The energy use and efficiency of your home or building are thoroughly inspected and analyzed during an energy audit. It pinpoints areas of energy waste and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and performance.
Conducting an energy audit and implementing its recommendations can lead to significant energy savings – typically between 5-30% on your utility bills. With professional energy audit services, you can elevate the efficiency of your property and realize these benefits.
Reasons to Get a Professional Energy Audit
Expert Evaluation
Energy auditors are highly trained professionals certified by the Building Performance Institute. They utilize advanced diagnostic tools like blower doors, infrared cameras, and modeling software to conduct in-depth assessments. Auditors examine all aspects of your home – including the building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, appliances, etc. Their expert evaluation is essential to identify inefficiencies specific to your property.
Prioritized Improvements
Auditors follow established protocols to test and rate every upgrade option. The audit report outlines improvements from highest to lowest savings potential, enabling you to target high-impact areas first. This avoids wasting money on insignificant measures or overlooking significant issues.
Independent Advice
As unbiased third-party advisors, energy auditors provide independent expertise. They prescribe the best solutions for your home or building – not the ones that benefit installers or product manufacturers. This gives you objective counsel to make informed, efficient decisions.
Utility Rebates and Incentives
Many utilities offer rebates and incentives for getting an audit and completing efficiency improvements. Energy auditors help you tap into these savings by providing required documentation and ensuring upgrades meet technical criteria. The incentives can cover 50% or more of project costs.
What Does a Professional Energy Audit Entail?
Initial Consultation
The process begins with the auditor interviewing you to understand your needs, goals, and existing issues. They also gather details on your home, like age, layout, past upgrades, etc., to customize the audit.
Physical Inspection
Next is an exhaustive inspection of the interior and exterior areas. The auditor looks for leaks, drafts, insulation issues, appliance/equipment condition, ventilation, etc. They analyze lighting systems, take measurements, and test airflow. Specialized tools like blower doors and infrared cameras detect hidden heat loss areas.
Diagnostic Testing
Various advanced tests are conducted to assess the safety and performance of your home’s systems. This includes combustion appliance testing for carbon monoxide leaks, duct leakage testing, HVAC performance verification, etc.
Energy Modeling
Your home’s energy use is analyzed by computer simulation. This modeling evaluates how your home’s components interact and impact efficiency. It helps estimate savings from various upgrade options.
Presentation of Findings
The auditor presents their detailed findings once the inspection and diagnostic testing are complete. They discuss where energy waste occurs, how it can be stopped, and the best options for improving efficiency.
How long does an energy audit take?
A thorough residential audit takes 3-5 hours onsite. Commercial audits take 8 hours to a few days, depending on the building size. The inspection duration depends on the age and complexity of your home or facility.
When is the best time to do an energy audit?
Schedule your audit during the warmer months, from spring to fall. This avoids false problems from poor insulation that can occur in winter. Mild weather also allows auditors to do blower door testing.
Does my home need an energy audit?
An audit is recommended if your home is over 10 years old or you experience high energy bills, drafts, temperature fluctuations, humidity, etc. New home buyers will also benefit from an audit to identify any issues.
How much can I save from an energy audit?
By implementing audit recommendations, homeowners save 5-30% on energy costs. Some upgrades, like LED lights, provide immediate savings. More extensive measures like insulation or HVAC upgrades build savings over time.
Key Benefits of Energy Audit Services
Energy Savings
Energy audits produce the most significant savings opportunities. Typical homes realize 5-30% in energy bill reduction. Efficiency measures also boost cost savings for years to come.
Improved Comfort
Sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, and HVAC maintenance enhance air quality and temperature control. This creates more comfortable indoor environments.
Better Durability
Fixing issues like attic insulation deficiencies, wall leakage, etc., improves your home’s structural integrity and durability. Your home will be protected from elements like moisture, pests, etc.
Enhanced Safety
Testing appliances for carbon monoxide, inspecting electrical systems, etc., improves safety. Ventilation fixes reduce mold/mildew risks. Overall, your most valuable asset becomes safer for your family.
Higher Home Value
Efficiency upgrades boost property value. Energy-efficient homes sell faster and at higher prices. For commercial buildings, operating savings benefit the bottom line.
Reduced Emissions
Efficiency measures shrink your carbon footprint. This stems from climate change risks and creates healthier communities. Sustainability benefits align with ESG goals.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Energy Audit Company
- What training and certifications do the auditors have? Look for BPI or RESNET credentials.
- Do they have extensive experience handling residential and commercial projects?
- What testing equipment do they use? Advanced tools like infrared cameras produce better results.
- Do they follow established audit standards and protocols?
- Do they provide energy modeling and calculated savings estimates?
- Do they offer comprehensive reports with prioritized recommendations?
- Can they help access utility rebates and incentives?
- Do they have strong customer references and testimonials?
Conclusion
A professional energy audit services is the first step to boost efficiency and savings. Energy auditors evaluate your home’s or building’s performance expertly. Their testing and analysis identify problem areas and the best solutions. Implementing an auditor’s objective recommendations yields lower energy bills, enhanced comfort, and higher property value. Connect with a reputable energy audit provider to elevate your energy efficiency today.