Energy audits are primarily used in commercial, industrial, and multi-unit properties. The purpose of an energy audit is the evaluate how the space is using energy and determine areas where the energy usage could be improved. Energy audits are a worthwhile and extremely helpful tool for property owners. Of course, they’re only helpful when they’re done right! Check out these common energy audit problems that you need to be on the lookout for.
Unrealistic Energy Savings Estimates
Energy audits frequently give property owners unrealistic expectations regarding potential energy savings. While it’s important to get an idea of how much energy you could save by making certain changes, overestimating the savings is harmful. If you’re expecting to save X amount of dollars for making the recommended energy savings but only end up saving a quarter of that estimate, were the changes really worth it? Energy audits should only be done using reputable sources for energy-saving calculations.
Incorrect Installation Cost Estimates
During an energy audit, you should receive a cost estimate for the installation of the recommended energy-saving changes. An incorrect installation estimate will make it impossible to budget for your upcoming energy-saving projects properly. The best way to ensure you’re getting a correct installation cost estimate is to get an energy audit performed by someone with years of industry experience. The more experienced, the easier it is to estimate what a specific project will cost since the energy auditor can use previous similar projects as a reference point.
Poor Explanations
A good energy audit will have each aspect of the inspection clearly broken down with a detailed description of energy usage and ways you could save, if applicable. An energy audit lacking detailed descriptions will be more confusing than helpful. Anything in the building that’s using energy should be included in the final audit descriptions.
Missed Energy Savings
By far the most common energy audit mistake is missed energy savings. An energy audit needs to be a comprehensive compilation of all potential areas of energy savings. This ranges from HVAC updates to lighting updates and so much more! When you have a complete list of the potential ways you could save, you can accurately decide where to invest your money. An energy audit that’s missing an area of potential savings is asking you to make a budgetary decision without all the necessary information.
If you’re in need of a reputable and experienced company for an energy audit on your property, contact Cape Cod Energy Solutions today! Our team has been educated on the common mistakes made during energy audits, combined with years of hands-on training, so you can rest easy knowing none of these mistakes will occur during your energy audit.
