What is a Remote (Virtual) Home Energy Audit?
At True Building Performance, we make it easy to assess your home's energy efficiency with our remote audits. Using the Streem app, you can connect with your energy auditor via your cell phone or tablet. During a virtual walk-through, you'll show your auditor key energy components of your home through your device's camera.
The app allows for clear communication: your auditor can guide you verbally and visually, highlighting areas to focus on or move closer to. It's just like having them right there with you! This way, they can identify major energy components like your heating system, windows, and insulation while gathering data remotely.
Based on this comprehensive assessment, you'll receive a summary of your home's energy efficiency, along with recommendations for home improvement projects that can help you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
What are the benefits of a remote energy audit?
- It is a much faster and safer way to hold an energy audit.
- It allows you as the homeowner to be an active participant in the audit and allows you to learn more about what is going on in your house.
- If you live outside of our typical service area, a remote energy audit allows you access to our virtual services.
- Remote energy audits are environmentally friendly, as they don’t require transportation carbon emissions.
What are the limitations of a remote energy audit?
While remote energy audits offer convenience and safety, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Limited diagnostic testing: Certain tests, like CAZ and Blower Door tests, require physical presence and cannot be performed remotely. However, these tests are not necessary in most audits. If deemed necessary after the remote assessment, we can schedule a brief follow-up visit for them.
- Onsite inspection for final proposal: A final proposal typically requires a final onsite inspection. However, based on the remote audit, we can provide you with a general cost estimate to help you decide if you'd like to proceed.
- Specialized work referral: If the recommended improvements fall outside our scope of services, we'll happily connect you with qualified contractors who specialize in those areas.
How can you prepare for your virtual energy audit?
- As the homeowner, you must have full access to your entire house, including the attic and basement and every room.
- You need to have a working camera on your phone or tablet that can connect to WIFI &/or stable data streaming service.
- Your cellphone should be fully charged, as streaming video via the app can drain your battery
- It is preferred to have sent your utility data (National Grid bills, home fuel history) before the remote energy audit.
- It is helpful to the energy auditor if you have a flashlight, to illuminate dark places for the camera.
- It could be helpful to you to have:
- A step stool or ladder to reach high places, like your attic.
- A ruler or tape measure
- Please be prepared to hold your questions until the end of the audit, to reserve time for energy data collection.
Schedule your remote energy audit today and unlock the potential for a more energy-efficient home! This convenient and safe approach provides valuable insights into your home's energy use, empowering you to make informed decisions about improvements that can save you money and contribute to a greener future.