As a professional in energy auditing and weatherization it’s important to understand building science. When I worked as a general home inspector I was very familiar with house systems and components. However, I didn’t necessarily have the energy piece fully tied in. In a general home inspection it’s not about energy efficiency, but rather component deficiency. Welcome in science to help explain the relationship. I find analyzing a house much more intriguing with this knowledge.
When most people think of a home, they picture four walls, a roof, and a place to crash. But behind that comfort is a complex system—one that breathes, reacts, and consumes energy 24/7. That’s where building science comes in.
Building science is the study of how a home’s systems—like insulation, air flow, heating, and cooling—work together. Think of your house as a living, breathing body. When one part’s off, it affects the whole system.
So how does this relate to energy?
A lot. Your home constantly interacts with the outside world. In the winter, it tries to keep heat in. In the summer, it fights to keep it out. If the insulation is poor or there are air leaks, your heating and cooling systems work overtime. That means more energy use—and a higher utility bill.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key parts:
Air Sealing: Cracks and gaps let conditioned air escape, like leaving a window cracked all year.
Insulation: Keeps your heat where it belongs—in the winter, that’s inside.
Ventilation: Brings in fresh air without losing too much heat or cooling.
Windows & Doors: Big impact zones for comfort and energy loss.
Heating/Cooling Systems: Largest energy load on a house. Efficiency and safety is crucial.
A well-designed home balances all these parts so it uses less energy to stay comfortable. That’s the power of building science—it turns your home into a high-performing, efficient machine.
And in the long run…lower energy bills, fewer drafts, and a healthier indoor environment.
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