Charlotte, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/14/2011 -- While consumers are relaxing in warm autumn weather, it’s not too early to think about a painless solution that will reduce energy costs before winter clamps its frosty grip on the region.

Local energy experts say a home energy audit, a simple, step-by-step process, can immediately benefit your comfort and pocketbook.

“The key is to have a certified home energy expert conduct the audit,” says EnergyTight Director of Development Cal Trumbo. “The expert will exhaustively pinpoint every energy loss and comfort issue in your home. Our company’s certified experts use a highly developed knowledge of building engineering, the physics behind a structure, systems and airflow, and state-of-the-art sensing devices to fully assess your living environment.”

Charlotte-based EnergyTight has been conducting professional home energy assessments in the Charlotte area since 2009 and offers comprehensive evaluations of insulation, air circulation and quality, with highly experienced professionals who implement government standard testing procedures using the latest and most sophisticated equipment.

What happens during an “energy audit” of your home? EnergyTight’s audit includes:

Infrared thermal imaging – Uses advanced camera technology to identify areas of invisible air loss from your home into the outdoors.

Blower door testing – Uses a powerful fan to determine where outside air flows into your doorways through unsealed cracks and openings.

Air duct pressure testing – Measures how porous your duct system is (as much as 30 percent of heat or air conditioning moving through your home’s ducts could be leaking into the attic or crawl space).

Attic and roof analysis – Looks at everything from insulation to materials to maintenance issues.

Basement and crawlspace analysis – Determines whether every nook and cranny is properly sealed and insulated.

Indoor air quality testing – Establishes levels of pollutants, molds, pollen, etc., as well as effectiveness of exhaust ventilation.

Trumbo says the EnergyTight home energy audits generally last about three hours and create little disruption in the home.

“It’s a painless process that will save you money, and when an audit is completed, we consult with the customer and provide them with estimates for solutions to fix the issues,” Trumbo said.

Other companies sometimes suggest they conduct audits. These usually end up being a walk-through and you’re done in 15 to 20 minutes. They are helpful, but they lack the depth that would have a significant effect on your utility costs or home comfort.

“We provide a comprehensive report that itemizes exactly what energy loss issues you might have,” Trumbo said.

In early 2009, EnergyTight became certified professionals through the Building Performance Institute. Later the same year, the company earned the Envelope Professional designation through BPI and received our North Carolina Weatherization Certification. In June 2010, EnergyTight became Charlotte's first BPI - Gold Star Certified Accredited Contractor and a Honeywell Contractor Pro.

For more information about the EnergyTight home audit, visit http://www.energytighthomes.com.