Energy audits are evaluations of energy consumption in buildings, industrial facilities, and other systems. There are several types of energy audits, each with a specific focus and level of detail.
- Walk-through audit: This is a preliminary assessment of energy consumption in a facility. It involves a visual inspection of the building and its systems, as well as a review of energy bills and usage patterns.
- Limited scope audit: This type of audit is more detailed than a walk-through audit, but less comprehensive than a full-scale audit. It typically focuses on specific systems or areas of a facility, such as lighting or HVAC systems.
- Full-scale audit: This is the most comprehensive type of energy audit. It involves a thorough examination of all systems and building components, as well as a review of energy bills and usage patterns. The audit team will also gather data on energy consumption and usage patterns, and use that data to make recommendations for energy-saving improvements.
- Advanced energy audit: This type of audit goes beyond a standard energy audit, to include detailed analysis of energy systems and assessment of the energy-saving potential of emerging technologies.
- Energy Management System Audits: This type of audit is focused on evaluating the performance of an energy management system, including the energy data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
- Building Automation System Audits: This type of audit is focused on evaluating the performance of building automation systems, including the functionality and accuracy of the controls, sensors, and actuators that are used to regulate HVAC, lighting, and other building systems.
- Measurement and Verification Audits: This type of audit is focused on evaluating the accuracy of energy consumption measurements and verifying the savings achieved by energy efficiency measures.
Depending on the size, complexity and the focus of the audit, the cost and duration of the audit will vary. Energy audits can provide valuable information on ways to reduce energy consumption and costs, and can help organizations make informed decisions about energy-saving investments.