How to do Energy Audit - Phase 1

Before going for a solar energy solution, it is important to perform an energy audit. It can be defined as an analysis of energy flows, for energy conservation in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output(s).

The first is to identify options to reduce energy expense and carbon footprints by energy audit in residential, commercial and industrial real estate. An energy audit can identify the areas of energy waste in your home so you can make repairs and upgrades as needed.

Professional home energy assessors use specialized equipment and infrared cameras to analyze the energy usage in home, but you can still perform some energy auditing steps without requiring a lot of equipment. To do your own energy audit, there are three phases:

First Phase: Inspecting Heating and Cooling Systems

Your electricity bill can be reduced significantly by improving your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. Following steps will help you to identify possible problems:

• Checking appliances: Check your cooling appliances or air conditioning system annually for any problem. If your system is more than fifteen years old, an upgrade to a newer energy-efficient system can reduce your energy costs significantly.
• Inspect windows and doors: Inspect air leaks around windows and doors. Small gaps allow warm or cold air in from the outdoors, forcing your air conditioner or heater to use more energy.
• Inspect your ducts: If you use central air, check for any air leaks in duct seams and joints. Dirt streaks around ducting can show air leaks, which can be sealed up with professional-grade duct tape.
• Checking hot water usage: Calculate how much hot water you use on a daily basis and minimize your usage as much as you can. Low-flow shower-heads help and water-saving habits like running only full loads through washing machines and dishwashers can also reduce energy use.

Also read - How to build a solar power plant