A common problem homeowners have in homes is comfort. It doesn’t matter if the home is 100 years or 5 years old, comfort complaints are very common. Rooms may be too hot in the summer or cold in the winter. The second floor of the home is also too hot in the summer. Floors may be cold in the winter.
What is causing the temperature disparities in the home or building? There are many potential causes for problems, and often homes with have a combination of factors that are compounding the problem. To determine the best solution, it’s critical to first determine what the causes are of the solutions. We don’t want to throw money at band-aid solutions. We will help you make the smart decisions so you can invest your money wisely.
Building tightness. We use blower door testing to test the overall leakage rate of the building and to determine the location of the big air leaks to be sealed. No matter what type of heating and cooling system installed, it’s far easier to maintain the desired temperature in a tight building than it is in a drafty building.
Building insulation. We want to wrap our homes and building in insulation to provide a protective blanket between the outdoor temperatures and the indoor temperatures. We also want a well-insulated attic to protect between the extreme temperatures in the attic as well.
Windows. While even the best window on the market today is likely going to still be a bit cold in the winter, there is still a lot to consider here. Are the windows latched properly to provide a good seal? Are the edges of the windows sealed properly? How many panes of glass are installed; are they single, double, or triple-pane windows? Do the windows have a Low-E coating on the outside to reflect heat in the summer or on the inside to reflect heat in the winter? Is there a special gas between the panes of glass to increase performance? Is there an excessive number of windows present in the room?
Thermostats. Is the thermostat installed in an optimal location that doesn’t get too much heat or too much cooling?
Heating & cooling systems.Are they functioning correctly? Are they sized correctly for the house? Do they deliver the proper amount of airflow through the system and to each room? Is the air filter too restrictive? Are the systems sized correctly for the duct system?
Room orientation. Is the room’s position to the sun or wind have more impact than another room?
