Douthit Thermal LLC, originally Northwest Infrared LLC, has been serving the Portland Metro, Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast areas since 2009. With a staff of three Building Performance Institute certified technicians, four installers and four owners, the company became an Energy Trust trade ally contractor in the Existing Homes program shortly after opening its doors. “Signing up with Energy Trust was an easy decision,” said Teresa Douthit, owner. “It was a benefit for our customers, gave our family start-up business credibility and validation with homeowners, and it fit our business plan.” In addition, Douthit Thermal is one of Energy Trust’s 145 Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business certified trade allies providing field and technical experience to help customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses.
The customer service oriented company completes an average of 40-60 Energy Trust projects per year, taking the time to inform clients about the technologies and practices used during Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® assessments. “Our customers love to actually be able to see where their homes are leaking energy. The infrared camera used during an assessment often bridges the gap between building science techniques and an understanding of what is happening at the home in a way that the average homeowner can understand,” said Teresa.
The company also operates as a general contractor providing insulation, heating and cooling, windows and appliance services. “Energy Trust incentives are crucial to helping convince our clients that energy efficiency is not only important, but these energy-efficient retrofits are cost effective and affordable,” Teresa continued.
Continuing its commitment to customer service, Douthit Thermal was presented with an opportunity to help a customer who had fallen on hard times last winter. Employees volunteered their time and the company volunteered materials to insulate and seal the customer’s home at no charge. “While the homeowners were speechless and overwhelmed by the generosity, we were the ones most grateful to be able to give to someone who was in need of our expertise and services,” said Teresa. The company now plans to do this on an annual basis.