Green Services
The green service package we offer includes home testing, green adjustments, and choices of green upgrades.
During the training and certification process we learned that the first step and best way to find the green potential of a home is to test the major systems, make proper adjustments, seal ducts and building envelope, re-test, then note the new efficiency rating and quality of air. This process gives the basis of the home living environment, and allows you to decide what direction of green makes sense for the Home, and your budget.
Home Testing gives you the diagnostic science of your building envelope, duct system, water and lighting efficiency, energy usage, and fresh air exchanges per hour. The goal is to combine this information with any project plans or ideas you might have and form estimates on costs related to bringing the home up to code and to the level of certified green.
All estimates will coincide with your personal direction and green standards set forth by our affiliates.
We are HERS Rater #CC2005424 and BIG Rater #2009110.
 California Energy Commission |
 CalCERTS |
 Energy Star |
 Build It Green |
 Certified GreenPoint Rater |
 CATT |
Green Service Package
Home Testing –
Minor Green Adjustments –
Through Infrared and smoke detection sealing and repair work can be done to the building envelope and duct system during the first visit. Infrared helps determine cold spots and air leakage—this will cause for weather-stripping, caulking, foam, or insulation to be applied. Smoke/fog pressurized into the duct system will allow us to locate and repair leaks within the ducting and furnace unit. Then a visual cleaning and a renewable green air filter will give the ventilation system a fresh new start.
Any repairs that exceed the cost of this service package, or require an HVAC contractor, will be stated in an estimate.
Green Estimates –
After a half day of testing, evaluating, and fixing things as we go, we can present you with a detailed report on current home systems. If they meet CA Energy Commission and Build It Green standards your home is well on its way to becoming Green certified. If not, our home testing based service will provide you with information and estimates on costs that would certify the home as green, and make it eligible for MLS green listings. This service can be valuable to buyers, sellers, agents, contractors, and homeowners interested in living green and reside in the Auburn Tahoe Reno areas. If you are considering this service and have questions, wish to make an appointment, or request more information, please contact us.
Duct Blaster
A Duct Blaster Test uses a diagnostic fan to pressurize the Duct/Ventilation system in order to accurately measure the efficiency of the system as well as heat displacement. To compile accurate results all registers and vents need to be located and sealed before the system is pressurized and measured for efficiency and air leakage.
It has been reported that U.S. homes routinely have 30% or more leakage within their Duct System and the problems are easily fixable and cost effective.
This test usually takes 1 hour depending on size of the system, costs related start at $200 per system.
A document verifying efficiency of duct system is available upon request.
Please click here to view a video example of a duct blaster test.
* Please note: the Truckee Donner Public Utility District offers a $75 incentive for their customers to perform the Duct Blaster Test. Please visit www.TDPUD.org to learn more and download the rebate application.
Infrared
Infrared Inspections help locate air leakage and temperature displacement through Walls Windows Floors and Ceilings. Infrared is the best way to decipher internal unseen aspects of your home, ranging from missing insulation to air leakage to water intrusion. This will be included in the walkthrough; additional infrared work costs $75 per hour.
Blower Door
A Blower Door Test uses a diagnostic fan to pressurize or depressurize the house as a whole, after all exterior openings are closed the house is filled with air to measure the integrity of the building envelope and how ‘leaky’ it is. The Blower Door also measures indoor Air Quality by calculating how many Fresh Air Exchanges are made each hour. (3.5 Fresh Air Exchanges per hour is considered green healthy.)
This test usually takes 1 hour depending on the size of the home, costs related start at $200 per system.
A document verifying whole house efficiency and fresh air exchanges per hour is available upon request.
Please click here to view a video example of a Blower Door test.
* Please note: the Truckee Donner Public Utility District offers a $75 incentive for their customers to perform the Blower Door Test. Please visit www.TDPUD.org to learn more and download the rebate application.
GreenPoint Rated walkthrough & checklist
The GreenPoint Rated walkthrough and checklist is a Build It Green verification process that allows us to determine what existing components the home has and what features the home would need to be considered green efficient or green healthy.
The walkthrough is also a time to discuss the needs of the home, any possible estimates, and your project plans or ideas.
The evaluation/walkthrough usually takes 1–2 hours depending on size of the home and the direction you wish to discuss with the Contractor and/or the GreenPoint Rated Project Advisor. Costs for initial evaluation start at $100 per hour; additional hours with Contractor, Designer, or GreenPoint Rated Project Advisor are $75 per hour.
Lighting Efficiency Package
The easiest and most cost effective way to save energy and money.
During the home testing and evaluation phase we can tally the number of fixtures and light bulbs that need to be replaced in order to increase lighting efficiency. (Samples of efficient lighting options will be provided on site.)
This is considered an easy green measure that most homeowners can complete themselves, the benefit of having Heller Construction complete this work is that it gets done all at once, and you receive documentation that the work has been completed and the lighting systems meets green standards.
Click on this link to see costs related to a light bulb change out.
* Truckee Donner PUD customers receive a $2 rebate per light bulb.
Water Efficiency Package
Water conservation and efficiency is a major issue that can be greatly improved if households made the simple adjustments to water fixtures, bringing them up to code. (The Federal Energy Policy Act- Toilets: 1.6 gpf, Sinks: 2.2 gpm, Showers: 2.5 gpm)
During home testing and evaluation we can measure and verify water flow with current water fixtures. In most cases homes already have many fixtures that meet efficiency standards, we would focus on the features that need improvement (options would include- installing aerators, making adjustments, or replacing with new) estimates will be based on your decision.
This step could be inexpensive and very beneficial, especially with new metering charges taking effect.
A document verifying that water fixtures meet Federal Code is available upon request.
Whole House Efficiency Upgrade
This upgrade would be based on Blower Door and Duct Blaster tests, and if a section of the home, or duct system, is detrimental to the overall efficiency and needs repair and estimate will be formed.
Home tests and infrared inspection will help us locate the problem area and best decide how best to remedy the issue. An estimate will be based on your decision.
* Please note Truckee Donner PUD residents that perform mitigation to whole house or duct system receive up to $250 in rebates for each (50% of mitigation costs).
ENERGY STAR Appliance Upgrade
Appliances have two major costs, upfront and monthly costs. Appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR label or meet Build It Green standards are the best solution for energy and water efficiency.
Although we are not appliance experts and do not sell appliances, we can measure appliance energy and water usage and offer assistance or verification to insure that appliances in the home meet efficiency standards and work properly with other home systems.
A document verifying that appliances in the home meet Build It Green standards is available upon request.
Please view this link to see costs related to appliances.
Elements or Whole House Remodel
Build It Green offers two pathways to become green certified: Elements and Whole House.
Elements is a pathway that allows homeowners to get certified on a room by room basis, this direction is best for homeowners who plan on a gradual process of remodeling green, Elements allows you document progress throughout the course of your project.
Whole House is for homeowners interested in remodeling green and earning a green certification at the completion of the project.
Please contact us or visit the Build It Green website for additional information.
Click here to view the Build It Green Checklist for Elements and Whole house (the Checklist used during the initial walkthrough).
Custom Green Sustainable Remodel or New Build
Please contact us to discuss your project ideas in further detail
* Please note that we are offering this service Package to mountain residents from the Auburn Tahoe Reno areas for the introductory price of $1,000 (before incentives and cash rebates). For example: Truckee Donner PUD residents pay as low as $450 after rebates.
