ConSol is your energy consultant
Flow Hood

Programs

  

Inspections and Diagnostic Testing

Home energy raters inspect and test homes during and after construction to verify that the home meets ComfortWise’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency. ComfortWise home energy raters in California are certified and monitored by either the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System (CHEERS) or CalCerts. Both are certified by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to certify and monitor energy raters. Outside of California, raters are certified by RESNET.

Improperly installed R-30 batt can reduce efficiency by 50% and can lead to condensation and comfort problems. Crimps and bends in ductwork can severely reduce airflow. Improperly installed caulking and weather-stripping is virtually useless and ineffective. ComfortWise raters help builders build better by serving as an extra pair of eyes in the field. Third-party inspections are also used when verification of duct sealing, thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs), refrigerant charge, airflow measurement, and building envelope sealing measures are required when complying with codes.

Flow Hood TestWhat: Flow Hood
When: At final inspection
Why: Ensure comfort level in each room
How: Room-by-room HVAC airflow is measured through supply and return registers and is recorded and compared to the specified airflow according to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J guidelines, which ConSol follows.




Blower Door TestWhat: Blower Door
When: At final inspection
Why: Identify the presence of air leakage in the building envelope
How: An inspector mounts the blower fan to an exterior door, opens all interior doors, and closes all exterior doors and windows. The blower door fan draws air out of the house to depressurize the interior, and the inspector analyzes the air speed required to maintain a set pressure. Gauges measure the relative leakiness of air loss due to infiltration through windows and doors as well as through cracks and penetrations in the building envelope.

Duct Blaster TestWhat: Duct Blaster
When: At rough and final inspections for models, then final only
Why: Identify leakiness of a duct system
How: An inspector connects the duct blaster to the duct system at the air handler or a central return grille. All other grilles and registers are covered. He turns on the fan, adjusts the flow to a reference pressure, then measures the leakage rate using an airflow and pressure gauge. ComfortWise homes leak < 6%.