Welcome to Energy Testing & Consulting!

Thank You!

First, I want to thank all of you who have entrusted me to help guide your energy efficiency efforts. It has been a pleasure working with each and every one of you and I am honored that you chose to work with me.

Weather Note

May and June are very difficult months for thermal inspections. I am still taking on clients for various consulting jobs, but this is a poor time for thermal imaging.

However, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. I'll do my best to help.

Big News for Pennsylvania Solar Power

Pennsylvania has released its funding for solar power projects. We are now fortunate enough to live in one of the most progressive states in the country with regards to solar and alternative energy.

For more information, see the information at this link.

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.

Why ET & C?

ET&C is here to help you build and live more 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.

A Note on the Contractors I Recommend

I've specifically chosen not to be a contractor, because I feel that it can be a conflict of interest to both do the analysis AND the repairs. My goal is to be an independent consultant - I work for you.

Over the years, I have learned who the trustworthy contractors are, and it is those people whom I recommend. I get no financial compensation from them, so my only motivation to recommend them is knowing that I can trust them to do a good job on your home. While I cannot guarantee their work, my personal experiences with them have been positive.


Update - Spring 2009

Some of you may wonder if we still have to worry about the cost of oil now that it's back down around $2/gallon. With the current economic crisis, the laws of supply and demand have been proven - demand has plummeted, and along with it, price.

Unfortunately, at these low prices, investment into alternative energy is drying up. At the same time, new oil drilling projects, which take many years to complete, are being shelved. But this false sense of security will not last long. The fundamentals are no different than they were - the world oil supply cannot match the demand of a healthy economy. Within a year after the economy rebounds, oil prices will be back up to double or triple the current prices again. 

However, the current adminstrations, both at the state and federal levels, are pumping vast quantities of money into "green building." This is helping drive the industry and is providing rebates and tax incentives for energy efficiency.

For example, they took the cap off of the 30% national tax credit for installing geothermal, solar electric and solar thermal systems. Pennsylvania is looking to do something similar soon, resulting in a total savings of about 50% on these investments. This is a fantastic step forward that will make these systems much more cost effective for many of you.

Pennsylvania has also created the Keystone Help program to incentivize PA residents to make their homes more energy efficient. See their website for details.

Services and Rates -Details of our services and prices

About Energy Audits - More information about services

Thermal imaging - Infrared thermal imaging reveals issues hidden in walls or not readily visible with the eye.

Site Navigator- Many informative articles, products and other links of interest for those interested in home energy efficiency. 

Success stories - Read how ETC clients have saved energy.

Most Popular Articles

Basements and Humidity

How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

Properly Sizing a Heat Pump

Ted's Tips - Sets of links to energy saving documents 

Water Heaters 

Thermal Imaging (infrared inspection)

Energy Tips: Computers; Prioritizing; Preparing for Heating Season 

Recent Presentations

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.

Green Building Consulting, Home Energy Audits, Infrared Inspection, Residential Building Efficiency Analysis and Weatherization Services