Many businesses are flying blind when it comes to their energy expenditure. They let the power they pay for each month drain into outdated equipment and faulty HVAC systems that they don’t even know are a problem. Don’t want to be that business? Then you’ll want to get an energy audit.
Let’s take a look at what an energy audit for a business is, why you should get one, and what it will look like on the day of.
What is an energy audit?
An energy audit is a thorough examination of a building's energy use, with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower costs. This process involves a professional visiting your business to evaluate how your energy is being used and where power is being wasted, and identify measures to enhance overall energy performance.
Imagine an energy audit as a detailed health check-up for your building. Just as a doctor assesses various aspects of a patient's health, an energy auditor evaluates different components of a building's energy use. The auditor examines the building's systems, including lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as insulation, appliances, and even the behaviors of employees.
Energy audits are sometimes tailored to focus on specific systems or areas within a company, such as lighting, HVAC, or operational process audits. However, for general energy audits, there are three main types, or levels, each varying in depth and detail:
- Level 1: Walk-through analysis: A Level I walk-through analysis focuses on identifying low- and no-cost energy conservation measures. The auditor pinpoints obvious areas where energy is being wasted and provides a list of simple, cost-effective improvements that can be made immediately, as well as some higher-cost options for further consideration.
- Level II: Energy survey and analysis: A Level II audit involves a thorough examination of your building’s energy usage with data collection and analysis. The auditor will provide a list of energy-saving measures, complete with cost estimates and potential savings, as well as changes in operations and maintenance procedures to enhance energy performance.
- Level III: Analysis of capital-intensive modifications: As the most comprehensive audit, an auditor will provide in-depth information on the financial and operational impacts of major energy-saving projects, such as extensive HVAC upgrades or building envelope improvements that require significant capital investment. This audit is typically used to support funding applications or secure financing for large-scale energy efficiency projects.
Why get an energy audit for my business?
An audit uncovers inefficiencies and suggests measures to optimize energy use. Getting an energy audit for your business can:
- Save money. Implementing an energy auditor’s recommendations can bring substantial cost savings by identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. If you’re lucky, your auditor might also uncover financial incentives, rebates, and tax credits available for businesses that implement energy-efficient upgrades.
- Improve productivity and performance. Implementing an audit’s recommendations can also improve the performance and longevity of your equipment by helping you clean up your power and make it as efficient as possible.
- Ensure compliance with regulations. Many industries have strict expectations for a business’s operations, especially in regards to power, productivity, and emissions. Having a professional energy audit ensures you’re operating within regulations.
- Deliver on green initiatives. Beyond financial benefits, energy audits can also identify ways you can lower greenhouse gas emissions and decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Step-by-step guide to commercial energy audits
Ready to get an energy audit of your business? Here is a step-by-step guide to show you what to expect:
- Contract a professional energy auditor
You can source a professional auditor through your utility company, a private energy consulting firm, or a state energy office. It's important to choose an experienced auditor with a proven track record in conducting energy audits for businesses similar to yours; you might consider asking other businesses in your industry for recommendations.
- Prepare for the audit
Request a checklist from the auditor to understand what information and materials they will need. Try to familiarize yourself with your facilities and respond to any requests for information from the auditor. Provide building schematics, detailed layouts, and at least 12 months of utility data to give the auditor a comprehensive view of your energy usage.
- Meet the auditor for the visit
On the day of the audit, be available to meet the auditor and accompany them during their inspection of your facilities. This is your opportunity to answer any questions they may have and provide additional insights into your operations that might impact energy use. Then, let the auditor do their work.
4. Receive the audit data
After the audit, you will receive a detailed report with tailored recommendations for reducing energy consumption. These recommendations might include upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LEDs, improving insulation, optimizing HVAC systems, or implementing energy management practices. Review these recommendations carefully and decide which measures fit within your budget and operational constraints.
Get energy data yourself
An energy audit is a one-and-done deal—but most companies are using smart meters to get live, 24/7 data on their company’s energy usage. Smart meters like Electripure’s CleanPQ are essentially performing an energy audit around the clock to show you where your energy is being wasted and alerts you when equipment goes down.
Electripure’s experts will come out to your facility and give you an inspection for free. Contact us today and we can help you get more out of the power you pay for!