Renovations can introduce energy inefficiencies, structural imbalances, or moisture issues if the home’s thermal and air management systems are not evaluated beforehand. A home performance assessment reveals how insulation, air sealing, and ventilation are currently functioning, allowing upgrades to be aligned with building science principles. Skipping this step may lead to poor indoor comfort, higher utility costs, and avoidable rework.
This assessment identifies inefficiencies through diagnostic tools such as blower door tests and infrared thermography. It informs insulation needs and validates whether current systems meet performance standards for regional climate conditions. South Chicago Insulation relies on building diagnostics expertise, field-calibrated testing, and real-time performance data to guide renovation planning and insulation upgrades across Chicagoland properties.
A performance assessment maps the actual behavior of a building’s thermal envelope and mechanical systems. This includes areas of uncontrolled airflow, thermal bridging, and moisture migration. Understanding these interactions is essential before modifying or opening up parts of the building.
| Assessment Focus | What It Measures | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Air Leakage | Uncontrolled air movement | Increases heating/cooling loads |
| Insulation Condition | Depth, density, coverage | Reveals voids, compression, or settling |
| Duct Performance | Leakage, pressure balancing | Affects airflow, comfort, and energy use |
| Moisture Risk Zones | Infrared scan and RH levels | Prevents mold, rot, and insulation failure |
| Ventilation Efficiency | Flow rate and exhaust efficiency | Affects IAQ and moisture control |
| System Compatibility | HVAC sizing vs. envelope efficiency | Aligns mechanical loads with insulation quality |
Renovating without evaluating thermal and airflow behavior often leads to mismatched materials, inefficient upgrades, or indoor discomfort. Proper sequencing prevents oversights like adding HVAC capacity without addressing envelope leaks.
Cold winters and humid summers demand precision in insulation and moisture control. For example, over-ventilating in winter may cause heat loss, while improper roof insulation in summer can lead to condensation buildup. A performance assessment helps prevent both scenarios.
Always assess roof assembly ventilation before installing new attic insulation. Trapped moisture often appears only after modifications and may not be visible during initial walk-throughs.
| Feature | Without Assessment | With Performance Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Consistency | Varies by room | Balanced across rooms |
| HVAC System Matching | Often oversized or undersized | Correctly matched to real needs |
| Energy Use | Unpredictable, typically higher | Optimized based on actual conditions |
| Moisture & Mold Prevention | Reactive detection | Proactive mitigation |
| Long-Term Cost | Higher due to rework or inefficiency | Reduced via targeted improvements |
| Project Scope Clarity | Based on surface symptoms | Data-backed decisions |
| Parameter | Standard Reference | Optimal Range for Chicagoland |
|---|---|---|
| Blower Door Test (ACH50) | Energy Star New Homes | < 4.0 ACH50 |
| Attic Insulation R-Value | IECC Climate Zone 5 | R-49 to R-60 |
| Wall Insulation R-Value | IECC Climate Zone 5 | R-20 to R-25 |
| Relative Humidity | ASHRAE 62.2 | 30% – 50% |
| Duct Leakage | Manual D & RESNET | < 10% of total system airflow |
Request a full report with thermal images, airflow diagrams, and prioritized recommendations—not just raw test numbers. This makes results actionable for your contractor.
South Chicago Insulation provides several services that tie directly into pre-renovation assessments:
Typical single-family assessments take 2 to 3 hours, including blower door setup, inspection, and reporting.
No. Occupants can remain in the home, though some equipment creates temporary airflow disruptions.
No. The goal is to provide data so decisions can be timed with renovation plans.
Yes. The assessment checks duct leakage, airflow balance, and HVAC sizing relative to insulation levels.
Ensure your renovation meets comfort, energy, and durability goals by starting with a performance assessment. This step provides the insight needed to plan upgrades intelligently and avoid expensive oversights.
Contact South Chicago Insulation for support with diagnostic testing and insulation solutions:
Phone: (779) 803-8025 Email: [email protected]
Every 5-10 years or before any major renovation that changes the thermal envelope or HVAC system.
You risk mismatched systems, recurring comfort issues, or damage from undiagnosed moisture or airflow problems.
Yes. Many energy programs accept diagnostic test reports to confirm eligibility for insulation or HVAC incentives.
Yes. When combined with blower door testing, infrared imaging reliably pinpoints gaps and thermal bridging.
Not always. Some insulation firms, including South Chicago Insulation, integrate diagnostics and upgrades.