Homes and businesses require some form of electricity and usage varies depending on the needs of the business or household. Energy bills are the downside of energy usage and something no one looks forward to getting. If you think your energy bills are too high and you feel you have cut back on your usage a residential or commercial energy audit Wichita KS could help you find more ways to save. The following will cover basic information about these audits and the elements of an energy audit.
Basic Energy Audit Information
What is an energy audit?
The popular definition of the word audit is a formal, comprehensive, and careful examination and review of something. When it comes to energy usage, an energy audit is the careful and complete examination and review of energy consumption.
Who has energy audits performed?
While it is more common in the commercial arena to have formal energy audits, residential customers may also have independent audits done for their own information.
The Elements of Home Energy Audits
- Residential – The main purpose of a residential energy audit is to inform the property owner of ways to conserve energy and save money on energy costs. A walk-through evaluation is done and documented in the initial stage of the process.
- Heating and cooling – The residential heating and cooling system is checked and assessed.
- Air leaks – A formal energy auditor will perform leak detection around the windows, doors, vents, foundation, attic, and anywhere air can get in or out.
- Insulation – The dwellings insulation is assessed for its r-value and condition. Higher r-value insulation provides better protection.
- Lighting – Your home lighting will be checked and energy efficient solutions will be recommended.
- Appliances – Dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators have to be assessed for the auditor to understand your energy usage for these machines.
These are the basic things to expect from an energy audit of your home. The benefits of this kind of audit include knowing what you can do to conserve energy and save money on your bills. It is worth the money to have this done knowing that this service will pay for itself over the course of a few months. The savings often outweigh costs of energy audits. NorthStar Comfort Services is a company that provides quality energy audits, air sealing, window tinting, and other services that help you lower energy consumption and save money.
