categorized according to the various locations in the home with specific deficiencies pointed out along with an explanation as to their significance and recommendations as to how to correct them.  An overall summary of deficiencies is provided and a prioritized list of issues is presented from most to least impacting so you will know where to start to gain the best comfort and savings quickly.  You will also be provided a complete Photo Album which includes photos of all issues detected during the inspection.  The Photo Album is in Power Point format with each slide nearly full screen in size and text annotated describing the deficiency with graphics to aid in pointing them out.  Of course, each slide is numbered and referenced in the narrative report.  The Photo Album is essentially the report in photo form which you may use or give to those who will repair or remediate issues.

Our reports are always CONFIDENTIAL and will never be shared with anyone else but you.  You can be assured of a completely unbiased assessment of your home since we do not recommend specific individuals or companies to provide remediation services.  The reports are generally available within 24 hours of the onsite inspection and will be delivered via email or, if you prefer, by CD at a small additional charge.

We want you to be fully satisfied our product and will do whatever is reasonably possible to accomodate you should there be a need.  If this is what you are looking for, please contact us at 281-682-7747 or go to our Contact Page and leave us a message.

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