Audits alone do not decrease energy usage; energy-saving strategies must actually be applied in order to see results. However, the implementation of these cost-effective opportunities can result in a payback period typically ranging from six months to four years, depending on the savings approaches utilized.

Any existing building is a candidate for an energy audit, especially those that consume excessive energy, are considering building upgrades, or have never before been audited. Audits are recommended every 5-7 years or when a building owner observes an uptick in energy consumption and cannot identify the cause. They range in level of detail and complexity, with an ASHRAE level I audit providing basic information on system age and estimated cost savings, to a level III audit providing investment-grade information on potential building upgrades and their associated energy and cost savings. 

Energy Audit Process

The energy auditing process can be separated into two main steps, shown below:

Walk-Through Analysis

The auditor will interview building owners and occupants, take measurements, perform multiple tests throughout the building, and locate energy-saving opportunities. In total, this process usually takes between two to four hours to complete.

Energy Survey and Analysis

Following the initial appointment, the auditor will provide a full description of problematic energy areas and offer recommendations for improvements, both for the building and its systems, and some based on occupant behaviors.

Building owners should research available financial incentives related to their proposed building improvements.

Auditing Tests and Techniques

A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of a structure. A few of the most popular tests are:

• Blower Door Test: Measures a building’s airtightness, or the amount of air leaks and ‘hot spots’ in the building envelope.
• Infrared Scan or Thermographic Inspection: Special cameras and videos measure and display surface temperatures, which reveal problematic areas of air infiltration and missing insulation.
• Duct Blaster/Air Distribution System Test: Locates leaks within ducts that could cause inefficiencies during forced air heating and cooling and helps identify comfort issues in areas of the building. Duct leakage in homes typically wastes 20% to 40% of heating and/or cooling energy. A duct blaster test can also identify potentially dangerous conditions, such as return duct leaks in attached garages that might introduce CO into the living space.
• Heating System Inspection: Checks and tests efficiency and key safety measures of systems to reduce energy costs and improve safety and performance. Also included is gas leak detection on gas pipes in the building.
• House Ventilation Inspection: Checks indoor and outdoor air exchanges.
• PFT Air Infiltration Measurement Technique: Similar to a blower door test, this records air leaks and hot spots in buildings over time. Unlike the blower door test, however, the PFT (perfluorocarbon tracer gas) technique takes into account atmospheric pressure, weather, wind velocity, and any other activities that would affect air infiltration rates.
• Thorough Examination and Analysis of Past Utility Bills
• Lighting Assessment
• Room-by-Room Examination
• Interview of occupants to ascertain their experiences of living in the home and their patterns of energy use. Occupant comments often help an auditor to pinpoint a problem area and propose a satisfactory resolution.

Benefits of an Energy Audit

Energy Savings

Acknowledging and updating energy inefficiencies on a regular basis reduces a building’s demand for energy. An energy audit also increases the building owner’s knowledge of operating systems and their proper maintenance, which can further decrease energy usage.

Financial Savings

Energy savings and financial savings go hand-in-hand. By identifying and committing to strategies that help reduce energy consumption, a building’s energy costs can be greatly reduced.

Sound Investment

Even though energy audits require an initial fee, attending to hidden energy problems can prevent owners from facing future costs and repairs. Also, a building’s resale value is increased when energy efficiency techniques are adopted, as buyers prefer high-efficiency homes and buildings. According to a study by The Appraisal Institute, for every $1 decrease in annual energy costs, the market value of a home increases by $20.

Increased Occupant Comfort

Indoor environmental quality and overall occupant comfort levels can be raised by simply managing select systems in a building. For example, by upgrading an HVAC system, air flow can be regulated by providing heating and cooling only when necessary. Improved lighting levels can also create a more comfortable atmosphere while reducing energy costs.

Thinking of Doing an Energy Audit?

If you are looking to have an energy audit done on your building, make sure that your chosen energy auditor does infrared camera inspections or contacts other companies to do one. (Note – these are valuable only in certain times of year when the temperature differential between the indoors and outdoors is high. More important than an auditor doing an infrared assessment is choosing one who does a proper diagnostic audit.) Thermographic inspections allow one to see where the heat is in their space and where the heat is escaping. This information can be pivotal to the outcome of your audit.

Below is a list of preparations that building owners should undertake prior to an energy audit:

• Make a list of energy-related problems, including comfort issues, in the building.
• Do not burn wood in a fireplace 48 hours prior to testing.
• Clean the ashes from the fireplace and close the flue damper.
• Close and lock all windows and doors for building envelope testing.
• Collect 12 to 24 months of gas and electric utility bills.

Organizations/ Certifications

For residential properties:

• Building Performance Institute – for existing homes
• Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)– for new homes and Energy Star certification

For commercial properties:

• Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)- – Search for Certified Energy Auditors (CEA) or Certified Energy Managers (CEM) 
• ASHRAE Building Energy Assessment Professional – Search for Credentialed People Here

Resources

Conservation Consultants, Inc. / Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh
Duquesne Light (Online Energy Audit for Duquesne Light Customers)
efficiencyPA