And So The Testing Begins, Sort Of …
Sorry You Got Lost :)
If you stumbled your way here, I’m sorry. But, not sorry. You should know I color myself humbled in relation to others in my profession. The thing about building science is there is always a new way to “see” something and always someone else who can “show” you something new to see.
While home performance testing is pretty straight forward, there is guess work involved and it isn’t always a hard science. Additionally, some of the set standards referenced in the industry don’t necessary have a poignant or purposeful origin. Home diagnostic testing becomes even less “hard science” as often you have to look at the system as a whole in order to find the chink in the armor. Yes, there are common and routine causes and known issues. But, each structure can be unique and so needs to be “seen” in a unique, open-minded manner that fits the client’s requested solution(s).
Let’s Have An Example
As an example, indoor air testing has been all the rage in recent years. There are oodles of products available on the marketplace for home owners, as wells as professionals. However, when we get a call for “mold” testing, I feel we have a responsibility to not just sell someone on a test to make money. The truth is, sometimes air testing is relevant and helpful to determine a particular contaminant. The bigger picture, however, is listening to what’s really being asked and then have a conversation regarding spending time reviewing structure systems to determine a deficiency and/or cause. In then end, does it matter knowing what’s in the air specifically for hundreds of dollars (the tests we use cost between $200 and $350 just for the test), or could we do other diagnostic work (that’s fancy speak for using our education, experience, and some shiny tools) and come away with a list for guiding repairs and/or modifications (read — resolution)? All a test will tell you is what you have in the air, and there are no agreed upon standards for concentrations, limits, or significance. And let’s not get into the quandary of knowing lab standards and practices…
Ruminate For Action
In the end, what you may need for your structure — be it commercial, or residential, or hunting cabin, or storm shelter — isn’t necessarily every test in the world thrown at it. Sometimes, the best answer may start with knowing how to ask “why?” Why is this happening? That’s what TNergy Services does for you and that’s where we start. Sometimes, you literally need a blower door test (new homes, e.g.); sometimes a blower door would be silly to perform when what you need is a site assessment to identify system deficiencies causing water (usually always water) related issues. We’re really good listeners. We’re really happy thinkers. We’re pretty good communicators. Give us a ring and let’s see how we can help make your home/business perform and “feel” better.
