Home Energy Audit in Middletown, DE
Challenge
Lawson Home Services conducted an Energize Delaware energy audit at this home in Middletown, DE. Despite the home was constructed in 2022 and was found to be relatively energy efficient, some things were discovered that could save the homeowner an estimated $220 per year in utility costs. But the main thing that was discovered was not an energy efficiency concern, it was HIGH HUMIDITY, an air quality issue that creates a health an safety concern. This comes as no surprise to energy auditors who are seeing this pattern very often in new homes that are constructed to be very air-tight and energy efficient.
Problems happen when the relative humidity reaches or exceeds 60% inside the home. At this point nasty things, like mold and microbes, will eventually begin growing on surfaces, particularly in cooler places like basements. The spores are then transported throughout the house by the HVAC, causing allergic reactions and respiratory issues for the occupants. Eventually the home will develop that peculiar "musty odor" you notice in so many homes.
Solution
Depending upon the home and its construction, Lawson Home Services will have an affordable solution, typically installing a Sedona SaniDry™ dehumidifier in the basement or crawlspace. However other things may be necessary as well, such as sealing the HVAC ductwork, installing a Breathe EZ™ ultraviolet system which kills microbes passing by in the HVAC airstream, or putting an Aspen Air™ purifier inside the living space.
