Have you ever experienced a sharp rise in your energy bills at home or your work place? Many are those who will without a thought throw the whole blame to the utility power companies. Did you know that most of our high power bills are contributed not by how often or how long we use our equipment but by inefficiencies in such equipment? How would you identify such an appliance and take corrective measures? Energy Audit would be your answer. What is an energy audit?
Energy audit also referred to as an energy assessment is a systematic analysis of energy use and consumption within a defined energy audit scope in order to identify, quantify and report on the opportunities for improved energy performance. This evaluation analyses energy flows in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system whilst maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety. Basically, an energy audit seeks to answer the following questions;
- Where and how energy is lost in your home?
- Which systems in your home are performing inefficiently?
- Which cost effective measures can be taken to ensure your home is comfortable, affordable and energy efficient?
1. Investigation phase; This involves collection of relevant data including; Historical energy consumption, tariffs and related energy supply contracts, floor areas, Occupancy hours, sub electrical and gas metering equipment, water pumps and Mechanical equipment configuration, Lighting configuration (i.e. lamp number & fitting type, Wattage, ballast type), condition and controls.
2. Monitoring Phase; The operation of key equipment and appliances is inspected, and measurement of a range of parameters, is undertaken where appropriate, including: Electrical & gas load profiles, Internal temperature/humidity, Ventilation rate, Light levels, etc. Feedback is also obtained from the occupants and maintenance staff on issues concerning home operation and maintenance which could well be impacting on energy efficiency as well as occupant comfort.
3. Analysis and reporting phase; This phase involves determination of overall energy efficiency of the structure, Life cycle cost analysis of various energy saving measures, Tariff analysis, Peak demand management including evaluation of power factor correction, Written and if required, verbal report on findings.
What are the types of Energy Audits? There are major three types of energy audits including;
1. Walk-Through Audit (WTA): as the name suggests, this audit consists of a walk-through inspection of a facility to identify maintenance, operational or deficient equipment issues and also to identify areas that need further evaluation. The results of a Walk-Through Audit include an identification of energy saving opportunities, a qualitative analysis of the implementation of energy saving measures and an estimation of its potential energy saving. The final audit report is usually accompanied by basic comments on a project’s feasibility
2. Energy Diagnosis: this audit includes performing economic calculations and may include using some metering devices to identify actual energy consumption and losses. The results of an Energy Diagnosis include an energy balance (energy uses breakdown) and a list of energy efficiency measures derived from performance or building facility. The results also include financial analysis for each of the identified measures in order to categorize and prioritize the implementation of these measures.
3. Investment Grade Audit (IGA): this audit is a detailed account of energy use, including a quantitative study of the implementation with detailed investments and operational and maintenance costs and an analysis of the investment model. The results of an Investment Grade Audit include the real energy demand and an energy balance. Likewise, the audit suggests a number of energy saving measures, including the calculation of energy savings and the investment needed to carry them out.This audit proposes bundled measures, with a financing plan as well as implementation and savings
Why Do you need an energy audit? Below are benefits you tend to gain by engaging professionals to carry out energy audit;
- Lower energy bills and increased energy savings
- Improved home comfort. Gas leak makes your home uncomfortable but energy audits identifies this and gives a proper solution to these kinds of problems
- Increased home resale value if you intend to put your house in to the market
- Uncovering unseen problems; inefficient equipment are identified which are unseen most of the time
- Protect the environment; energy audits identifies and takes care of greenhouse gases.
