There are three different types of energy audits. The type that’s best for you will depend on the size of your business and how in-depth you want the energy audit to be.
The three types of energy audits below are for businesses. However, you can also carry out a home energy audit if you want to save money on your domestic energy bills.
Internal energy audits
An internal energy audit involves the business owner conducting the assessment themselves. It’s not quite as in-depth as an assessment from external energy auditors. Still, it’s a great way for small businesses to identify areas of wastage and implement energy efficiency upgrades.
The best way for you to conduct an internal energy audit is to use a checklist. This helps you to identify energy-saving opportunities and to pinpoint issues like inefficient lighting, poor insulation, and air leaks.
You need to make a note of any inefficiencies and then decide which ones will be the easiest to improve. Some of these issues will take a long time to address, but some will be relatively straightforward and quick fixes. Either way, you’ll be able to save energy and reduce your energy costs.
On-site energy audits
On-site energy audits are best for larger businesses where it would be difficult to conduct an assessment yourself. They involve an energy auditor visiting your premises to carry out a full review of your business’s energy consumption. They will then give you a detailed list of recommended energy conservation measures.
The auditor examines things like heating, lighting, manufacturing equipment, and all other systems that use a lot of energy.
Once this detailed energy audit is complete, the auditor will provide you with a plan for improving the energy efficiency of your business. It’s then up to you and your employees to implement this plan.
Phone-based energy audits
A phone-based energy audit is also conducted by an external energy auditor. However, the auditor asks you a number of questions about the energy consumption of your business over the phone rather than visiting your premises. The information you provide is used to create a list of energy-saving measures for your business.
The auditor will also usually price this plan so that you can budget for the changes that need to be made.
If you’re considering switching your business electricity supplier or business gas supplier, then your new provider may conduct free energy audits of your business. This will usually be a phone-based audit. Your new supplier does this to make sure that you choose the right tariff for your energy needs.