Energy Audit Overview
An energy audit is an inspection and analysis of energy use in a building to identify opportunities to reduce energy expense. It is the first step in improving energy efficiency. Professional auditors use tools like flue gas analyzers and scanners. The audit has three parts – evaluation, testing, and recommendations. Evaluation includes past energy bills and the building’s physical characteristics. Testing further investigates the building systems. An investment-grade audit comprehensively evaluates performance and includes analysis of savings opportunities and financing options. A retro-commissioning audit improves existing systems. These audits help set targets for optimum energy consumption per product. The methodology involves ten steps like initial site visits and data gathering. Sophisticated tools enable precise measurements and simulations for accurate reports on improvement areas. Homeowners can do audits themselves or hire professionals. The latter saves time and ensures quality reports. The purpose is identifying specific savings opportunities through systematic analysis of all major energy-consuming equipment and operations. Utility bills for 12-36 months supplement testing data.
Primary vs. Detailed Energy Audit
What is the difference between primary and detailed energy audit?
Key Elements of an Energy Audit
An energy audit inspects energy use to reduce costs. It identifies savings opportunities. The first step evaluates past bills and building characteristics. Further testing investigates the systems. An investment-grade audit evaluates performance. A retro-commissioning audit improves systems. Audits set targets for optimum consumption. The methodology has ten steps like visits and gathering data. Tools enable measurements and simulations for reports. Homeowners can self-audit or hire professionals to ensure quality reports. The purpose identifies opportunities through analysis of major energy-consuming equipment. Utility bills supplement data.