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Guidelines |
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Energy audit
: "Steps to a
successful building envelope inspection"
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Prepare
The Site
It is important when performing the survey to have the structure
prepared in advance. As we reviewed in the theories, thermal
cameras see temperature differences. This is why it is important
to maximize the difference in temperature between the interior and
exterior of the building. We are going for at least a 20°F temperature
difference. This is easily obtained by heating or cooling the interior
and performing your survey at the right time. Make sure that the
heat or AC is turned off about an hour before your inspection. Try
to inspect the location at a time when the least activity is going
on inside the structure. Early morning is a good time. Remember
that the sun shinning on the exterior will affect your results so
plan your inspection accordingly.
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Equipment
Check
Sounds obvious
but dead batteries can ruin your day. Make sure your equipment is
operating correctly and that you have fully charged batteries, memory
cards, floppy disks, video tapes, or other supplies that you will
need. TIP: If possible find a place at the site to charge your batteries
(even 12volt in your vehicle) and start to recharge them as soon
as they go out so you will be prepared for any delays you might
encounter. Remember an infrared
camera without power is a very expensive paperweight!
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Walk
The Site
Familiarize yourself with the layout! Look for potential problem
areas and arrange access to any blocked areas. It is much easier
to do this now rather than try to find someone later. Keep an eye
out for areas that appear damaged to the naked eye and note the
areas that typically have problems. The most common problems areas
are around doors / windows, joints, corners, add ons or new construction,
and through-the-membrane installation.
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Inspection
Fire up that system
and perform the inspection. Look for any anomalies in the structure.
Pay close attention to the obvious areas. Some leakage will occur
in all structures and is not necessarily indicative of a problem.
Watch for abnormal uneven or gross patterns to emerge. Make sure
you inspect the interior outside facing walls. Take regular pictures
of suspect areas to include in your report. Take one overview shot
of the facility or key areas.
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Report
Download your images
and start up your reporting software. Manipulate the image to achieve
a clean look. Utilize your palate controls to maximize information
in the problem areas. Attach a regular image to each problem area
in the report. Deliver the report to the customer in a timely manner.
Always deliver the most professional product you are able to and
make sure it arrives when you say it will.
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