An energy audit is completed at a residential or commercial building to determine its energy efficiency. Simply put, energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same job. The audit will provide you with a complete electricity consumption and energy efficiency assessment.
You can obtain important information regarding your energy usage and Energy Star rating from the audit report. With this information, you can identify and correct any energy usage issues to cut electricity costs. It’s advisable to always undertake an energy audit before implementing a renewable energy system.
An energy audit can help reduce your carbon footprint by pinpointing trouble areas in your home or commercial building that may be wasting energy. And as you know, reducing your energy consumption can help save money on your energy bill.
This guide will further explain what an energy audit is, why it can reduce energy costs, and how it can evaluate your building’s impact on the environment.
Who Conducts an Energy Audit?
A registered energy advisor or energy auditor will conduct a home energy audit or business energy audit. In addition, energy auditors are responsible for completing energy efficiency assessments of commercial and non-commercial buildings.
What Is an Energy Audit Checklist?
Professional energy auditors and those who choose to audit their own homes will use an energy audit checklist. This checklist is a printed report detailing the various aspects of a home or business that need to be audited.
On your energy audit checklist, you will likely find the following categories:
Lighting
Electric motors
Air leakage
Insulation
Water heating
Household or business heating systems
Cooling systems
Electronics
Doors and windows
Habits
Is an Energy Audit Worth Doing?
Yes, energy audits are worth doing. They assess how energy-efficient your home or building is so you know where to make changes. You can save from 5–30% on your energy bills by implementing your auditor’s suggestions. Plus, by making such changes, you can positively impact the environment and reduce your carbon emissions.