Welcome to Energy Testing & Consulting!
Thank You!
I want to thank all of you who have entrusted me to help guide your energy efficiency efforts. It is my pleasure working with you and I am honored that you choose to work with me.
It is my goal to provide you with the most accurate, unbiased information available. I work for you and do not have financial arrangements with any vendors or contractors (except those who hire me.) More information about me.
If you want to make your existing home more comfortable, efficient and healthy, I can guide you through this daunting process.
This starts with an energy audit, blower door test, and an infrared inspection of your home. Together, we prioritize your home improvements based upon your needs and budget.
My services are available in and around Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery County, PA, the Lehigh Valley and Hunterdon and Mercer County, NJ and anywhere else within about an hour of New Hope, PA. For those in Chester County, please contact Craig Arbaugh of Residential Energy Solutions. What Services do I Offer?
- Home and small business energy audits - analyze your building and its energy consumption to help you reduce your utility bills.
- Building forensics - Have excessive utility bills? A water leak that nobody can fix? Mold growing in your attic? A hot room over the garage? I'll help track down the root cause of the problem and prescribe an exact fix.
- Heating/cooling consulting - Looking to replace your system and want impartial advice? Rooms not comfortable or evenly heated? I'll trouble-shoot and let you know what you need to do to fix the problem.
- Geothermal and Heat Pumps - Want to get the most efficient, environmentally friendly system available but afraid of the cost? Looking to choose the right system for your home? I specialize in these technologies and use them in my own home.
 Green building consulting - Building a new home, addition or remodeling? Want to know the best products and practices to get the most from your investment? I am a certified Sustainable Building Advisor and a member of the teaching staff of the only nationally recognized Sustainable Building program in the area.- Alternative energy - Considering solar or wind power or trying to evaluate some other state-of-the-art option? I can help you sort through the information and decide what is best for your home and your budget.
- IECC 2009 Code Conformance Evaluations
Why ET & C?
I am here to help you build and live more comfortably and efficiently. Through home energy analysis, infrared inspection and the application of building science, I'll show you how to increase your home's energy efficiency, comfort, and safety.
Whether you are renovating, building new or want to improve the comfort of your home, I can help. I'll show you and your contractors how to build it right from the start, prioritizing improvements so as to make the most effective use of your time and money.
I use a blower door, a duct blaster, and an infrared camera to aid in the analysis of your home. I'll also check your home for carbon monoxide and gas leaks. Combined with a walk-through, I create a "whole house" view, giving you insights into where to start fixing your home. In addition, I will connect you with weatherization specialists who will help you fix those air leaks that make your home drafty and inefficient.
And that's what ET&C is all about - helping you create a safe, comfortable and energy efficient home.
Breaking News and Updates
IECC 2009 - You may have heard about the new energy codes. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that have adopted a strict new energy code. If you're building a new house or substantially renovating one, you must be familiar with the requirements. If you aren't, you could find that your house has no way of passing these strict new codes, costing you thousands more in modifications. Don't get caught out. Read the code and do it right from the start!
Section (10/8/09) - Consumer Alerts! - There are lots of companies out there taking advantage of these hard times. All claim to save you money through their miraculous devices. As I find such bogus claims, I'll post them in my Consumer Alerts! blog.
Article (10/18/09) - Cathedral Ceilings - Problems and Solutions - Details to help you understand why cathedral ceilings fail and how you can make one that works.
Article (10/17/09) - Bath Venting - Removing Excess Humidity - How to vent your bathroom without rotting out the attic
If you live in New Jersey and you work with a BPI certified contractor that does home efficiency upgrades, you can save 50% on weatherization, insulation and heating system installations! This is almost too good to be true, but it is real. You may also qualify for a ten-year, 0% interest loan for the improvements. It's an amazing program. See this page for more information and my recommendations.
Pennsylvania is the recipient of hundreds of millions of dollars of stimulus money, targeted towards improving the energy efficiency of thousands of homes. In addition, Gov. Rendell helped push through a program to help fund solar power. Together, PA residents are the beneficiaries of some of the best "green" programs in the country.
National Tax incentives for Solar and Geothermal Systems
There are now very generous (30%) tax incentives for homeowners who install qualifying solar hot water systems or geothermal heat pumps. This program, with no caps on the incentive amount, is valid through the end of 2010. If you're planning on doing either of these, now is the time!
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I am so impressed with the Fujitsu 12RLS ductless mini-split heat pump that I decided to add reviews. I'll only review products or services that I actually use or have extensive experience with. Also, I only review things if I have no financial interest in them, so you can be comfortable with my impartial coverage.
Services and Rates
About Energy Audits - More information about services
Thermal imaging - Infrared thermal imaging reveals issues hidden in walls or not readily visible with the eye.
Links
Site Navigator - articles, products and other links of interest for those interested in home energy efficiency.
Success stories - Read how ETC clients have saved energy.
Energy Efficiency Retrofits - articles on actual energy efficiency retrofits you can do
Attic hatch sealing and insulation
Duct sealing
Basements and Humidity
Bathroom Venting
Cathedral Ceilings
How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?
Properly Sizing a Heat Pump
Replacing your refrigerator
Ted's Tips - Sets of links to energy saving documents
Water Heaters
Thermal Imaging (infrared inspection)
Energy Tips: Computers; Prioritizing; Preparing for Heating Season
Solar Economics - Thoughts on the economics of solar vs. other methods of reducing our utility bills and environmental impact
Living in Volatile Times - Why oil prices are high and how to reduce your utility bills
Collection of Presentations- This link contains all my recent presentations for your reference.
Latest presentation for the Bucks County chapter of the AIA - note that this is a PowerPoint 2007 Show file. Get the free viewer from Microsoft.
Businesses you can Trust
Energy Federation Incorporated - A great supplier of energy efficiency products, from air sealing supplies to ventilation systems. They give discounts to PECO customers at this link. See their "about" page for background on the company.
Green Depot - Similar to EFI. Lots of great 'green" products including eco-friendly paints, insulation, carpeting, etc. Located in the Philly region.
Residential Energy Solutions - Energy auditing/consulting firm based out of Chester County, PA. The owner is an honest, intelligent guy with years of experience.
Other Handy Links
Building Science - The premier location for building technical information
Green Building Advisor - a well-done website covering all things green.
Green Building Consulting, Home Energy Audits, Infrared Inspection, Residential Building Efficiency Analysis and Weatherization Services
A note on the contractors I recommend
Over the years, I have learned who is trustworthy and does quality work. I get no financial compensation from anybody but you, so my only motivation in recommending someone is knowing that they will do a good job on your home. While I cannot guarantee their work, I only recommend those where my clients' experiences have been positive.
Attention Contractors - Introductory Training Available
If you're a contractor looking to get into the "home performance" business and take advantage of the state financial incentive programs, the first step is training.
PA Home energy is offering an extensive set of introductory training seminars. Click this link for more information.
What's Hiding in Your Home?
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