Energy audits have become increasingly popular over the last decade or so. Not only are home and business owners becoming more environmentally aware of their carbon footprint, but they also are looking for ways to save money.
What is an Energy Audit?
Energy audits are an investigation of how much energy is used in a building. The audit involves measuring the amount of energy that is being consumed, identifying where it is being wasted, and making recommendations for reducing consumption. Energy audits also include an estimate of the long-term financial savings that will result from implementing the recommended changes.
Energy audits are conducted for both residential and commercial buildings. The audits can be as simple as checking the insulation in your attic or as detailed as a forensic analysis of the energy use in a manufacturing plant.
Why Perform an Energy Audit?
Now that we know what an energy audit is, you may be asking yourself "why should I get one?" There are a number of reasons to perform an energy audit, but the main reasons are:
To save money
The average American family spends $2,000 a year on energy bills. By implementing the recommendations from an energy audit, you can save 10-30% on your annual energy bill.
To reduce your carbon footprint
According to the EPA, buildings are responsible for 39% of the United States' total greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing your energy consumption, you can reduce your home and/or building's carbon footprint.
To improve the comfort of your home or office
In many cases, the environment in a building is not conducive to productivity or relaxation. By improving the energy efficiency of your building, you can create a more comfortable and inviting space. This is extremely important for both times spent at home and in the office/work environment.
To increase the value of your home
A home that is energy-efficient and has a low carbon footprint is more desirable to buyers than a home that does not. In some cases, energy-efficient homes have sold for more than the non-energy-efficient homes in the same neighborhood.
To comply with government regulations
The government is increasingly enacting regulations that require businesses to reduce their energy consumption. By conducting an energy audit, you can ensure that your business is in compliance with these regulations.
To qualify for financial incentives
The government offers a number of financial incentives for businesses and homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their buildings. These incentives can help offset the cost of the improvements and make them more affordable.
To make your building or home more marketable
Just as a home that is energy-efficient and has a low carbon footprint is more desirable to buyers, a building that is energy-efficient and has a low carbon footprint is more desirable to tenants, especially if they are the ones responsible for paying utilities.
Types of Energy Audits
There are two main types of energy audits: whole-house/building audits and diagnostics audits.
Whole-house/building audits
A whole-house/building audit is an evaluation of how much energy is used by all of the appliances, lighting, and equipment in your home or building. The auditor will measure the amount of energy used and identify where it is being wasted. The auditor will then make recommendations for reducing energy consumption.
Diagnostic audits
A diagnostic audit is an evaluation of how much energy is used by a specific appliance or piece of equipment. The auditor will measure the amount of energy used and identify where it is being wasted. The auditor will then make recommendations for reducing energy consumption.
Which Type of Energy Audit Is Right for Me?
The type of energy audit that is right for you depends on your needs and what you hope to achieve.
A whole-house/building audit is a good choice if you want an overall assessment of how much energy your home or building consumes and the opportunities for reducing energy consumption.
A diagnostic audit is a good choice if you are interested in focusing on one specific area of your home or building and want to reduce the energy consumption of that area.
How to Conduct an Energy Audit
Now that you know why you should perform an energy audit, let's take a look at how to conduct one.
The first step is to find an auditor. There are a number of companies that offer energy audits, and you can also find do-it-yourself energy audit kits.
Once you have found an auditor or gathered the necessary supplies, the next step is to gather some data. The auditor will need information about your energy use, such as your monthly electric and gas bills. The auditor will also need to know the square footage of your home or building and the type of construction (e.g., single-family home, office building, etc.).
The next step is to conduct the audit. This usually involves taking measurements and readings of your home or building and interviewing you about your energy use. The auditor will then compile the data and create a report with recommendations for reducing energy consumption.
The final step is to implement the recommendations. This may require making some changes to your lifestyle or your home or building, but the benefits of doing so are well worth it.
The Bottom Line
No matter what your reason is for getting an energy audit, the bottom line is that you will save money and energy in the long run. If you are a business owner, you can use the results of your audit to make your business more energy-efficient and reduce your operating costs. If you are a homeowner, you can use the results of your audit to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your utility bills. Either way, you will be doing your part to save energy and protect our environment.
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