2.1 Purposes of an Energy Audit
An energy audit evaluates a home’s existing condition and outlines improvements to the energy efficiency, health, safety, and durability of the home.
Depending on the level of the audit, an energy audit may include some or all of the following tasks.
• Inspect the building and its mechanical systems to gather the information necessary for decision-making.
• Evaluate the current energy consumption along with the existing condition of the building.
• Diagnose areas of energy waste, health and safety, and durability problems related to energy conservation.
• Recommend energy conservation measures (ECMs).
• Diagnose health and safety problems and how they may be affected by the proposed ECMs.
• Predict savings expected from ECMs.
• Estimate labor and material costs for ECMs.
• Encourage behavioral changes that reduce energy waste.
• Educate residents about their energy usage and your proposed energy retrofits.
• Provide written documentation of the energy audit and the recommendations offered.
2.1.1 Energy-Auditing Judgment and Ethics
The auditor’s good decisions are essential to the success of a weatherization program. Good decisions depend on judgment and ethics.
ü Understand the requirements of the WAP program.
ü Treat every client with the same high level of respect.
ü Communicate honestly with clients, coworkers, contractors, and supervisors.
ü Know the limits of your authority, and ask for guidance when you need it.
ü Develop and maintain the inspection, diagnosis, and software skills necessary for WAP energy auditing.
ü Choose ECMs according to their cost-effectiveness along with DOE and State policy, and not according to personal preference or customer preference.
ü Don’t manipulate Weatherization Assistant or a priority list to select or avoid particular ECMs.
ü Avoid personal bias in your influence on purchasing, hiring, and contracting.
2.1.2 Energy-Auditing Record-keeping
The client file is the record of a weatherization completion. The client file may contain all of the following items, depending on State WAP policy.
1. Customer intake document
2. Income verification
3. Occupant agreement form
4. Work order
5. Client health-notification documents
6. Insulation identification and R-value
7. Client-education documentation
8. Mold and Moisture Inspection
9. Manufacturer’s warranties
10. Photo documentation
11. Post-inspection report
12. EPA LSRRP Rule, final-inspection report (if applicable)