#energyaudits

Energy Audits and its necessity in modern household

Interest in Energy Audits has increased recently due to a growing understanding of human impact on global warming and climate change. The structures are complex and contain many interactive systems, sometimes in less obvious ways unless people are well trained to understand these changes. Testing and development is to be done properly for the first time by ensuring that both parts of the process are completed by certified professionals.

Energy Audits are done to assess and evaluate the flow of energy in a building for the purpose of understanding the energy-efficient home or study study. Typically energy tests are performed to determine the potential for reducing the amount of energy used in a home or area without adversely affecting the comfort of home or production / output in a business environment. This includes identifying systems and areas of opportunity that will have a significant impact on improving comfort, indoor air quality, durability and reliability, energy saving and the health and safety of residents.

Different types of energy audits

Historical Data Analysis-Utility bills are collected for 1-3 years to evaluate the home or facilities energy consumption history and energy usage profiles. 

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits-A diligent do-it-yourself walk-through keeping a check list of repairs or changes needed to increase home energy efficiency. Sealing cracks and leaks can save 5-30% on heating bills in winter.

Walk-through audits-a brief review of the home or facilities utility bills and other operating data, and a walk-through of the home or business to become familiar with the building operation and identify glaring areas of energy waste or inefficiency.

Professional energy audit by certified energy auditor/energy rater-Many professional energy audits will include a blower door test. Most will also include a thermography scan and will identify all energy conservation measures appropriate for the home or business.

Process of energy audits:

The Evaluation-  

A registered energy auditor will come to your home or business and conduct a walk-through of the inside and outside to determine your energy usage and problem areas.  

While conducting their walk-through, they will analyze specific elements that contribute to your home’s or business’s overall energy efficiency.  

The auditor will analyze the heating and cooling systems, or HVAC system, and your insulation levels, including the basement and exterior attic walls. In addition, they will measure and count how many doors and windows the building has and take external measurements. 

Airtightness And Other Tests-  

The second part of an energy audit involves an airtightness test, also known as a blower door test. During this test, an energy auditor will determine how tight a building’s envelope is by checking for air leakage in a house or business. During an airtightness test, an air sealing procedure is done. The auditor will seal the front door of the building, and they will place a large fan inside.  

The testing fan will pull the interior air outside the building, which will force outside air to come through any cracks or holes. Often, these air leaks are easily felt with your hand, but most auditors will use feathers or incense to accurately determine where the cracks are located.  

In addition to the airtightness test, an energy auditor will assess your business or home’s energy use by conducting a thermographic scan. Moreover, they will use various energy usage equipment items to measure energy consumption, such as infrared cameras, surface thermometers, and furnace efficiency meters.  

Finally, the auditor will analyze past utility bills.

 Recommendations to Improve Energy Efficiency- 

Once your residential or commercial building has been evaluated and testing has been completed, the energy auditor will provide you with a thorough list of recommendations regarding energy efficiency improvements you can undertake. If implemented, most of the recommendations will help you save money on utility bills

Conclusion

Data collection is necessary for assessing the entire system and determining energy consumption requirements.

The cost of a home energy audit varies between 150 and 250 dollars per property.