Professional weatherization and energy audit in Anchorage Alaska home

Weatherization & Home Performance

Comprehensive weatherization services using building science principles and advanced diagnostics. Our energy audits with blower door testing and thermal imaging identify exactly where your home is wasting energy, costing you money, and compromising comfort. We treat your house as a system to deliver lasting improvements.

30%

Energy Savings

Certified

Building Science

$450+

Starting Price

Energy audit with blower door testing and thermal imaging in Alaska

Comprehensive Weatherization Services

Advanced diagnostic testing and building science expertise to identify and solve energy waste, comfort problems, and moisture issues in Alaska homes.

Blower Door Testing

Quantify air leakage and identify infiltration points throughout the building envelope

✓ Measure ACH50 air changes

✓ Locate hidden air leaks

✓ Document improvement results

✓ Meet building code requirements

Energy Audits

Comprehensive home performance assessment with detailed recommendations

✓ Complete energy analysis

✓ Prioritized improvements

✓ ROI calculations

✓ Utility rebate guidance

Infrared Inspections

Advanced thermal imaging to detect insulation gaps and thermal bridging

✓ Visualize heat loss

✓ Find missing insulation

✓ Detect moisture issues

✓ Verify air sealing work

HVAC System Analysis

Evaluate heating system efficiency and duct system performance

✓ Optimize system sizing

✓ Improve distribution

✓ Reduce energy waste

✓ Enhance comfort

Understanding Your House as a System

Modern building science recognizes that homes are complex systems where all components interact. Changes to one part of the system affect the entire home. Our comprehensive approach considers these interactions to deliver improvements that work together for maximum performance, efficiency, and durability in Alaska's extreme climate.

Building Envelope

The thermal boundary that separates conditioned from unconditioned space

Air Barrier System

Continuous air barrier prevents uncontrolled air infiltration and exfiltration, which accounts for 25-40% of heating/cooling loads in Alaska homes.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Critical in Alaska's extreme climate - even small gaps can lead to massive heat loss and ice dams.

Thermal Barrier System

Continuous insulation with minimal thermal bridging reduces conductive heat loss through building assemblies.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Alaska requires R-49+ attics, R-21+ walls, R-30+ floors to handle -40°F design temperatures.

Moisture Control

Proper vapor management prevents condensation within building assemblies that can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Extreme temperature differentials in Alaska create high moisture drive - monolithic vapor barriers essential.

Pressure Dynamics

Understanding and controlling air pressure differentials within the home

Stack Effect

Warm air rises and creates pressure differentials that drive air infiltration at the bottom and exfiltration at the top of the building.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Amplified in Alaska - a 60°F temperature difference creates powerful stack effect driving massive air movement.

Mechanical Pressure

HVAC systems, exhaust fans, and combustion appliances create positive or negative pressure that affects air leakage patterns.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Critical for combustion safety in tight Alaska homes - proper makeup air prevents backdrafting.

Wind Pressure

Wind creates positive pressure on windward side and negative pressure on leeward side, driving infiltration through envelope defects.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Alaska's high wind conditions magnify envelope defects - proper air sealing essential.

HVAC Interaction

How heating, cooling, and ventilation systems affect building performance

System Sizing

Right-sizing HVAC equipment based on actual building loads prevents short cycling, maintains comfort, and optimizes efficiency.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Manual J load calculations essential in Alaska - oversizing common but wastes energy and reduces comfort.

Distribution System

Duct system design, sealing, and insulation ensures even heating/cooling and prevents energy waste.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Duct leakage to unconditioned attics in Alaska can waste 30%+ of heating energy - sealing critical.

Ventilation Strategy

Controlled mechanical ventilation provides fresh air while recovering heat energy in tight homes.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

HRV/ERV systems essential in tight Alaska homes - recover 60-90% of heat from exhaust air.

Indoor Air Quality

Managing contaminants and moisture in conditioned space

Source Control

Eliminating or isolating pollutant sources prevents indoor air quality problems at the source.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Combustion appliances, radon, and building materials require special attention in tight Alaska homes.

Dilution Ventilation

Continuous or intermittent fresh air introduction dilutes indoor contaminants to acceptable levels.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation required in tight homes - typically 40-80 CFM continuous in Alaska residences.

Humidity Control

Maintaining 30-50% relative humidity prevents mold growth, dust mites, and comfort issues.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Winter: prevent over-humidification. Summer: control moisture from crawl spaces and outdoor air.

Moisture Management

Controlling liquid water, water vapor, and humidity

Bulk Water Control

Proper grading, gutters, and drainage prevents water intrusion that causes major damage.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Spring melt and ice dams create unique challenges - proper roof drainage and ice dam prevention critical.

