8 Benefits of a DIY Energy Audit

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Whether you're looking for ways to increase efficiencies or cut costs, understanding where and how your business uses energy can give you a big leg up. For many businesses, hiring a professional auditor isn’t practical. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take control and understand your own energy footprint. Here are 8 benefits of a do-it-yourself energy audit. 

Lower energy bills

Many businesses find that the monthly energy bill is one of the biggest operating expenses. From heating and cooling, to hot water, to indoor and outdoor lighting, to electricity required to run machinery or equipment, your business soaks up energy everywhere.

By performing an energy audit, you'll discover areas where energy is being wasted. By acting on these insights and fixing the inefficiencies, you’ll be able to save money on some of your biggest expense each month. 

Increased comfort 

When your HVAC unit is working overtime, it's also not keeping the facility at the right temperature. There may be hot and cold areas throughout the building, which can be uncomfortable for employees and customers alike. Increasing energy efficiency by checking installation and sealing cracks around windows and doors can help eliminate those hot and cold spots and make it easier to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature – something everyone will appreciate. 

Increased durability

Repairs you make during an energy audit can make your space last longer and look better. Consider the caulking you may add to window frames, or updates you might make to key machinery. During your energy audit, you'll likely discover issues that are preventing your space from being as efficient and durable as it could be. Making those repairs won't just reduce your energy bill. It will also help your building last.

Improved operations

Did you know that creating energy efficiencies can also improve your normal operations? Energy saving technology like smart thermostats and lighting sensors can decrease energy use throughout your space while also making life easier for you and your employees. Smart thermostats easily automate heating and cooling schedules, and often enable you to control your space remotely from your smart phone. You’ll be cutting down on waste and saving yourself the time and energy of manually changing the temperature each day.

Hazard reduction

Changes that result from an energy audit are usually aimed at reducing consumption and cost. In some cases, however, your audit may uncover items that could be hazardous to your employees: exposed wiring, backdrafting combustion equipment, carbon monoxide leaks, and more. Once you’ve made all of your updates, you can also rest assured because energy efficient buildings are safer on-the-whole for everyone. 

Equipment upkeep

During your audit, you're likely to discover equipment inefficiencies or overdue repairs. If left unresolved, these issues can lead to untimely equipment failure, which can have an even greater impact on revenue, and sometimes even require a business to temporarily close. Not to mention rack up a larger maintenance bill. Catching these issues early – before the equipment fails – is key. Reliability and efficiency: it's a combination for success that your business can't afford to ignore.

Improved air quality

Many of the causes of poor indoor air quality can be remedied with the same improvements that increase energy efficiency. Mold and mildew can often be avoided through the same strategies that improve your HVAC unit. Reducing environmental toxins can also help improve employee health, leading to fewer employee absences and fewer problems with issues like asthma and allergies. 

Higher productivity 

When your business is energy efficient, employees and customers will be comfortable in your space, which in turn increases overall efficiency. This means a more productive work day and the potential to boost retention.

An energy audit is a great way to decrease costs, improve operations and cultivate a good environment for everyone who enters your business. Use our DIY Energy Audit as a guide and starting learning how your business uses energy today. 

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Posted: April 18, 2018