Energy Audits: Save Money
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows and uses in a building, process, or system with the objective of understanding the energy dynamics of the system under study. Typically an energy audit is conducted to seek opportunities to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output(s). When the object of the study is an occupied building, then reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy audit seeks to prioritize the energy uses according to the greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings.
The Energy Audit Process:
Level One Audit
Think of the first level audit process as a treasure hunt. We examine your home or business energy use to identify what those uses are. We will look at energy uses of individual elements of your building and identify their energy use costs per month. Things like AC compressors, refrigerators, stoves, heaters, lighting and passive uses like your computers, entertainment centers, low voltage systems etc.
We also examine the goals, budgets, benchmarks you would like to achieve and level of investment in your home or business to reduce your energy costs. This initial level one session takes about 90 minutes and the education and information alone will pay you large dividends.
Level Two Audit
This second level of audit examines historical energy use and pinpoints areas of your home or business which would yield the highest potential for energy saving. We compile detailed information on your existing appliances, lighting, equipment, etc. With this information we analyze what changes to your home or business energy use would render the largest and most immediate return on your investment. Given that the intent is not to sell you anything, or make any improvements, this level of information is reliable and unbiased. The cost of this audit varies according to your home or business size and complexity.
Level Three Audit
This level of audit examines you home or business in great detail including the building envelope (exterior shell). This investigation employs state of the art infrared thermal imaging, blower door and duct testing, to examine the infiltration issues which are costing you a lot of money. This process identifies fenestration failures (windows and doors), insulation levels, duct leakage and sealing, interior air quality, and a host of other areas which would provide for more energy efficiency and savings. Analysis reports are prepared to evaluate what investments would render the highest return in savings for the money invested. Usually we find significant reductions in energy costs can be achieved by low cost simple repairs. We will also identify sources and materials available to help you with your repairs and improvements.
Should you decide to make energy savings retrofit improvements to your home or business, we can develop decision models that identify retrofit investments that make the most sense. We can specify and develop scopes for those improvements that insure you are getting the highest return on your investment. We can also assist you in identifying quality reliable companies that can help you with your needs. When those improvements are complete, we can inspect the improvements to insure they were carried out to your level specification and performance. Remember, we work for you!
Finally, should you desire, we can provide complete management and implementation of your energy retrofits, which only require you to sit back and enjoy the savings.
Preparing for an Energy Audit:
Before our energy technician visits your home or business, make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. Have copies or a summary of the yearly energy bills including electric, gas, water etc (Your utility company can provide these for you). Our technician uses this information to establish what to look for during the energy audit. The technician examines the outside of the home or business to determine the size of the building and its features (i.e., wall area, number and size of windows). Our technician will then analyze the buildings energy use.
- Hours building is occupied?
- What is the average thermostat setting for summer and winter?
- How many people live or work here?
- Is every room in use?
Your answers may help uncover some simple ways to reduce your household's energy consumption. Walk through your home of business with our technician as they work and ask questions. We use state of the art equipment to detect sources of energy loss.
Top Ten Reasons to have an Energy Audit:
| When: | Why: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -Before you pay your next utility bill | -To reduce your energy costs | |||
| -Before you buy or sell or lease | -In order to increase value | |||
| -Before installing renewable energy systems | -To make your building more comfortable | |||
| -Before replacing your heating or AC system | -To make informed decisions about any retrofit | |||
| -Before you renovate your home or business | -If you wish to improve the environment and reduce your operating costs | |||
