An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows in a building, process or system with the objective of understanding the energy dynamics of the system under study. Typically, an energy audit is conducted to seek opportunities to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output(s). When the object of study is an occupied building then reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy audit seeks to prioritize the energy uses according to the greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings.
A home or business energy audit is the first step in making your home, office, business, or institution more efficient. An audit can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. When a home owner gets an energy audit in their residence, they are immediately aware of areas in their home that are wasting energy. They are also educated on how to reduce, modify, or replace trouble areas. Here is a short list of how an energy audit helps homeowners.
How To Read Energy Bills - You can finally show home owners how to understand what they are being charged for and educate them on how to see their cost savings in action every month as they start living more energy efficiently.
Indoor & Outdoor Lighting - They understand bulb wattage and finally understand the costs and benefits associated with changing out their old light bulbs for the new “curly” CFL light bulbs.
Vampire Power - They learn how their home electronics & major appliances are robbing them of energy and how it adds up on their bill every month.
Water Conservation - They understand the benefits of “Low Flow” shower heads, reducing their water heater temperature and lots more.
Heating & Cooling System Savings - They understand what changes can easily be made and how to calculate payback to determine when a major upgrade will start saving them money.
The primary purpose of a business energy audit or commercial energy audit is to evaluate the energy consumption of commercial facilities or small business locations and make recommendations to eliminate wasted energy and lower monthly energy costs. In most corporate settings, upgrades to a facility's energy infrastructure must compete for capital funding with non-energy-related investments. Increased energy costs and new tax credits from cities and the federal government are enabling small business owners to affordably update their commercial facilities and reduce their monthly energy costs. The Comprehensive Commercial Energy Audit training program focuses on lighting changes, major energy consuming systems, and water usage as these are the easiest areas for business owners to upgrade and provide the fastest return on their energy efficiency spending. The average savings shown from an Energy Audit is approximately 30%. There are over 5 million small businesses in the US that are currently in need of an energy audit.
For more details go to
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/
