I do a lot of energy audits on houses. Sometimes I lug in a ton of high tech measuring equipment to measure leakages and air flow, sniff gas lines, use a thermal imaging camera, all in the name of energy efficiency and comfort. So when we showed up for an audit earlier this week at a place of business in Mathews, I knew things would go a little differently than usual. I had no idea what I was in for.
As you can see from the photo, this beautiful structure, still under construction, was a little smaller than what I was used to. I have tested some small houses, but this one takes the cake (pun intended). I was not even sure how to calculate the square footage, because I couldn’t get inside to take a look around. Is there a second floor in this thing or not?
And when it comes to putting a Blower Door on it, I contemplated attempting to make one out of plastic wrap and a hair dryer but then how would I hook it up to my meters? Alas, we decided to go with just a visual walk through (actually walk around) energy audit. The windows are single pane, but the extra caulking he used around the windows seemed to seal up well. I did recommend switching to all LED lighting to cut down on the energy usage, and he assured me that the chimney was just for looks, they were never planning to actually use it, so it too was well sealed. The best part was that their heating bills will be low, they actually heat with the lights.
This is truly the most amazing gingerbread house I have ever seen. The stonework, the windows, the icicles, all looks like the work of someone with years of gingerbread construction experience, however, amazingly this is the first gingerbread house ever made by the Cake Man in Mathews. Not bad for his first try! Of course, this picture does not do it justice, you have to see it for yourself to believe how intricate the work is.
The entire winter scene should be completed and in the shop window for viewing by the 5th so stop by and take a gander at this amazing, energy efficient gingerbread structure. The Cake Man’s shop is in Mathews at 312 Main Street, near where Christie’s Chevrolet used to be. Worth the drive to go and see, and don’t forget to try the scones while you are there, or the cinnamon rolls, or the baklava, or … you get the idea. What a wonderful new Christmas tradition to add to the season, the unveiling of the Cake Man’s gingerbread house.
