1. What is the WISE Home Energy Analysis?
Woodmeister's WISE Home Energy Analysis is results-oriented home energy evaluation designed to identify and correct energy inefficiencies in a home. It includes a full-day examination of the home's energy usage with the goal of identifying areas of energy loss in the home and making improvements that enhance the home's energy efficiency.

2. What does WISE stand for?
Woodmeister Initiative for Sustainability & Efficiency

3. What are the key features of the WISE Home Energy Analysis?
WISE Home Energy Analysis is comprised of four main components:

• In-Home Energy Analysis - A results-oriented home energy examination that includes tests that 1) identify the amount of energy a home is using and 2) identifies opportunities to reduce energy use and improve a home's efficiency.
• Step 1 Remediations - Step I Remediations may be implemented during the analysis with the client's permission. These improvements are based on blower door test findings and are typically implemented in the basement and attic areas and are followed by a second blower door test to measure improved performance.
• Diagnostic Report - After the Energy Analysis, the client receives a detailed diagnostic report for review and discussion.
• Recommended Actions - The diagnostic report outlines recommended actions the homeowner can take to further improve energy efficiency gains and energy cost reduction. These actions may include items such as: air sealing, duct sealing, adding insulation, window or door replacements, siding or roofing replacements, systems replacements.

4. How does a homeowner benefit from the WISE Home Energy Analysis?

• Lower Energy Costs - Reduces air leaks throughout the home, to lower their costs to heat and cool the home.
• Improved Comfort and Health - Reduces uncontrolled air flow in and out of the home to keep it warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and minimizes allergens/pollutants from entering the home.
• Improved Safety - Identifies unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, and checks for mold, mildew and asbestos to enhance the homeowner's safety and peace of mind.
• Reduced CO2 Emissions - By reducing energy usage, the homeowner can reduce carbon emississions, for a healthier environment.

5. Why should I hire Woodmeister rather than another Energy Audit company?
Woodmiester manages the entire energy analysis process to give you peace of mind. In addition, we conduct Step 1 improvements during the analysis, so you can realize immediate results. Finally, we provide a detailed written action plan with recommendations that can help you further reduce your energy costs and CO2 emissions.

6. Should the homeowner be home during the energy analysis?
Woodmeister encourages the homeowner to attend the energy analysis. This enables the homeowner to see, first hand, areas of improvement, making it easier for the homeowner to take next steps. It also gives you an opportunity to build the client relationship.

7. How long does the energy analysis take?
The Energy Analysis will take a minimum of 5 hours and as many as 8 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

8. In which areas of the home will the tests be conducted?
Please be sure that the client is aware that we will request access to all areas of the home, including the basement, attic and attic eaves, closets, bedrooms and bathrooms.

9. What is a blower door test?
A blower door is a diagnostic tool that measures the air tightness of buildings and locates areas of air leakage. A blower door consists of a calibrated fan for measuring an airflow rate, and a pressure-sensing device to measure the air pressure created by the fan flow. The combination of pressure and fan-flow measurements are used to determine the building air tightness. The air tightness of a building is useful knowledge when trying to increase energy conservation or decrease indoor air pollution, or control building pressures.

10. What is an infrared reading test?
This is a test that uses Infrared thermography cameras to locate areas that are missing insulation in walls and roofs.

11. What is a smoke stick test?
This is a test that uses a smooth, thin, non-volatile smoke stream able to reveal the smallest leakage or air current.

12. Will work be done on my house during the Analysis?
Step I Remediations may be implemented during the analysis with the client's permission. These improvements are based on blower door test findings and are typically in basement and attic areas and are followed by a second blower door test to measure results.

13. What are some step 1 actions that may be preformed during the Analysis?

• Application of spray foam insulation at gaps in framing at the basement and attic
• Application of spray foam insulation at duct, wire and pipe penetrations
• Installing insulation around a water heater and at hot water pipes
• Installing energy efficient light bulbs

14. What is NOT included in the WISE Home Energy Analysis?The following is not included in the WISE Home Energy Analysis however each of these can be provided by Woodmeister through third parties.

• Detailed indoor air quality study
• Radon mitigation test
• Detailed HVAC and Mechanical equipment analysis
• Lead paint testing
• Heat loss calculation
• HERS rating system
• Electrical load calculation or analysis
• Water usage calculation or analysis
• Recommendation for mechanical & HVAC equipment improvements
• Insulation analysis (except what is determined by thermograph or visible)
• Each of these issues can be addressed as Phase 2 actions at the homeowner's request.

15. When can I expect the energy analysis report?
The diagnostic report will be available to review with the client within a week of the analysis.

16. What is included in the energy analysis report?
The report includes a detailed overview of the Analysis Results and Recommended Actions, including:

Analysis Findings

• Estimated savings from actions performed during the analysis
• CO2 Reduction as a result of actions performed during the analysis
• The Home Energy Performance Rating* (HEI)
• Conditioned Air Loss
• Health, Safety and Comfort Overview

Recommended Step 2 Actions

• Recommended Actions with Estimated Savings
• CO2 Impact from Recommended Actions
• HEI Impact from Recommended Actions

17. What are some step 2 actions that can be preformed after the analysis?

• Attic roof air sealing
• Adjust the domestic hot water set point temperature
• Duct sealing & insulating
• Programmable thermostats
• Whole house ventilation system
• Wall insulation
• Window replacement
• Alternative energy resource options such as geothermal heating system, solar hot water, and photovoltaic or wind energy.
• And many more!
  

18. What is a HEI rating?
HEI stands for Home Energy Index rating. The HEI rating uses the Home heating Index calculation developed by the US DOE/EPA. The Home heating Index is based on the calculation BTU/square foot- Heating Degree Day, which allows for comparison of your home energy use to other homes by adjusting for home size and weather conditions.

19. What is air infiltration?
Air Infiltration is air leaking into or out of a home through small cracks in doors frames, window frames, outlets, walls, floors and roof. It is a primary component of heat loss and is measured in Air Changes per Hour (ACH).

20. What is carbon dioxide CO2?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas generated from fossil fuel combustion. Scientists believe that CO2 is a leading contributor to climate change. By reducing the amount of CO2 generated by your heating system, you can greatly reduce the amount of CO2 your home adds to the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide is colorless. At low concentrations, the gas is odorless. At higher concentrations it has a sharp, acidic odor. It will act as an asphyxiant and an irritant. When inhaled at concentrations much higher than usual atmospheric levels, it can produce a sour taste in the mouth and a stinging sensation in the nose and throat.

21. What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, but extremely toxic: it combines with hemoglobin in the blood to produce carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which is ineffective for delivering oxygen to the body tissues (a condition known as anoxemia). The most common symptoms of CO poisoning can resemble the flu, including headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, lethargy and a feeling of weakness. Infants may be irritable and feed poorly. Neurological signs include confusion, disorientation, visual disturbance, syncope and seizures. The WISE Home Energy Analysis tests for carbon monoxide. The presence of unsafe levels of carbon monoxide or exposed asbestos will require corrective action before continuing with the analysis.