Energy Audit Services
What is an energy audit?
An energy audit is an inspection and analysis of how a building uses energy, with a list of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that reduce energy use and utility costs without hurting occupant comfort. Energy Fave’s Professional Engineers and Certified Energy Managers perform ASHRAE Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 energy audits for commercial and multifamily buildings nationwide.
Many cities now require audits on a fixed schedule, including New York City’s Local Law 87 and Los Angeles’ EBEWE program. See every city rule in our energy audit compliance guide.
Our energy audit services
- ASHRAE Level 1 audits: walk-through audits that find low-cost and no-cost savings across a building or portfolio.
- ASHRAE Level 2 audits: detailed energy surveys with savings, cost and payback for every recommended measure.
- ASHRAE Level 3 audits: investment-grade analysis of capital projects for retrofits, electrification and financing.
- City-required audits: audits and reports for programs such as NYC Local Law 87, LA EBEWE, San Francisco and Boulder.
- Performance standard planning: audit findings turned into a roadmap for upcoming energy and emissions targets.
ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3 energy audits
| Level | What it includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1Walk-through | Utility analysis, site walk-through and low-cost and no-cost measures | Screening and quick wins |
| Level 2Energy survey and analysis | System-by-system survey with savings, cost and payback for each measure | City audit ordinances and capital planning |
| Level 3Detailed analysis | Investment-grade engineering, metering and modeling of capital projects | Major retrofits and financing |
Learn more in our guide to ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3 energy audits.
What is the energy audit process?
- Preliminary review of energy consumption: (a)Collect and analyze utility data (Electricity, Gas, Steam), (b) Calculate Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and compare
to similar facilities using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or latest CBECS tables, (c) Prepare a list of potential energy efficiency measures - Site visit: (a) Interview building staff and occupants, (b) Inspect lighting, air conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment, controls, and any other energy consumer equipment. Take measurements of temperatures, pressures, light levels, power draw, etc., (c) Set up trend data at the Building Automation System (BAS) and collect the trend data after minimum of two weeks. Take BAS screenshots to record the current operation settings.
- Energy and cost analysis: (a) Evaluate utility data, site visit data, trend data, BAS Screenshots to ensure the data is reliable. (b) Develop a potential list of energy savings measures based on findings. (c) Analyze energy usage and cost savings opportunities. (d) Calculate baseline and energy consumption considering the current operation settings as well as proposed with all energy conservation measures included.
- Energy audit report: (a) Summarize energy savings findings in an easy to understand energy audit report. (b) Meet with client and present recommendations and explain every details of the report to ensure they understand how they can benefit by implementing the recommended ECMs.
Which cities require energy audits?
Energy audit, retro-commissioning or tune-up requirements apply in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, Boulder, Atlanta, Austin, Orlando, Philadelphia, Madison, Salt Lake City, Miami and Edina, and several building performance standards require an audit if a building misses its target. Compare frequencies and deadlines in our energy audit compliance guide, or check annual reporting rules in the energy benchmarking compliance guide.
What are the benefits of an energy audit?
- Understand energy use: an audit breaks down energy use by system so you know where the money goes.
- Reduce utility bills: ECMs range from controls and scheduling fixes to capital upgrades, ranked by savings and payback.
- Improve comfort and air quality: audits often uncover zones with too little supply air, poor exhaust, low light levels or dirty filters, and check minimum outdoor air against ASHRAE 62.1.
- Meet city requirements: one audit can satisfy local audit laws and prepare you for performance standards.
- Plan capital spending: a Level 2 or Level 3 audit gives you costs and savings to build a multi-year plan.
Why choose Energy Fave?
Energy Fave was founded in 2015 in Houston, Texas, and is a women-owned (WOSB and EDWOSB) business serving clients nationwide. Our team includes Professional Engineers, Certified Energy Managers, auditors and sustainability consultants, and we have performed energy analysis services on more than 280 buildings. We focus on low-cost and no-cost measures with fast payback first, so owners save before making major investments.
What information is needed for an energy audit?
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- Water
- District Energy
- Delivered fuels
- Building drawings
- Equipment lists
- BAS trend data
Energy audit FAQs
What is the difference between an ASHRAE Level 1 and Level 2 audit?
A Level 1 audit is a walk-through that identifies low-cost and no-cost measures. A Level 2 audit surveys each system in detail and estimates savings, cost and payback for every measure.
Which energy audit level do city laws require?
Most require ASHRAE Level 2. New York City’s Local Law 87, for example, requires a Level 2 audit and retro-commissioning every 10 years for buildings over 50,000 sq ft.
How long does an energy audit take?
Most commercial audits take several weeks from the site visit to the final report, including at least two weeks of building automation trend data.
What do I need to provide for an energy audit?
Usually 12 to 36 months of utility bills, building drawings, equipment lists and access to the building automation system and key staff.
Do you perform audits outside Texas?
Yes. Energy Fave serves clients nationwide, including buildings in cities with audit requirements such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Interested in energy audit help?
Energy Audits at a Glance
- Audit levels
- ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3
- Standard
- ASHRAE Standard 211
- City audit laws
- 13+ periodic programs
- Buildings analyzed
- 280+
- Our team
- Professional Engineers and CEMs