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An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows in a building, process or system with the objective of understanding the energy dynamics of the system under study. Typically an energy audit is conducted to seek opportunities to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively impacting the output(s). When the object of study is an occupied building then reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy audit seeks to prioritize the energy uses according to the greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings. HOME ENERGY AUDIT As of mid 2007, there is no nationally-recognized uniform definition of home energy audit. The organization called ResNET is currently investigating this topic and has formed a task force [http://www.natresnet.org/hotnews/taskforce/ to come up with a working framework. The initial results of the taskforce have defined a home energy audit as a process rather than a single event that includes inspections by qualified personnel and remedies performed by general contractors. The task force is focusing on a health model of the home energy audit process involving periodic checkups, possibly followed by an evaluation, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and a quality assurance evaluation. An energy audit of a home may involve recording various characteristics of the Building Envelope including the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and skylights. For each of these components the area and resistance to heat flow ( R-value ) is measured or estimated. The leakage rate or infiltration of air thru the building envelope is of concern which are strongly affected by window construction and quality of door seals such as weatherstripping. The goal of this exercise is to quanity the building's overall thermal performance. A simplified approach called the UA delta-T method {Link without Title} can be used for good approximate results. The audit may also assess the efficiency, physical condition, and programming of mechanical systems such as the heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment, and thermostat. A home energy audit may include a written report estimating energy use given local climate criteria, thermostat settings, roof overhang, and solar orientation. This could show energy use for a given time period, say a year, and the impact of any suggested improvements per year. The accuracy of energy estimates are greatly improved when the homeowner's billing history is available showing the quanities of electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or other energy sources consumed over a one or two-year period. Some of the greatest impacts on energy use are user behavior, climate, and age of the home. An energy audit may therefore include an interview of the homeowners to understand their patterns of use over time. The energy billing history from the local utility company can be calibrated using Heating Degree Day and Cooling Degree Day data obtained from recent, local weather data in combination with the thermal energy model of the building. Advances in computer-based thermal modeling can take into account many variables impacting energy use. A home energy audit is a good way to identify the most cost effective ways to improve the comfort of your home and, if upgrades are performed, may qualify your home for a substantial Tax Credits as provided under the Energy Policy Act Of 2005 . INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL ENERGY AUDITS Increasingly in the last several decades, Industrial and Agricultural energy audits have exploded as the demand to lower increasingly expensive Energy costs and move towards a Sustainable future have made energy audits popular. HISTORY Energy audits initially became popular in response to the Energy Crisis of 1973 and later years. Interest in energy audits has recently increased as a result of growing understanding of human impact upon Global Warming and Climage Change . |
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