Insulation and air infiltration aren't always to blame for uncomfortable rooms and high energy bills. Furnace and air conditioning systems can be a primary culprit as was the case in this home (image right).
A phenomenon known as stratification was occurring where a 10 degree F difference between the floor and ceiling is present. The air stratifies or becomes layered and can be viewed quite easily with infrared thermal imaging.
This home was built in the 1950's and was originally designed for a heating system only. Many years later a central air conditioner was added without redesigning the distribution system (ducts). Supply vents were located in the floor of every room at exterior walls, and one central return vent was located in the central hall at the floor. This system was not designed for air conditioning resulting in uneven distribution of conditioned air, uncomfortable rooms, and ultimately higher utility bills.
Infrared thermal imaging helped this Dayton client identify the issues without needlessly throwing money at other repairs that would not have provided benefit.
I am often asked what kind of inspection services I perform in and around Dayton Ohio. As I’m quickly going over the list, I mention new construction inspections. I am usually stopped here by the listener and asked “New construction??? Why would a brand new house need an inspection??? I can’t see where anything would…
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Insulation and air infiltration aren’t always to blame for uncomfortable rooms and high energy bills. Furnace and air conditioning systems can be a primary culprit as was the case in this home (image right). A phenomenon known as stratification was occurring where a 10 degree F difference between the floor and ceiling is present. The…
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As many of our Dayton area clients combat high energy bills and uncomfortable homes, wall insulation and air sealing is rapidly becoming a popular repair. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today. Often wall insulation was commonly omitted for many homes in the Dayton area built through the 1950’s and into the…
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Recently a colleague of mine lost a commercial bid to perform a rather large infrared study of building envelopes for a multiple building hotel complex. His proposed fee for the task and reporting was in line, if not a tad low of typical industry fees for this type work. The building managers and maintenance department had realized…
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A few days ago (now several years) I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying a breakfast of sorts with my (then) nine year old son. Almost two weeks prior, the school sent an invitation home with the students inviting dads to enjoy coffee and donuts with their school children at the school for an hour…
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I’m not talking about the hurtful betrayal from an otherwise presumed friend.But I am talking about the quick installation method of wiring an electric receptacle that many “production” contractors employ. It’s a method of installing a receptacle quickly and efficiently, and saves contractors time when wiring a home. After all, time is money! Most 15…
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How to make a structural masonry home more energy efficient Rarely a week goes by that I don’t receive a phone call from a client who lives in a true masonry constructed home. As with any home, the most common complaints are uncomfortable rooms and high energy bills. Often the owners are simply seeking advice and asking…
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I was recently hired by a client who had entered into a contract for purchase of an existing home. I was to perform the whole house inspection for them. As usual, I arrived slightly earlier than my pre-approved scheduled appointment and noticed that the current owner was still home. It’s not common and actually a…
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The local electric utility company often refers their customers to me for assistance in determining the reason (or reasons) for their high utility bills. The questions I ask during the initial contact often reveal some important clues which typically revolve around their climate control systems. Overwhelmingly, Dayton area homeowners who contact me disclose that their…
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