4 Key Benefits of a Facility Energy Audit
Are you looking to improve the energy performance of your organization? A facility energy audit is a great place to start. An energy professional will inspect your facility and provide you with a detailed set of customized energy-saving recommendations. However, an audit's value goes far beyond that. Facility energy audits provide multiple benefits that make them well worth the investment.
1. Lower energy costs. This benefit is the most obvious, but it's important. In your audit report, you'll receive a list of targeted energy-saving recommendations. These can range from simple conservation measures to component or system upgrades. By implementing these recommendations, you can significantly reduce your energy costs.
2. Increased comfort. Common energy-saving recommendations include adding insulation, weatherizing exterior doors and windows and upgrading an HVAC system. While these measures will lower your energy bills, they have the added benefit of creating a more comfortable and productive business environment.
3. Fewer maintenance surpises. An energy audit includes an on-site inspection of your energy-using systems. Your auditor may spot problems — such as compressed air leaks or short cycling HVAC systems — that not only waste energy but can also cause maintenance and repair headaches. By getting out ahead of these issues, you can reduce maintenance costs and equipment downtime.
4. Longer equipment life. Many common energy-saving recommendations — such as lighting controls and variable frequency drives for fan and pump motors — can also reduce wear and tear on equipment over time, which extends equipment life and reduces repair and replacement costs.
Types of energy audits
An audit can range from a simple assessment to a detailed evaluation including diagnostic testing and data tracking. ASHRAE defines three levels of energy audits.
Level 1 walkthrough is the basic starting point for optimizing building energy performance. It consists of an analysis of energy bills and a brief on-site inspection of the facility and its systems. The main objective of a Level 1 assessment is to identify low-cost, energy-saving measures and develop an initial list of more capital-intensive improvements.
Level 2 energy survey and analysis is an in-depth assessment of building energy use and more detailed cost and savings analyses of recommended energy efficiency measures. Energy performance is benchmarked against similar facilities and consumption is broken down by end use, such as lighting and air conditioning. Key staff members are interviewed for their insights into building characteristics and operations.
Level 3 detailed survey and analysis combines Level 1 and 2 procedures with detailed recommendations and financial analysis for major capital-intensive efficiency upgrades. A Level 3 audit may also capture long-term energy use data through data-logging devices or the building's energy management system.
Finding the right level
Which type of energy audit is right for your facility? For smaller facilities with no plans or budget for major energy efficiency investments, a Level 1 audit will identify the best low-cost, energy-saving opportunities that can yield immediate results.
Level 2 and Level 3 assessments are appropriate for larger, more complex facilities with defined energy efficiency goals. Although they're more time-consuming and expensive, these audits provide the in-depth evaluation and financial analysis needed for major equipment upgrades and long-term investments.
Start by benchmarking your energy performance with ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, a no-cost online tool available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Knowing your overall score will help you make a more informed decision about which audit level is appropriate for your facility. It will also give you a baseline measurement from which to track your progress.
There are hundreds more ways you can save energy at work every day. Check out ElectricIdeas.com/WorkTips for video resources, tips and calculators or easy ways to cut your energy costs and pick a few to work into your routine.
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