Building Conservation Technology LLC
Contact Us at (401) 741-2751 or bill@buildingconservationtechnology.com

Services


Building Conservation Technology offers a range of services whether you may be looking to build new or make improvements to an existing home or building.

Energy Ratings

As RESNET certified Home Energy Raters, we certify homes using the strict code of ethics and high standards required by RESNET. A home energy rating is an in depth study of a homes systems, which includes field testing, to determine a HERS Index. The HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index is a number calculated using energy modeling software . After all required information, from both testing and construction documents, is entered the software calculates this number. The lower the number the better with the ultimate goal being as close to zero as possible. Ratings can be done on both new and existing homes.


Building Performance Analysis

We are certified by the Building Performance Institute as Building Analysts and Envelope and Shell Specialists. An analysis or audit, usually done on an existing building, covers everything from the buildings envelope to testing the combustion appliances such as the furnace, hot water heater or any other type of combustion appliance the building may have. Diagnostic testing such as a blower door test that helps determine where you are losing heat in the winter and gaining unwanted heat in the summer is done. Duct testing, if present, can also be done to determine the amount of air your duct system is losing. The testing done on combustion appliances determines how efficiently they are operating. Many older buildings are made up of separate components that sometime work against each other. The goal is to determine what improvements can be made so the building operates as a system so maximum efficiency is achieved.


Energy Star Ratings

The Energy Star name is fairly recognizable as it is seen on many home appliances and other energy using devices. As certified raters of the Energy Star program we work with homeowners, builders and others to make sure a home is built to the standard needed to gain the Energy Star label. There are also many incentives available. These incentives vary by the state. A HERS index is often needed and in many cases the lower the index the more the incentive. Field testings during and post construction are also part of the rating to ensure the house is built to the standards needed and to also give the builder and home owner peace of mind knowing they won't have to correct what may be a difficult fix later. We also certify the Department of Energy Challenge Home which is similar to an Energy Star rating but follows more stringent standards.


Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging, done with an infrared camera, is a great tool that can be used to find a buildings deficiencys. It is often done when doing a building analysis and other times an owner may want thermal imaging only. The camera will pick up different heat variations throughout a building to help determine where some improvements, such as missing insulation or moisture areas are in need of repair.


Code Compliance

All of the northeast, and most of the country, has adapted some sought of code compliance for air infiltration and duct leakage. In the very near future there will be more consistency within the states as to what levels of infiltration and leakage are acceptable. Currently in the northeast, most communities are requiring a "blower door test" for air infiltration and a "duct blaster test" for air leakage before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. We are certified to do this testing and also can do a pre-test after the rough-ins are complete. The pre-test can eliminate a lot of head aches, such as having to tear down sheetrock to seal leaky ducts and fix other problems that may arise just before CO time.