Vapor Diffusion

Vapor barriers control water vapor movement through building assemblies based on climate zone.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Interior vapor barriers required in Alaska (Climate Zone 7) - typically 6 mil poly or closed cell foam.

Air Transported Moisture

Air leakage moves far more moisture than diffusion - air sealing is the primary moisture control strategy.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Air leakage can move 100x more moisture than diffusion - air sealing is most important moisture control.

Building Science Fundamentals

Understanding heat, air, and moisture movement through buildings

Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Conduction through materials, convection via air movement, radiation across air spaces, and evaporation cooling.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

All four mechanisms contribute to heat loss - comprehensive approach required for Alaska's extreme climate.

Dew Point & Condensation

Understanding where moisture will condense based on temperature and humidity conditions.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Cold surfaces in Alaska readily condense moisture - proper insulation and vapor barriers prevent interstitial condensation.

Thermal Bridging

Conductive heat loss through structural elements that bypass insulation reduces effective R-value.

Alaska-Specific Considerations:

Metal fasteners, studs, and joists create thermal bridges - continuous insulation mitigates in Alaska construction.

The Building Science Advantage

Understanding how your house works as an integrated system allows us to diagnose root causes rather than treating symptoms. This scientific approach ensures improvements work together synergistically rather than creating unintended consequences.

Traditional Approach Problems:

• Adds insulation without fixing air leakage

• Tightens home without adding ventilation

• Treats symptoms instead of root causes

• May create moisture or IAQ problems

Building Science Approach:

• Uses diagnostics to identify actual problems

• Considers system interactions and safety

• Prioritizes improvements based on impact

• Ensures durable, healthy, efficient results

Comprehensive Energy Audit Process

Our detailed energy audit process uses advanced diagnostics and building science principles to identify opportunities for improvement and provide actionable recommendations with ROI calculations.

Pre-Audit Interview

Discuss energy bills, comfort issues, renovation history, and homeowner concerns

Duration: 15-30 minutes

Deliverable: Understanding of home history and priorities

Blower Door Testing

Depressurize home to -50 Pascals and measure air leakage rate (CFM50 and ACH50)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Deliverable: Quantified air leakage metrics

Thermal Imaging

Comprehensive infrared inspection during blower door test to locate air leakage and insulation defects

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Deliverable: Documented thermal anomalies with photos

Building Envelope Assessment

Evaluate insulation levels, air sealing, windows, doors, and foundation details

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Deliverable: Complete envelope inventory

HVAC System Evaluation

Assess heating system type, age, efficiency, distribution system, and thermostat control

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Deliverable: System performance analysis

Combustion Safety Testing

Test for backdrafting, CO levels, and spillage on all combustion appliances

Duration: 15-30 minutes

Deliverable: Safety verification and recommendations

Energy Modeling

Input building details into energy modeling software to calculate current and post-retrofit consumption

Duration: 2-3 hours (office work)

Deliverable: Energy use breakdown and savings projections

Comprehensive Report

Detailed report with findings, prioritized recommendations, ROI calculations, and utility rebate information

Duration: 3-4 hours (office work)

Deliverable: Professional energy audit report with implementation roadmap

What You Receive

Diagnostic Results

• Blower door test results (CFM50, ACH50)
• Thermal imaging documentation
• Combustion safety test results
• Building envelope inventory

Energy Analysis

• Current energy use breakdown
• Post-retrofit projections
• Annual savings estimates
• Energy modeling report

Recommendations

• Prioritized improvement list
• Cost estimates and ROI calculations
• Utility rebate information
• Implementation roadmap

Blower Door Testing Standards

Air leakage testing quantifies how tight your home is and provides a baseline for improvement. Here's how different standards compare and what they mean for Alaska homes.

IECC 2021 (Alaska Code)

3.0 ACH50 or less

Current Alaska building code requirement for new construction and major renovations

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes

3.0 ACH50 or less

Required for ENERGY STAR certification in Climate Zone 7 (Alaska)

Passive House (PHIUS)

0.6 ACH50 or less

Ultra-tight standard for maximum energy performance

Typical Existing Alaska Home

8-15 ACH50

Average leakage in older Alaska homes - significant improvement potential

Understanding ACH50

ACH50 (Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals pressure) measures how many times the entire volume of air in your home would be replaced in one hour under test conditions. Lower numbers mean tighter homes with less air leakage.

15+ ACH50

Very leaky - common in older Alaska homes. Massive energy waste and comfort problems.

5-8 ACH50

⚠ Air leakage transporting moisture

⚠ Missing or damaged vapor barriers

⚠ Cold surfaces below dew point

⚠ Inadequate ventilation

⚠ Plumbing leaks or bulk water intrusion

Benefits of Comprehensive Weatherization

Professional weatherization delivers multiple benefits beyond just energy savings.

