What are Energy Audits?

An industrial energy audit is a test of all the systems in a commercial enterprise that uses energy and a comparison of the results of that test against standards and best practices. This not only ensures that the energy consuming systems in your plant are operating as efficiently as comparable industries, but as well as it can be compared to current Energy Star standards.

Why Would You Want One?

As you well know, managing an industrial or manufacturing plant or just the acquisition and maintenance of power generation equipment is a full time job. So why would you take the time or money to undergo energy audits? Easy – to save money. You are aware of your total energy bills. What would it do to the bottom line if you could knock 20%-40% or more off of that cost each year?

An industrial energy audit can help you understand where simple maintenance procedures such as lubrication and belt replacement can make your power generation equipment more efficient. And while you may be putting off replacing an aging system, energy audits could help justify the replacement cost if they show you will recoup the expense in lower energy bills. And now is the best time to purchase new power generation equipment while there are still rebates and incentives available from federal, state and local governments.

What is the Best Way to Get Energy Audits?

You can get guidelines and paperwork from the government, especially at EnergyStar.gov to help you create and implement your own energy audit. There are even manufacturers and utility companies that will offer to do a free energy audits. Of course, these aren’t free – they are trying to sell you something, but if you get the information you need to save on energy bills, this may be a viable choice.

There are also companies that perform industrial energy audits as a professional service. While this would be the most expensive route in terms of initial outlay, the independent and unbiased reports you get from these companies may be worth the expense. Especially, if it frees you up to do the job you were hired to do.

If you are in charge of the power generation equipment at your plant or industrial operation, it may be time to consider industrial energy audits today – and save money for years to come.