FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01
Why is a building energy audit important?
According to the International Energy Agency and Energy Star, 33 to 50 percent of a building's energy loss occurs
through the primary thermal barrier between the interior and exterior of the building, known as the building envelope.
If a building's envelope is failing, it does not matter how efficient its climate control systems are; not only will the
building continue to suffer expensive levels of energy loss but it also can contribute to a host of other interior hazards,
such as mold, which will incur increased operational, maintenance, and health-related costs and will have a negative
environmental impact.
02
Why has QEA received a patent on its process?
There are thousands of drone operators in the U.S. Many of them are good at identifying certain defects in buildings. QEA Tech, whose technology has been brought to the U.S. by Edifice Rex, is the only firm that can provide information regarding the dollar amount of savings that will accrue to the building owner by addressing the defects it identifies, particularly energy defects or leaks.
03
What other problems can be detected?
- Energy loss from various building angles
- Moisture penetration
- Water and moisture leakage
- Insufficient window door seals
- Exterior structural cracks
- Thermal effects of broken, cracked, or leaking pipes
- Failing slabs
- Shifting foundations
- Structural joint issues
- Roof deficiencies
- Solar panel issues
- Inadequate wall insulation
- Post-retrofit concerns
- And much more
04
What kinds of buildings can QEA Tech audit?
QEA Tech has experience auditing office buildings, hotels, educational institutions, hospitals, multi-tenant apartment buildings or condos, industrial buildings and warehouses, manufacturing facilities, historic structures, and almost any other type of building that has three levels or more.
05
What is the process, step by step?
Autonomous remote-controlled robotic drones examine every surface of the building, including the roof.
Scientific thermography shows results down to less than a square inch.
Professional image processing assures accurate reading of drone photography.
QEA Tech's innovative analytic software is patented; no other company gives clients the type of detailed information its software provides, specifically calculating and quantifying the energy loss and envelope deficiencies.
Customized reports provide comprehensive, actionable information to address issues and improve a building's performance.
06
What structures cannot be audited?
Single-family residences, buildings heavily covered in shrubbery, or buildings where a temperature differential between the inside of the building and its exterior make it impractical.
07
What are the sustainability and environmental benefits of a QEA Tech audit?
The spewing of Greenhouse Gases into the environment and wastage of energy from hundreds of thousands of buildings across the U.S. have a significant negative impact on the planet. President Joe Biden acknowledged the problem by saying: "We're going to build an economy that in fact is going...to take four million buildings and make sure that they are weatherized in a way that they'll emit significantly less gas and oil because the heat will not be going out."
08
How much will a building audit cost?
The cost for a complete QEA Tech building audit is based on the external square footage (four external walls and roof). Prices range from $10,000 to $55,000, depending on the size of the building. There are no extra charges; licenses, permits, and security are all included.
09
Are tenants, guests, employees, or others disturbed?
No. The near-silent drone operates only across the exterior of the building and roof. Those inside the building are
usually not even aware of the process...unless they look out a window and see the drone.
10
What time of day is the audit conducted?
There are two operations. The operation for thermography is conducted at night, usually between three hours after
sunset up until sunrise. The 3-D modeling operation usually takes place at noon when there is good sunlight. Exact
time frames are determined by the weather, temperature, and related matters. Often, the operation, which takes only
few hours, is conducted during nighttime hours.
11
Can a QEA Tech audit identify issues for a building with numerous façade windows?
Windows can pose various problems leading to energy loss; QEA's software can detect most issues with windows,
including lost or defective framing insulation, improper frame caulking, improper installation, decaying argon fill within
panes and other issues.
12
How is QEA Tech different from other drone companies?
QEA Tech's patented software helps clients utilize a data-driven approach to energy saving by helping them evaluate
and quantify energy loss through each pixel, set actionable goals for retrofit programs, and minimize Greenhouse Gas
emissions. One of the major differences is in the detailed analysis QEA Tech provides.
13
Is a certain time of the year more suitable than others for the operations?
Ideally, a temperature difference of at least 18 degrees Fahrenheit between the outside of the building and the inside is required.
14
In what format are reports provided?
QEA Tech offers a detailed analysis of a building envelope inspection in two forms, a comprehensive PDF report and a 3-D model that can be accessed online via our client portal. To learn more about the benefits and unique features of 3-D modeling, please visit https://qeatech.com/https-qeatech-com-3dmodelling/.