30% Average

Energy Savings

20-40% reduction in heating costs typical after comprehensive weatherization

100% Better

Improved Comfort

Eliminate drafts, cold spots, and temperature swings throughout the home

Healthier Home

Healthier Indoor Air

Controlled ventilation and moisture management prevent mold and improve air quality

Higher Value

Increased Home Value

Energy efficient homes command premium prices and sell faster

Weatherization & Home Performance FAQ

Common questions about weatherization, energy audits, and building science in Alaska.

What is home performance and how is it different from just adding insulation?

Home performance is a comprehensive building science approach that treats the house as a system. Rather than just adding insulation, we diagnose the root causes of energy waste, comfort problems, and moisture issues. We use diagnostic testing (blower door, thermal imaging) to identify specific problems, then prioritize solutions based on building science principles and ROI. This systematic approach delivers better results than piecemeal improvements.

What is blower door testing and why is it important?

A blower door is a diagnostic tool that measures the airtightness of buildings. We install a calibrated fan in an exterior door, depressurize the home to -50 Pascals, and measure air leakage in CFM50 (cubic feet per minute) and ACH50 (air changes per hour). This quantifies how leaky the home is and helps us locate air leakage sites using thermal imaging and smoke. Alaska building code now requires 3.0 ACH50 or tighter for new construction.

How does the "house as a system" concept apply to Alaska homes?

In Alaska's extreme climate, everything is interconnected. Air sealing reduces heat loss but requires mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality. Adding insulation changes HVAC load calculations. Tightening the envelope affects pressure dynamics and combustion safety. Our building science approach considers these interactions to ensure improvements work together rather than creating new problems. For example, we never tighten a home without addressing ventilation and combustion safety.

Can a home be too tight? What about fresh air?

Yes, homes can be too tight without proper mechanical ventilation. Alaska code requires ventilation systems (typically HRV or ERV) in homes tighter than 5 ACH50. These systems provide continuous fresh air while recovering 60-90% of heat energy from exhaust air. The goal is to build tight and ventilate right - control air leakage and provide intentional, filtered, heat-recovered ventilation rather than relying on random infiltration.

What is the difference between an energy audit and a home energy assessment?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but a comprehensive energy audit includes diagnostic testing (blower door, thermal imaging), combustion safety testing, detailed energy modeling, and prioritized recommendations with ROI calculations. A basic walkthrough assessment may just provide general recommendations without diagnostic testing. Our weatherization audits include full diagnostics and modeling to ensure recommendations are based on actual building performance data.

How much does a comprehensive energy audit cost and what do I get?

Our comprehensive weatherization audits start at $450-$650 depending on home size and scope. You receive blower door testing results, thermal imaging documentation, combustion safety testing, detailed energy modeling, prioritized recommendations with cost estimates and ROI calculations, utility rebate information, and a comprehensive written report. Many improvements pay for the audit cost in the first year through energy savings.

What utility rebates are available for weatherization improvements in Alaska?

Alaska utility rebates vary by location and utility provider. Common rebates include $200-$400 for insulation upgrades, $100-$300 for air sealing, $300-$500 for heat pump water heaters, and $500-$1,000 for air source heat pumps. We provide specific rebate information for your utility as part of our energy audit report and can help with rebate application documentation.

Should I improve insulation or upgrade my heating system first?

Generally, reduce the load first, then right-size equipment. Improving insulation and air sealing reduces heating loads by 30-50%, allowing you to downsize equipment and save on replacement costs. Installing a new system before air sealing means you'll buy a larger, more expensive system than necessary. Our energy audit prioritizes improvements based on building science principles and ROI to guide your investment decisions.

How does weatherization prevent ice dams in Alaska?

Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the eaves. The solution is keeping heat inside the home through comprehensive air sealing (especially around top plates, recessed lights, and penetrations) combined with adequate insulation (R-49+ in Alaska attics). Attic ventilation is secondary - air sealing is the primary solution. Our thermal imaging during blower door testing pinpoints exactly where heat is escaping.

What is thermal bridging and why does it matter in Alaska?

Thermal bridging occurs when conductive materials (studs, joists, fasteners) bypass insulation and create heat loss pathways. A 2x6 wall with R-21 insulation has an effective R-value of only R-14-16 due to thermal bridging. In Alaska's extreme climate, this represents significant heat loss. Solutions include continuous exterior insulation, insulated sheathing, spray foam to reduce framing member exposure, and advanced framing techniques to minimize thermal bridging.

Ready to Improve Your Home's Performance?

Schedule a comprehensive energy audit today. Our building science experts will diagnose your home's performance issues and provide prioritized recommendations for maximum energy savings, comfort, and durability in Alaska's extreme climate.

Building Science Certified

Professional energy auditors

Advanced Diagnostics

Blower door & thermal imaging

Comprehensive Reports

Detailed recommendations & ROI