Program Assesses Contractor Work in California

The two-year project will also identify builders who use diagnostic testing as part of a utility program or to distinguish their homes from those of other companies. It is part of the CEC's plan "to establish a market that values and promotes affordable, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes," says commissioner Jananne Sharpless.

Diagnostic tools--such as duct testers, blower doors, and infrared cameras--will be used to assess the postconstruction quality of 60 new homes throughout the state. Davis Energy Group of Davis, California, and a team of subcontractors will gather extensive data on duct systems, insulation installation, and air infiltration, and will evaluate the diagnostic work done by participating contractors. "We want to get a snapshot of current diagnostics practices," says Marc Hoeschele, senior engineer at Davis Energy, "so we can compare them a year from now, after the CEC standards take effect."

Who should get involved? Any builder or contractor who uses diagnostic tools to verify the installed performance of energy features should be part of this project. For more information, contact Eurlyne Geiszler at the CEC. Tel: (916)654-4052; Web site: www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/qualityhomes.

Scott Matthews is the deputy director for energy efficiency at the California Energy Commission.
 
 

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