After benchmarking energy usage, conducting an energy audit is often the first step that an owner/operator takes to sketch a roadmap to improve building performance. Energy audits are assessments that identify energy-saving opportunities in a building. 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 the right 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.
Maryland’s homeowners, renters, and building owners can tap into a range of federal, state, utility, and local incentives to help defray the costs - in some cases up to 100% - of energy assessments and audits. 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 in BGE’s service territory are eligible to receive a free onsite energy assessment.
- 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.
- BG&E Small Building Tune-up Program: Through its Small Building Tune-up Program, BG&E provides a walk-through building energy assessment.
- 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 implement low-cost adjustments that can reduce energy usage immediately.
- Delmarva Power Small Business Program - Quick Energy Check-ups: Delmarva’s Small Business customers are eligible for a complimentary energy assessment. The assessment may result in the installation of up to $250 worth of energy-efficient products.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pepco Small Business Program - Quick Energy Check-ups: Small Business customers are eligible for a complimentary energy assessment. The assessment may result in the installation of up to $250 worth of energy-efficient products.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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