So this forum has helped me out an awful lot so I thought I would try and give back some. Don't know if this has been covered but it is new to me so I thought I would share. As winter approaches I found myself wondering what to do to keep some money coming in (besides gutter cleaning). I came across the idea of air sealing homes. I think this will work great for the folks who are in the colder climates. Just go back over your client list and give them a call. All you need is a good leak detector and a little handy man skill. The leak detector I have is a thermal one made by black and decker (the TLD100). It ranges in price from $30 to $40. It is really easy to use and this idea is kind of a no-brainer to home owners that want to save money. Just take the detector and go over doors, windows, light switches and electrical outlets trying to find out where there may be a significant temp differences. Definately check the attic entrances and of course reccomend a thermal blanket for water heaters in the attic. You can charge a fee for the inspection and a fee to do the weather stripping around the house. You can even wave the fee if they hire you to do the work. Either way it is easy to do and it really will help the homeowner save money over the winter. Anyway, if this has been covered sorry for the repeat but again, it is new to me. I hope this helps someone.
Air Sealing Homes
- Thread starter John S.
- Start date
Chris Dubbs
Member
Leyden us know how it works for ya this winter.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Basically you're entering into the Energy Audit field. The guys doing it professionally (full-time business) are typically people with an hvac AND construction background. They use infrared cameras, take pictures from all angles in and out with full reports given to the homeowner. They also measure actual air leakage/intrusion in the dwelling. Most are gonna be licensed mechanical contractors. I went to school for that but never went fully into it. It's insanely technical, more than one would think. There are also quite a few people doing it.
In other words, you're going to be the guy with the electric pressure washer from Lowes working against the guys with dual 8gpm hot/cold units, boom lifts, full recovery and all the gear.
It would be a good idea if you can target the right people, basically those that just want the major things sealed up. You're just going to be lost because you won't be able to actually see where heat loss is really occurring. Up here its almost always the same.... The attic, doors and windows.
In other words, you're going to be the guy with the electric pressure washer from Lowes working against the guys with dual 8gpm hot/cold units, boom lifts, full recovery and all the gear.
It would be a good idea if you can target the right people, basically those that just want the major things sealed up. You're just going to be lost because you won't be able to actually see where heat loss is really occurring. Up here its almost always the same.... The attic, doors and windows.