Apr

09

2018

How an Energy Audit Works (And Why You Need One)

So What’s the Big Deal?

Every year, new equipment and facility development best practices are updated for more efficient energy usage. Still, it can be difficult for facility management to keep up with every stream or source of energy, when/how those streams are used, and how efficient each of those streams is relative to other facilities. Even if you’re diligent about replacing your equipment on time, you still might be missing out on energy saving opportunities you didn’t see before.

An energy audit service solves this problem. Not only does an audit give you a chance to understand where potential inefficiencies exist, but it will also inform you of decisions that can save your facility thousands in annual costs. Often, those decisions come at little-to-no cost, but can be taken further with more substantial investments.

An audit often pays for itself, it’s just a matter of setting one up in the first place and determining the depth of analysis that is appropriate for your needs.

What Is the Process?

The process of an energy audit is fairly straightforward and occur as follows:

  1. Determine a facility’s average energy consumption over the course of a set period (i.e. analyze energy costs for two years)
  2. Examine individual energy streams and how each of those streams contributes to usage/cost
  3. Compare facility energy usage against similar facilities
  4. “Easy wins” — no-cost energy efficiency measures (EEMs) that are simple to implement
  5. Look into opportunities for more efficient capital investments

While this sets the general road map for the typical energy audit service, the information you receive will be dependent on the type of audit you think is most appropriate. If you want to be more specific, your energy audit can revolve around a specific system such as lighting or heating (though you might miss other critical energy efficiency measures if you get too targeted). A designated energy auditor will work in tandem with facility staff to ensure the information pulled is accurate and that energy efficiency measures — especially ones staff can implement themselves — are well understood.

What Are The Energy Audit Levels?

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) defines three levels of audits. Depending on the depth of information you need or want, you can select the level that best suits your budget or goals. No matter the route you choose, the end should lead to substantial cost savings.

Here’s a breakdown of the levels:

Level 1: Site Assessment and Basic Walkthrough — This step is as basic as it sounds. While this is just a walkthrough of the facility, an energy auditor can still recommend some quick-win energy efficiency measures and even a few capital investment suggestions. There will still be an assessment of current energy costs.

Level 2: Energy Survey and Engineering Analysis — Like the first step, no-cost or low-cost energy efficiency measures will be presented along with capital investment recommendations (based on your facility and maintenance budget). Not only will you receive a baseline look at energy usage, but you will have a more accurate picture of what energy streams are contributing most to your costs.

Level 3: Detailed Analysis of Capital Intensive Modifications Audits — If you’re serious about investing in new capital equipment to improve energy efficiency, the level 3 audit is highly recommended. You will receive all the benefits of the previous audits, but you will also be privy to continuous data monitoring/collection and an engineering analysis. This audit is best for larger facilities with well-established maintenance budgets that need the most accurate information possible before pursuing significant capital investments.

If you want a more in-depth analysis of what an energy audit entails, we highly recommend looking at this guide provided by the Department of Energy.

How to Schedule an Energy Audit

No matter your facility size or your goals, scheduling an energy audit is a simple process. You can contact TDIndustries directly or leave us your information in the link below. Once you’ve submitted your audit request, a TD representative will get back to you within two business days.

An energy audit almost always guarantees a cost savings, but we can help you determine which level is best based on your facility profile. We’re happy to help answer any additional questions.

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