www.energystarhomesamerica.com

Issue 3 Volume 4

March 2006

GWS earns ENERGY STAR Award
Protecting the environment through energy efficiency.
Oklahoma City, March, 2006
   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Guaranteed Watt Saver (GWS) as an ENERGY STAR 2006 Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its work as a home energy rater analyzing and testing the energy efficiency of homes. Among GWS’s most noteworthy achievements are: working with builders across the nation as a LEED for Homes Pilot Provider, assistance in the writing and implementation of OK Senate Bill #610 (the energy-efficiency tax credit) and establishing ENERGY STAR in Multiple Listing Services. GWS’s accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 2006.
   GWS, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1999, is being honored for their work in qualifying new homes to earn the ENERGY STAR label. Home energy raters provide the independent third party verification required for ENERGY STAR qualified homes. GWS rated nearly 7,000 homes in the past year alone.
   “GWS takes great pride in our accomplishments together with ENERGY STAR,” said Kelly Parker, President of GWS “By working with homebuilders, we are able to ensure that consumers get a comfortable and more durable home that lowers their utility bills while protecting the environment.”
   For more information about GWS, please visit www.gwssi.com
   For more information about ENERGY STAR, please visit www.energystar.gov
Inspector’s Corner
Using Diagnostic Equipment Properly
by Bernardo Lopez, Regional Manager
  Why is it important to know how to use diagnostic equipment properly? Look at it this way - a plumber requires the use of pipe wrenches, copper solder, and other various tools to perform his duties. If the plumber doesn’t know how to use the required tools then he is not qualified to be a plumber. Every trade has their own tools and certification requirements to ensure the operators are knowledgeable. Let’s take a closer look at the energy efficiency trade and the diagnostic tools required in the field.
  
What type of tools and equipment do we use in the energy field for diagnostic purposes? Following is a list of examples:

• Blower door
• Magnehelic gauge
• Manometer gauge
• Balometer
• Infrared camera
• HOBO sensors
• Low E detectors

This is just a brief list of some of the tools used in residential homes, but we use others depending on what type of diagnostic test we are performing. Guaranteed Watt Saver employees go through a rigorous training program to learn the proper use of every tool available. An understanding of the terminology and appropriate applications for diagnostic tools is essential for getting accurate and meaningful results. My grandfather used to say “You can give a monkey the best tool ever made, but that doesn’t make him the best technician in the world”. When I have questioned some technicians about the use of their tools, they often stumble through an explanation of testing procedure. On various occasions, our inspectors have been questioned by other technicians in the field on the use of tools that they themselves operate. We consistently prove ourselves in the field and continue to learn about new tools as they are developed. You are only as good as your knowledge of the tools.
   Another key consideration for diagnostic equipment is tool calibration. It’s tough to argue with someone possessing physical proof that the manufacturer has checked equipment for proper calibration. If your equipment has not been checked since the manufacturer’s recommended calibration check date, then your test results may be inaccurate. Temperature, moisture or accidental drops can also affect some tools.
   In order to perform the most accurate diagnostic tests, you must understand the proper use of diagnostic equipment. The proper use of equipment also includes calibration checks and knowledge of appropriate procedure. Should you need further information, please contact Guaranteed Watt Saver at 1-888-488-0206.

Announcements:
Presentation on Warranty Claims
and Comfort Complaints
in Dallas on Wednesday, March 29th, 2006 10:00am at the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas. Admission is free, but room is limited, call Samantha at 281-808-4512 for more information or to reserve a seat. We hope to see you there!

Houses That Work in Oklahoma City
EEBA will be holding a Houses That Work Session  in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, April 11th from 9:00am to 4:00pm.Topics covered will include water management, thermal insulation, HVAC design and installation, windows, and indoor air quality. Registration includes a climate specific ‘Builder’s Guide’ (a $45 value) and ‘The Water Management Guide’ (an $18 value), course material and handouts, a resource diectory and lunch and refreshments.

Montgomery Event Center
500 West Main
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405-236-2420

For more information, please visit www.eeba.org

Affordable Comfort 2006 in Austin, TX
The ACI Home Performance Conference of 2006 will be held in Austin, Texas from May 22 - 26 at the Hilton Austin on 4th Street in the heart of downtown.
For more information, please visit www.affordablecomfort.org