Posts

This might be surprising, but homes today use on average 37 percent more energy today than they did in 1980. As large as this increase is, it could be a lot higher if not for technology innovation in energy efficiency and federal energy conservation standards. From heating and cooling to electronics and appliances, it takes a lot of…

Ice Damming Ice dams are common throughout the Northeast. The necessary ingredients for ice damming to occur are heat, seeping into the attic from the living space below, cold air from outside, and snow. How do ice dams form? Warm air from within the living space escapes into the attic through holes, cracks and other…

The HERS Rater’s Function Utility-sponsored Residential New Construction (RNC) programs in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island all require third-party verification before incentives and rebates can be awarded. It’s the role of the HERS rater to perform this function. The Rater acts as a resource for builders and owners, answering questions and providing guidance in order…

Cold Basement Problem: We get a lot of inquiries from homeowners complaining about cold floors. Usually, it has to do with living space above unheated garages but this time it was the first floor above the basement. As is often the case, this home had a metal bulkhead door with a stairway for access from…

At Energy Geeks we take great pride in the design and construction of our energy-efficient homes. Case in point, our recently completed home in Woonsocket, R.I. attained Tier 2 status in National Grid’s Residential New Construction (RNC) program. According to tests performed by a third-party HERS rating company, compliments of National Grid, this energy-sipping beauty…

What is a Duct Leakage Test? A Duct Leakage Test is a form of quality control performed by a certified third-party technician to verify the airtightness of ductwork in new and existing homes. The equipment is comprised of a specialized fan that is attached to the furnace at the point of airflow. The fan is…