• We can help you test energy efficiency, home performance and air infiltration on a whole house basis.
• We can help home builders to earn Federal Income Tax Credit of $2000.00 on their newly built multi-family unit or single family home.
• We can help home builders to meet Energy Star requirements for their homes.

Testing Energy Efficiency

The Hayes Company is one of the few local companies that can rate a house, apartment or office on energy performance using various tests. These tests give measures of performance that show areas in which energy efficiency can be used.

Blower Door Test
The Blower Door Test uses a fan to pressurize the house and then measure the air infiltration out of the house.

Duct Blaster Test
The Duct Blaster Test uses a similar system to the Blower Door Test to test air leakage in the ducts.

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Test
The HERS Test includes both the Blower Door Test and the duct blaster test, but it is much more comprehensive. The test is performed using computerized software which gives a rating based on inputs generated by a certified HERS rater. These inputs are taken from a wide variety of areas in the house including: appliances, HVAC, windows, building plan, home orientation, etc. The HERS test can be used by builders to earn an energy star rating or to qualify for an income tax credit. The HERS test can be used by the homeowner to improve energy efficiency or to qualify for an energy efficient mortgage.

To find out more visit: Resnet Home Page

The Builder Option Package (BOPs)
The BOP is a substitute for doing an entire HERS test on a new house. The BOPs are government specifications for recommended building products in order to meet specific energy codes such as Energy Star or to get Federal Tax Credits. Constructing a home to BOP specifications negates the need for a full HERS rating. However, third-party verification that BOP requirements have been met is still necessary by a certified HERS rater. THe Hayes Company can help you navigate this system. Similar to HERS ratings, BOP ratings typically entail at least one on-site inspection of the home to perform both a Duct Blaster and Blower Door Test. However, unlike the HERS rating, the scores derived from these tests are compared with the pre-determined specification of the BOP to either pass or fail the house as an ENERGY STAR qualified new home. Every city has its own set of BOP's.

These can be accessed here: Local Builder Option Packages