So it is only now that we are arranging an energy audit, with Wydevue, of Poland.  Wydevue specializes in energy services for residences, and they come highly recommended by our favorite green builder and contractor, Mike White of Island Carpentry in Georgetown.

The idea is that we will have the energy evaluation, and then, using a homeowner program run by the state, we will begin to make corrections.  We’ll talk more about this program in the next few weeks as we begin the process.
The evaluation is going to be comprehensive.  This procedure is a top to bottom energy inspection using the latest “house as a system” residential energy technology:

HOW "tight" or "loose" is our home?  We are pretty sure we know the answer to this, but we will soon find out for sure.

WHAT is causing air to leak in & out of our home?

WHERE are the air leaks?

HOW MUCH energy loss is caused by the air leakage?

HOW MUCH duct leakage exists in our forced air distribution system?  Well, this would be tested if we weren’t still dealiing with a 50-year old furnace and radiator system.

WOULD duct sealing be cost effective in our home?

DOES our home need additional mechanical ventilation to improve air quality & prevent mold & mildew?

Because we are barely trustworthy with a caulk gun and a paintbrush, it is essential for homeowners like us to have help even determining what our problems are, before we can begin to correct them.  And because we are so utterly helpless, we will be working with a trusted contractor to do the work.

Once Mike White and we have the answers we need, we can formulate a plan that makes rational sense.  And a lovely old cape will transform into an energy efficient lovely old cape. 

Challenges will certainly lie ahead.  But the longest journey begins with a single step.  And that step is an energy audit.