It may happen just before the first frost.
Sitting on your couch in the evening, watching TV, you will suddenly feel the air wash over your toes. That’s no tropical breeze, either. The cold draft causes you to reach for your slippers, turn up the heat, and call a contractor. It’s time for an energy audit.
If you’re lucky, you’ll have the phone number of a company like Coho Construction Services, Inc. in Portland, OR. Coho has been turning drafty structures into cozy, energy efficient homes for the last 10 years. Adam Pushkas is the president of Coho, and here’s how he does it.“A lot of people contact us because their homes are drafty and cold” says Adam, and these folks are usually surprised at what Adam suggests next. “We try to look at the house as a system,” he says, “Chances are, blowing a bunch of foam insulation into your walls is not going to completely solve the problem.” Insulation may help, but often it should be combined with one or two other upgrades.
Energy-Star Trained Partner-Contractors
Adam’s company is one of many participating contractors around the country who partners with the Energy Star program to offer you a home performance assessment. Yes, this is the same Energy Star program which certifies appliances and building materials based on their energy efficiency. These partner-contractors are trained in the use of state-of-the-art equipment to assess your home to find out if you have leaky windows, drafty doors, anemic insulation, or a combination of these.
Once Adam’s team has all of the important information, they suggest a combination of home improvements which ban that draft and keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. Sometimes a customer’s duct work will need to be re-sealed. In other situations, a heating or cooling system will need to be upgraded or replacement windows added. Often, though, several improvements are suggested.
This may sound like an expensive approach, because it usually is. Adam handles financial concerns with a blend of pragmatism and versatility. “We are not interested in the fastest, cheapest solution,” Adam says, “However, we always work with clients to keep a project within their budget.” Most successful contractors share this sentiment.
Some Benefits of a Green Home Design
Beyond keeping your toes warm and your energy bills low, creating an energy efficient home has a few more significant benefits. According to Adam, “A tight home in conjunction with green building products creates and maintains a healthier atmosphere for your family.” The healthy products he refers to range from cellulose insulation to insulated concrete forms which cut down on the formation of mold and mildew.
Another effect of making your home more energy efficient is a significant decrease in your carbon footprint. Did you know that homes are responsible for 21% of the carbon dioxide emissions in this country? A proper home performance assessment shows you how to cut down on those emissions dramatically.
If you love you home, but would love it more with fewer drafts, better air quality and lower utility bills, perhaps the right contractor could solve your problems. A thorough energy audit of your home will result in a detailed blueprint for the green home design of your dreams.
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