July 6, 2023

Cooling Season tips to survey your building envelope

Let's talk about how to address your building envelope with equipment from our equipment library. Using the right instruments will allow you to spot issues and perform maintenance on building envelope and related components.
Categories: Building Envelope
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Let’s talk about how to address your building envelope with tools from our equipment lending library.

Using the right instruments will allow you to spot issues and perform maintenance on the building envelope and related components.

You will be able to:

  • Identify if the envelope is properly sealed to retain conditioned air in your space for longer.
  • Perform maintenance efforts in out of reach areas which are usually overlooked and over time accumulate dirt buildup which reduces air flow and system efficiency.
  • Spot moisture control issues that interfere with humidification and de-humidification system function.

Address air leaks through your building envelope

Improper air filtration through your building envelope may be the reason you are cranking up your system to meet occupant comfort – which leads to higher energy bills and equipment overload.

Use a thermal image camera to perform a visual inspection of the building envelope, looking for missing insulation, air-leakage, wall condensation, poor HVAC distribution. Check for air leaks around outlets, doors, windows, walls, air duct connections & light fixtures.

Perform air duct and filter maintenance

Cleaning your air filters is important for efficiency and proper indoor air quality, the EPA suggest checking your filter every month and changing it when it’s dirty or at least every 3 months depending on the use of the HVAC.

You can use a video borescope to get a visual of those hard to reach places were maintenance may be required and check for dirt build up.

Moisture control

Moisture control is key to prevent growth of bacteria, mold and dust mites. Not having moisture control may lead to endangering occupants health.

You can use a moisture meter to identify areas of the building envelope that are not properly sealed and where moisture may have penetrated assembly materials. Additionally, check that your humidification and dehumidification systems are working properly.