The results of the Home Energy Analysis performed on our home were delivered in 10 days time. We found out many of the results during the Home Energy Analysis such as the clogged condition of the furnace filters. Gary from Butterfly Energy Works held up the filters to show us the grey furry filters – gross! While he had our attention he pointed out the significant yellow furnace flame and explained it was burning poorly, producing less heat than it should – bottom line our furnace needed a good cleaning. We have two separate furnaces, one for each floor and considering the age of the furnaces (20+ years) and poor condition a recommendation was made to get an Earth Source Heat Pump, a system that uses the warmth of the earth to heat and cool. An Earth Source Heat Pump is an excellent technology and for the tax year 2009 and the foreseeable tax future there is a 30% federal tax credit with no cap. For our size of a home the cost would be approximately $20,000. That translates into a $6,000 tax credit, a significant savings.

Results from the blower door test were surprising. The test measurers the Air Changes Per Hour (AC/H). A typical old house will show AC/H in the 1-3 range. A tight new home will show 0.5 – 0.8 AC/H. Our home came in at 0.66 AC/H which is double what a new home would show but much better than expected. The test was done three times to validate the findings. This new data intrigued Gary and he sleuthed the exterior of the house for answers. He discovered old “fake brick” shingle siding underneath the vinyl. Apparently this ugly retro façade is serving as makeshift barrier to energy loss.