Get Your Assessment

Now that you’ve chosen a contractor, it’s time to schedule your assessment and prepare your home:

Scheduling your Assessment

• Once you have chosen a contractor, call to schedule your assessment.  Some contractors may have a waiting period of several months, especially during fall and early winter.
• Expect the assessment to take 3-4 hours.
• Plan to be home during the assessment.

Preparing for your Assessment

• Make a list of existing problems you have in your home, such as drafty or uncomfortable rooms, mold and moisture problems, and high heating bills.  Think about what your goals are for the energy assessment and upgrade.  Your energy assessor will ask you about existing problems and your goals during the assessment.
• To prepare for the blower door test, do not burn wood for 1 day prior to the energy assessment.  Empty all ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves to prevent ash from being sucked into your home during the test.
• Carefully follow any other guidelines you receive from your contractor.

How to Make the Most of Your Assessment

• If possible, all decision makers in the household should be present for the assessment
• The assessor will complete a thorough visual inspection of the living space, attic, basement, and crawl spaces.  Allow the assessor access to your entire house for best results.
• Be an active participant in the energy assessment.  Ask the assessor to explain what he or she finds in your home.  During the blower door test and infrared camera analysis, follow the assessor through the house to identify air leaks.

Last updated April 12, 2020