What is a home diagnostics test?

A home diagnostics test gives you insight into your home’s Thermal Envelope (Building Structure), HVAC Equipment performance and condition of complete duct system.  This test can help determine the cause of many of your comfort and energy problems.  It also gives you detailed permanent solutions to correct your problems.  Below is the step by step process of the diagnostic test.

Step 1: Consultation

The purpose of this is to better understand what your comfort issues are, such as; do certain areas of the home get dustier than others, does the air conditioning unit run all the time, does anyone living in the home have allergies, etc.  We encourage every adult member of the home to be present, so no problem gets overlooked.  

Step 2: Inspection of Equipment

The consultant willperform adetailed assessment of your current heating and cooling equipment.  This allows the consultant to see if there is any insufficient maintenance, deterioration, or if it was properly installed.  He will also determine if you have the proper air filtration and/or purification system to meet your family’s needs.

Step 3: Inspection of Insulation

Along with your heating and cooling equipment, the insulation in your home helps keep you comfortable.  With this visual inspection of the insulation the consultant will be able to tell if your insulation meets today’s guidelines.  It also allows for the discovery of hidden flaws such as hollow wall cavities, holes, and/or deterioration.

Step 4: Installation of the Infiltrometer™ Blower Door
An Infiltrometer™ Blower Door is high tech instrument that measures a home’s air infiltration rate. Majority of homes throughout America leak but most of those homes leak too much.  Some signs of a leaky home are cold drafts, clammy air in the summer and excessive dust, however if the home is too tight moisture may become an issue.  You always want some fresh outdoor air coming into your home.  This instrument will also aid in determining where you are pulling air from.  If your duct system is pulling air from a garage, attic or crawlspace you are bringing all the particulate (dust, fiberglass, rodent fecal mater) that comes with those areas of your home, which leads to unhealthy air.

Step 5: Static Pressure Test

This test works similar to a blood pressure test, it permits the consultant to reveal if there are any hidden blockages or design problems.  Our test equipment will measure precisely how much conditioned air is getting to each room by checking each vent and return.

Step 6: Smoke Puffer

The smoke puffer is used around can lights, electrical outlets, attic stairs, windows, and many other areas.  This allows the consultant to show the homeowner how much energy is being wasted around these fixtures.  When there is leakage air sealing must take place to reduce energy loss and avoid “dirty” air from entering into the building.

Step 7: Recommendations for Improvement Plan

After all the necessary testing is completed, the consultant will sit with you and review the results of your home.  He will give you a list of repairs for improvement, many of these renovations can be do-it-yourself projects or Healthy Home Diagnostics can give you an estimate.