A Harding Construction & Sustainable Solutions Home Performance Test is the best way to evaluate the current state of a home as it relates to health, safety, comfort and energy efficiency.

Based on principles of building science, we view a home as the complex system it actually is, rather than separate parts such as walls, crawl space, insulation and a heating system. The system is made of smaller components and each plays a part in the overall performance of a home. For this reason, we strongly suggest a home performance test before we make upgrades. Most often, single scope contractors and big box stores understandably want to sell what they install. We have the integrity to not sell a fix-all problem-solving product, which in reality does not exist, but provide a whole-house assessment to fix many problems for the greater whole.

We approach the problems within a home by making the most cost effective solutions with the largest return on your investment. This increases comfort and reduces the home's environmental impact because you get the most for your money when the entire system is working properly and all of the smaller systems are contributing.

Does your home suffer from any of the following problems? If so, we will be able to diagnose the problem, recommend solutions and develop a work scope for improvements and repairs:

• High utility bills.
• Problems staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Condensation on windows.
• Indoor air quality problems or concerns such as dust, mold, asthma or air circulation.
• Drafty areas within your home.
• Moisture within the crawl space of your home.
• Dirty streaks visible around heating / cooling ceiling registers.
• Dirty streaks visible where the baseboard meets the carpet.

If your home is experiencing any of these problems, if your house is uncomfortable, if you would like to make building performance upgrades or if you would like to lower your carbon footprint, please contact us to schedule a meeting with a home performance specialist.

The Home Performance Testing and Contracting Process

Step 1: A professionally trained home performance analyst will visit your home to conduct a thorough home performance client interview and comprehensive analysis of your home. We will ask a series of questions relating to the comfort, air quality and energy usage in your home. For us to provide a comprehensive energy analysis, please be prepared to provide 12 month's worth of electrical, gas and water bills.

Step 2: Once the interview is complete, we will perform a visual analysis and thorough diagnostic testing of your home that will take approximately three to five hours. This includes:

1. A visual inspection to spot existing and potential problems with damaged or malfunctioning mechanical systems or building components including:

1. Inspection for mold and moisture sources.
2. Levels of insulation in the attic and crawl space.
3. Indoor air pollution sources.
4. Exterior shell inspection for problems such as cracking paint, cracked plaster, dry rot and roof problems.
5. Exhaust fan ducts such as bathroom fans and dryer vents.
6. Assessment of lighting and electrical components.

2. A combustion safety test including:

1. Gas leak detection near supply lines, where the pipe enters the building and at the gas meter.
2. Proper carbon monoxide levels in the flue gases of the heating and cooling system, water heater, gas range and oven.
3. Proper carbon monoxide levels within the ambient air of the house.
4. A drafting test to evaluate the risk of combustion gases being pulled back into the house by negative air pressure.
5. Efficiency test of the heating and cooling system, gas appliances and water heater.
6. A flue inspection for blockages, breaks or other safety concerns.

3. A full diagnostic test using home performance equipment to quantitatively test the home for air leakage and ventilation issues including:

1. The use of an infrared camera to spot missing or improperly installed insulation.
2. The use of digital pressure gauges and a blower door to identify air leakage paths through the attic, walls and crawlspace.
3. The use of a duct blaster to identify leaks within the heating and cooling system.

Step 3: Once we have finished the testing, we will deliver a full comprehensive report including our findings and recommended repairs. At this time, we will also set a meeting to later discuss the report and any questions or concerns you may have. After reviewing the report, we will design a specialized and cost effective fixed-price contracting plan. Here are some examples of items often included within the scope of work:

Air sealing the attic and crawl space and installation of:

• Moisture barrier in the crawlspace.
• Insulation.
• Energy Star appliances.
• Low-flow water fixtures.
• Efficient lighting and energy saving devices.
• Re-circulating water pump.
• New windows.
• Thermal or PV solar system.
• New water heater.
• New heating and cooling system.
• Mechanical ventilation.

Step 4: Even though your home will now be greener, more comfortable and have better air quality, we will re-test your home by performing Steps 1 and 2 to base our new findings against the original data and scientifically measure the improvements.

Step 5: Final report with findings.

Please contact us if you have questions regarding our home performance testing and contracting procedures or would like to schedule an appointment with a home performance specialist.