Buildings need routine check-ups to pinpoint if and where energy is being wasted. Energy assessments and/or energy audits help building owners and operators understand how their building is using energy and areas for improvement. The insights gained from audits help building owners and operators develop effective decarbonization strategies, which may include electrifying systems and equipment and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
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Assessments & Check-ups |
An energy assessment or check-up is typically quicker and less comprehensive than an energy audit, usually resulting in quick equipment swap-outs (e.g. installing a low-flow showerhead and/or LED bulbs) and a high-level summary of areas for improvement. Throughout the assessment, an energy auditor will provide an overview of the building’s energy use, pinpoint where it’s wasting energy, flag any safety or health issues, and identify energy-saving opportunities.
An energy audit typically consists of a systematic inspection of energy-consuming systems and equipment, data collection, analysis, and the creation of a detailed energy audit report. The main outcome of an energy audit is a list of recommended energy efficiency measures (EEMs), their associated energy savings potential, and an assessment of whether EEM installation costs are a cost-effective financial investment for a building owner.
In response to a need for an industry standard, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed guidelines for three levels of audits for commercial buildings. As audit complexity increases, so does the thoroughness of the site assessment, the amount of data collected, and the level of detail provided in the final audit report. More comprehensive and rigorous audits often translate into higher energy savings and related emissions reductions.
Each building is unique, and therefore the owner/operator will need to determine which type of audit is best-suited for their building. A rightly sized energy audit will provide a balance between energy audit cost and value of the audit. Level II and III audits are more expensive, but are good options if an owner has defined energy goals, or plans for a major renovation or equipment upgrade. These audits should include a preliminary feasibility study (often provided by potential energy auditors free of charge) to scope the energy saving opportunities and ensure that the cost of the energy audit is worth the savings payoff.
Preparing for an Assessment or Audit
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Energy assessments and audits are conducted by professionals who have industry-recognized credentials. Selecting a certified energy auditor assures you that the auditor is uniquely skilled and qualified to perform energy assessment work.
- When choosing a vendor, get several references and contact them all. Ask if they were satisfied with the work.
- Make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms.
- Have copies or a summary of the building’s yearly energy bills (Your utility may be able to provide these or you may be able to get them online).
Maryland’s building owners and operators can tap into a range of federal, state, utility, and local incentives to help defray the costs of energy assessments and audits. As part of the Clean Buildings Hub, an initiative of the Maryland Energy Administration, is committed to help building owners or operators understand the range of incentives that they may be eligible to receive. Questions may be directed to building.decarbonization@maryland.gov.
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BG&E Small Business Program - Energy Analysis: Small businesses and small nonprofit customers are eligible to receive a free onsite energy assessment.
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BG&E Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program: BG&E subsidizes the cost of a home energy audit ($100 for a $400 value). After the audit is completed, customers are eligible to tap into incentives for air and duct sealing, insulation, windows and doors, and more.
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BG&E Small Building Tune-up Program: Buildings less than 75,000 square feet can receive a walk-through energy assessment as part of the Small Building Tune-up Program.
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BG&E Building Performance Tune-up Program: Facilities 35,000 square feet and larger are eligible to participate in BG&E's Building Performance Tune-up Program. An approved contractor will benchmark a building using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager; provide an ASHRAE Level 2 audit; and install low-cost energy improvements .
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Delmarva Power Small Business Program - Quick Energy Check-ups: Small businesses are eligible for a complimentary energy assessment.
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Delmarva Power Quick Home Energy Check-up Program: Residential customers can schedule a free home energy check-up. A certified Energy Analyst will conduct a walk-through of the home and may install energy-saving products free of charge.
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Delmarva Power Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program: Delmarva Power subsidizes the cost of a home energy audit ($100 for a $400 value). After the audit is completed, customers are eligible to tap into incentives for air and duct sealing, insulation, windows and doors, and more.
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Pepco Small Business Program - Quick Energy Check-ups: Small businesses are eligible for a complimentary energy assessment.
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Pepco Quick Home Energy Check-up Program: Residential customers can schedule a free home energy check-up. A certified Energy Analyst will conduct a walk-through of the home and may install energy-saving products free of charge.
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Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program: Pepco subsidizes the cost of a home energy audit ($100 for a $400 value). After the audit is completed, customers are eligible to tap into incentives for air and duct sealing, insulation, windows and doors, and more.
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Potomac Edison Building Tune-up Program: Commercial and industrial customers may be eligible for Potomac Edison's Building Tune-up Program, which offers a free building assessment.
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SMECO Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) - Home Energy Analysis: SMECO’s residential customers can schedule a free home energy check-up. A certified Energy Analyst will conduct a walk-through of the home and may install energy-saving products free of charge.
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