Beatrice Lang
An electricity audit is an analysis of electricity usage and a calculation of how much electricity is being used in a home or building and where that electricity is going. It can help identify waste and inefficiencies, allowing consumers to reduce energy consumption and save money. There are different types of electricity audits, from simple calculations of appliance energy usage to professional home energy assessments conducted by certified auditors using specialized equipment. These audits can also provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. In the case of businesses, energy audits can identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction through initiatives like optimized lighting and incentives for driving electric vehicles. Electrical safety audits are also important to ensure that homes and businesses are operating safely, reducing the risk of electrical hazards such as shocks and arc flashes. Overall, electricity audits play a crucial role in helping consumers and businesses optimize their energy usage, save money, and create a more sustainable future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objective | To calculate how much electricity is being used and where it is being used |
| Method | Audit procedures, analysis of building and utility data, study of installed equipment, analysis of energy bills, blower door test, thermographic scan, PFT air infiltration measurement technique |
| Outcome | Results of the audit, list of suggestions to reduce energy consumption, action plan, short-term and long-term improvements, company goals |
| Benefits | Identify waste and inefficiencies, reduce costs, improve health and safety, meet sustainability goals, create a culture shift, improve employee satisfaction |
| Who performs the audit | Qualified home energy auditor, certified by one of the Qualified Certification Programs |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric company audits can be conducted by a professional energy auditor or by yourself
- Auditors use tools such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and furnace efficiency meters
- Audits can be performed on residential, commercial, or non-residential buildings
- They help identify energy waste and inefficiencies, such as air leakage and drafts
- The final report includes an action plan with short-term and long-term recommendations
Electric company audits can be conducted by a professional energy auditor or by yourself
Professional Energy Audits
Professional energy auditors are certified individuals who can perform energy assessment work. They can be found through your state or local government energy or weatherization office, or your energy utility company. A professional energy audit will involve a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills. The auditor may use equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, furnace efficiency meters, and surface thermometers to detect sources of energy loss. The final report will include an action plan with short-term and long-term opportunities to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort.
Self-Conducted Energy Audits
You can also conduct a basic energy audit yourself with a calculator to find out how much energy each appliance and activity is using. This can help you identify where your money is going and if there are any simple ways to reduce your energy consumption. For example, you could start by reviewing your utility bills and assessing your building specifications to identify areas of improvement.
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Auditors use tools such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and furnace efficiency meters
An electric company audit is a process of evaluating a building's energy usage and identifying opportunities to reduce energy use. Auditors use a variety of tools to measure the energy efficiency of a building and detect sources of energy loss.
One such tool is a blower door, which is a powerful fan placed in an exterior doorway, with a temporary covering over the rest of the doorway. The fan creates a pressure difference, usually negative, from the inside to the outside of the structure. This pressure difference exaggerates any air leaks, allowing auditors to measure the overall air exchange rate or air tightness of the structure. When used with thermal imagers or infrared cameras, blower doors further aid in detecting air leaks as the temperature difference is exaggerated, making it easier for the camera to identify the source of the leak.
Infrared cameras, or thermal imaging cameras, are another important tool used by auditors. These cameras detect heat signatures, allowing auditors to identify areas of energy loss, insufficient insulation, and moisture damage. By viewing the thermal images, auditors can determine if insulation is needed and where it should be placed. Infrared cameras can also be used to inspect electrical systems, detect abnormal connections or components, and identify mechanical friction.
Furnace efficiency meters are also used during audits to measure the efficiency of heating and hot water systems. By testing the performance of these systems, auditors can identify areas where energy is being wasted and recommend improvements to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
These tools, along with others such as surface thermometers and combustion analyzers, help auditors accurately evaluate a building's energy usage and provide recommendations to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
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Audits can be performed on residential, commercial, or non-residential buildings
An electricity audit is an analysis of electricity usage and can be performed on residential, commercial, or non-residential buildings. It helps identify areas of waste and inefficiency, enabling corrective measures to be taken to reduce energy consumption and costs.
