Energy auditing initially became popular in response to energy crisis of 1973. However, as our understanding of the human impact on global warming and climate change increases, interest in such audits has correspondingly increased, as it helps us improve our living environment to be as energy efficient as possible.
Energy efficiency seems like an obvious goal. But when we look at the many ways in which energy is part of our processes, and consider the costs versus benefits of getting more value from every euro spent on energy, we realize how complex the pursuit of energy efficiency becomes.
SO, WHAT IS AN ENERGY AUDIT?
Energy audit — is the survey, study and analysis of energy flows in a residential or non-residential building with the purpose of promulgating a range of energy saving and energy efficiency opportunities. This allows an action plan to be drawn up based on previous research, which proposes measures to improve the situation so that energy consumption is lower and more efficient. Improving and saving energy consumption has a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on cost savings.
Generally, an energy audit can be carried out wherever there is a high energy consumption and you want to reduce that consumption to save both energy and money.
HOW TO CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT?
From there, the rest of the audit falls on the auditor, who will follow certain steps and stages, which are presented below:
WHAT IS MEASURED IN AN ENERGY AUDIT?
- Energy consumption - By analyzing energy bills and meter data, a comparison is made between actual data and optimal data.
- Grid analysis - Analyzes the amount of reactive energy that is not used for consumption.
- Insulation - Enclosures, thermal bridges, openings and all possible scenarios in which energy losses can occur.
- Lighting - An inventory of all existing lighting elements is carried out in order to find out what energy is consumed.
- Air conditioning and domestic hot water - Existing generating elements and distribution systems are analyzed to optimize the system.
- Monitoring and management - Devices used to monitor consumption are tested for functionality.
- Equipment - Inventory of all electrical equipment (air conditioners, ventilation, boilers, pumps, etc.…) to obtain information on current consumption.
