Saving Money for Your Business with Energy Audits

Have you been attempting to cut back excess cost recently, but find yourself unable to decrease the dollar amount on your electric bill? If you’ve tried basic energy conservation tactics in your office, but still see no result, it might be time for an energy audit.

Audits stop the excess use of power by thoroughly inspecting a building. When an auditor examines a building, they primarily look for weatherization opportunities: areas where heated or cooled air may be escaping through leaks in door jambs, windows, electrical outlets, or the ductwork of the heating and cooling system. They also examine basements for energy efficiency opportunities.

Overall, an energy audit will increase your energy efficiency, which will, in turn, save you money. When the audit is complete, the auditor will provide you with an energy efficiency kit. This kit will provide the basics to begin necessary repairs and to take the first steps towards energy efficiency as suggested by the auditor. Once the work has been completed, you have the option of sending the invoices to White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC) for a return of 50% on the cost of the work.*

All members of our service area are eligible for an energy audit as long as the structure to be audited is a permanent structure owned by the member.

Conducting an Energy Audit

The auditor will conduct their examination by performing the following inspections:

1. A blower door test will be conducted. This will pressurize the building to locate air leaks.
2. All windows, doors, electrical outlets, switches, recessed lighting, and rim joists will be inspected for air leaks.
3. All air leaks that are found will be recorded so they can be found and sealed later.
4. The heating system filter will be checked to see if it needs to be replaced or cleaned.
5. If the ductwork is accessible, the heating and air conditioning ducts will be inspected for air leaks.
6. The water heater temperature will be checked to see if it is within the recommended range.
7. An AECI provided water heater wrap will be installed on all units.
8. An AECI provided hot water pipe wrap will be applied from the top of the water heater up to 10’, if the pipe is accessible.
9. If the owner gives permission, a low flow shower head will be installed.
10. An inspection of the attic and wall installation will take place to determine if additional insulation is necessary.
11. The basement and any crawl spaces will be inspected to see if there is any potential for energy efficiency.
12. The auditor will determine the presence of CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs), and if there are no CFLs, he/she will leave AECI provided CFLs, and install them with the owner’s permission.

*There is a $500 cap on this incentive.

For more information about energy audits, or to schedule an audit for your  business, please contact us or call 1-800-879-4056