Ever wondered what a free energy audit actually looks like?
Small insights can lead to big efficiency wins. Let’s get your efficiency audit scheduled!
What's Included in an Energy Audit from Ampica?
An energy audit, often referred to as a “walk-through” or “screening” audit, is the most basic and introductory assessment of a building’s energy consumption. This audit is designed to quickly identify obvious areas of energy inefficiency and provide a starting point for further energy optimization efforts.
What Does an Energy Audit Involve?
- Walk-Through Assessment: Auditors conduct a physical walk-through of the facility to observe building systems, equipment, and operations. The goal is to spot glaring inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
- Review of Utility Bills and Operating Data: The audit includes an analysis of recent utility bills (typically for the past three years) and other relevant operating data to understand how and when energy is used within the building.
- Interviews with Operations Staff: Key facility personnel are interviewed to gain insights into building operations, maintenance practices, and any known issues or concerns.
- Preliminary Benchmarking: The audit establishes a baseline for the building’s energy use, often comparing it to similar facilities to gauge relative performance.
- Identification of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs): The audit highlights low-cost or no-cost energy-saving opportunities, such as lighting upgrades, HVAC optimization, improved insulation, or better operational controls.
- Brief Report with Recommendations: Findings are summarized in a concise report that outlines immediate efficiency opportunities, potential savings, and whether a more detailed (Level 2 or 3) audit is warranted.
What Is Looked At During an Energy Audit?
- Building envelope (windows, doors, insulation)
- Lighting systems and controls
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Electrical systems and major equipment
- Operational schedules and occupancy patterns
- Utility consumption patterns and peak demand periods
- Maintenance practices and staff insights
Purpose and Benefits
- Quickly identifies obvious energy waste and low-hanging fruit for savings
- Establishes a baseline for future improvements
- Helps prioritize next steps, such as more detailed audits or targeted upgrades
- Provides a roadmap for potential cost-saving measures and sustainability efforts