For residential buildings, audits can be performed by certified professionals who assess energy usage and identify areas of improvement. This may include detecting sources of energy loss with equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and furnace efficiency meters. Auditors may also provide suggestions to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort, such as air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing.
Commercial and industrial real estate audits focus on identifying opportunities to reduce energy expenses and carbon footprints. These audits involve understanding building behaviour, interactions with weather and occupancy schedules, and selecting appropriate energy conservation measures.
Non-residential (tertiary) buildings also undergo audits to identify efficient and cost-effective Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) or Measures (ECMs). This includes analysing building and utility data, studying installed equipment, and understanding customer concerns.
Additionally, electrical safety audits are crucial for both homes and businesses to ensure a safe operating environment, mitigating risks associated with electrical faults, shocks, and arc flashes.
Overall, audits provide valuable insights to optimise energy usage, enhance safety, and reduce costs for different types of buildings.
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They help identify energy waste and inefficiencies, such as air leakage and drafts
Energy audits are a great way to identify energy waste and inefficiencies in a building. They are an important step towards reducing energy expenses and carbon footprints. A professional energy auditor will conduct a thorough inspection of your home or building, examining each room and studying past utility bills to understand energy usage patterns.
One of the key areas they focus on is air leakage and drafts. Air leakage can occur through windows, doors, or even small gaps in the building envelope, leading to significant energy loss and increased utility costs. To detect these issues, auditors use specialized equipment such as blower doors, which help identify air leakage paths and the overall airtightness of the building. They may also recommend whole-home air sealing to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency.
Infrared cameras are another valuable tool used by auditors to identify drafts and air leaks. These cameras can detect temperature differences, helping to pinpoint areas where cold air is entering the building or where warm air is escaping. This information is crucial for targeted insulation improvements, such as adding insulation to attics, foundations, or exterior walls, ultimately reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
Additionally, auditors may suggest optimizing ventilation systems and implementing controls, such as smart thermostats, to balance indoor air quality with energy efficiency. They might also recommend sealing and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces to prevent energy loss and ensure the efficient distribution of conditioned air.
By addressing air leakage and drafts through the recommendations provided by energy auditors, you can significantly reduce energy waste, lower utility costs, and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living or working environment.
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The final report includes an action plan with short-term and long-term recommendations
An electricity audit is an analysis of electricity usage in a building or residence, which can help identify areas of waste. This can be done by a professional or by the occupant themselves. A professional energy auditor will conduct a room-by-room examination, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills. They may also use equipment such as infrared cameras, furnace efficiency meters, and surface thermometers to detect sources of energy loss.
The final report of an electricity audit should include an action plan with short-term and long-term recommendations. Short-term recommendations are those that are quick wins or low-hanging fruit, such as asking employees to turn off lights at night or when a room is unoccupied. Long-term recommendations may include budgeted improvements such as implementing integrated building management systems or increasing operations during off-peak hours.
The report should also include a list of potential future problems and testing programs that can impact energy operations. For example, an audit may recommend sealing air leaks, adding insulation to attics or foundations, and repairing or removing sources of internal moisture to improve air quality.
In addition to the environmental benefits of reducing energy waste, implementing the recommendations from an electricity audit can also lead to significant cost savings on utility bills and improve employee satisfaction and corporate culture. For businesses, reducing energy consumption can also reduce the risks associated with energy shortages and price fluctuations.
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Frequently asked questions
An electricity audit is an analysis of electricity usage in a building or residence. It helps identify where electricity is being wasted and how to reduce energy consumption.
There are four levels of electricity audits: Level 0 – Benchmarking, Level I – Walk-through audit, Level II – Detailed/General energy audit, and Level III – Investment-Grade audit.
An electricity audit consists of a room-by-room examination of the residence, a study of installed equipment, an analysis of energy bills, and a blower door test to detect sources of energy loss.
The purpose of an electricity audit is to identify opportunities to reduce energy expenses and carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the safety of individuals and businesses by reducing exposure to electrical hazards.
You can contact your local electric utility company or a professional energy auditor to conduct an electricity audit of your home or building. It is recommended to hire a certified energy auditor to ensure a skilled and qualified assessment.
