Swiftsure Energy Services

Green Certification

Garen — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:05:14 +0000

The NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) promotes the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). The NGBS is nationally recognized and considerably simpler than some the other common programs. It is very flexible and allows the builder a lot of choices rather than dictate every item. There is a free planning & scoring tool available online that makes it relatively simple to learn and implement. It is based on a sliding scale with 4 different levels to achieve – Bronze, Silver, Gold & Emerald.

The costs are generally lower than most builders would expect. We have testimonies of builders who have increased their prices PLUS moved their houses quicker than competitors. Many methods and materials are already being done by builders and re-modelers.

Cost Difference of NGBS vs LEEDS

Clark County Washington is strongly encouraging the NGBS as voluntary program and wants builders to recognize the value of this program.
This can be used for new homes, remodels and additions. It is appropriate for any home: production, move-up, or custom homes.

We can work with you at the planning stage and then follow up at various stages of construction to ensure that you can achieve the level you are shooting for.

Energy Certification

Garen — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 21:55:32 +0000

Energy Certifications and Consulting Assistance: Please contact us via phone at (360) 624-5523, or fill out the Contact-Us page. We are ready to help and can meet with you within 1-2 days of your initial contact.
We can help you meet the Washington State Energy Codes – We serve all of Southwest Washington

Swiftsure Energy can verify your homes to the NW ENERGY STAR program. This is one of the best programs to benefit both builders and homeowners. Incentives are available for builders. Homeowners will benefit by reduced utility costs and a healthier home! Click here for more information on the NW ENERGY STAR Program.

RESNET HERS Help with mortgages, appraisals!

Department of Energy – Builders Challenge Good secondary certification!

Common Building Errors

Garen — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 06:24:35 +0000

In casual inspection of properties during construction, we’ve found several common errors that are worth reviewing. When we come on-site to train your key project managers, these items would be reviewed and instructions provided for sub-contractors.

It is easy to see gaps in the sealant. This will allow for air loss and infiltration. In many applications, it appears the norm to put on a small film of Mastic using an inexpensive brush.

All seams in flexible joints should be covered with Mastic to the proper depth. The manufacture seal does not prevent air from escaping or entering the system.

Compressed insulation is also a common error that occurs. The insulation should fill the entire space between drywall and other surfaces. No gaps should exist.

There will be zero protection of this water pipe from cold temps as the insulation has been compressed to a worthless level.

The area above this window was sheeted on both sides and gaps left in the blocking. However, this resulted in zero insulation being installed. This will be a very large and expensive area of energy loss for years to come for the home-owner.

This type of vent boot has been commonly used for years. However, it is easy to see where this type of boot fails. Air flow both ways in and out of the crawl space will result in energy loss and unfiltered air to enter the home. New boots exist to be used in both floor and ceiling applications that would solve this issue.

Improper workmanship on caulking is also a very common cause of energy loss.Powered By Wordpress Tabs Slides

Basic Evaluation

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:00:57 +0000

Our Basic Home Energy Evaluation is primarily a visual inspection that will look at the most common problem areas of energy loss. Suggestions and guidelines will be given to you in a brief report.

Duct Testing

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:07 +0000

We will perform a pressure test of your duct system to determine how much air leakage is occurring and to identify the specific points of failure. If necessary a theatrical fogger can be included to help locate pinhole or hard-to-find leaks. A report is generated that shows the results and recommendations.

Blower Door Test

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:13 +0000

This is a pressure test of the entire house that we will use to quantify the amount of leakage that occurs throughout your house. The blower door test is combined with a draft test to help identify the areas that are leaking. A report will be provided which will recommend the most beneficial improvements.

Whole House Test

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:00:06 +0000

This is a complete pressure test of your home which includes a blower test performed in conjunction with a duct system test. Combining the two tests will allow us to determine the amount of air leakage to the outdoors as well as air leakage within the house. A complete report is provided which will document any issues with these systems and provide recommendations for improvement.

Comprehensive Energy Audit

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:00:49 +0000

The Comprehensive Energy Audit is the best method to determine the full scope of issues affecting your home’s energy performance and efficiency. This audit is a detailed inspection of your entire home focusing on all possible areas of energy loss. The Comprehensive Energy Audit covers doors, windows, walls, roof, insulation, heating and air conditioning equipment. Included in this evaluation are the Blower Door and Duct tests. A thermographic camera will be used as needed to help determine problem areas. An inclusive report detailing our findings and providing recommendations for improvement is provided.

Premium Energy Audit

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:00:26 +0000

Our Premium Energy Audit includes everything in the Comprehensive Energy Audit plus our complete appliance energy evaluation. This service evaluates appliances for energy consumption, tests combustion appliance zones for problems and checks all gas lines for leaks. A detailed report is generated which will show the cost of potential improvements compared with the return on your investments.

Retrofit Improvements

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:00:13 +0000

Using the data and information collected through our testing methods, we can suggest retrofit improvements which can reduce energy consumption resulting in significant savings. Swiftsure Energy Services is a licensed home improvement contractor qualified to implement and deploy many of the available retrofit options including:

Air Sealing/Caulking
Duct Sealing
Insulation improvements
Moisture control
Indoor Air Quality
Weather Stripping
Window upgrades
Lighting Improvements
Appliance upgrades
Heat system improvements
Cooling System improvements
Ventilation improvements
Heating & cooling system maintenance
Water heater upgrades
Programmable thermostats
Door replacements
Storm Door installations