Computer Modeling & Site Visits
Testing Bath Fan Flow
Blower Door Testing
Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes
With Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Home certification, your home is Computer
Modeled and reviewed three times during the construction process:
Computer Modeling
BOP (Based on Plans):
This is the 1st stage of the certification process.  Our services include the initial contact with the builder,
the homeowner, or both to discuss features and components of the home and advise of best practices.
 Also included is computer modeling of the home based on our discussions and the house plans.  We
provide reports of the computerized rating information which includes predicted annual gas and
electrical usage and costs with break downs into component groups (heating, cooling, lighting,
windows, walls, etc.).  At this time we can also design size, and locate exhaust/bath fans and ventilation
systems, and provide UDC compliance documentation.
Site Visit 1
Pre-drywall--Framing
  • Critical to program success, this visit occurs near the end of the rough framing: after the heating,
    plumbing, electrical and duct systems are roughed in and before insulation is installed.
  • Consultants work with the builder to look for un-designed holes between conditioned and
    unconditioned spaces of the home; exterior envelope and windows are evaluated for air tightness, the
    ventilation strategy/system is reviewed, and combustion safety, moisture management and insulation
    standards are revisited/verified.
  • Opportunities for minimizing framing materials are also considered.
Site Visit 2
Pre-drywall--Insulation and Vapor Barrier
  • Occurs after insulation is installed but prior to drywall. The consultant and builder look for areas
    where insulation will not achieve its rated R-value due to gaps, voids, compressions, and any
    misalignment with the air barrier.
  • The continuity of the exterior weather barrier and interior vapor retarder is reviewed (or verified).
  • A final check of ventilation ductwork, installed or planned combustion equipment, and builder
    dimensions and component specification is completed.
Site Visit 3
Performance testing--Commissioning
  • Occurs after the home is completed.  The final on-site visit is completed to verify and document
    required program standards.  The information collected also serves as the basis for evaluation
    building performance and producing the certification report for the builder/homeowner.  During
    the final testing site visit the following is completed:
  • A blower door test to quantify the air tightness of the building shell.
  • All ventilation equipment is tested to verify compliance and document air-flow capacity and
    performance
  • Carbon-monoxide detector(s) and combustion safety standards are verified.
  • A worst-case depressurization test is completed
  • If required, the HVAC system is tested to ensure balance distribution in forced-air systems.