Every commercial and residential building has its own patterns of energy use, equipment performance and day-to-day operation. Over time, those patterns can change without anyone noticing. An energy audit provides an opportunity to take a closer look at how a building is performing and where greater efficiency may be possible. More than an exercise in tracking utility consumption, an audit can provide valuable insight into the condition and operation of building systems.
How to Lower Insurance and Maintenance Costs with Energy Audits
Identify Problems Before They Become Expensive
An energy audit can uncover issues that may otherwise remain hidden during normal building operations. Inefficient equipment, unusual energy consumption and systems operating outside their intended schedules can all signal opportunities for improvement. Addressing these issues early can help property owners avoid allowing minor performance problems to develop into costly repairs.
“An energy audit gives building owners a clearer picture of what their property is actually doing instead of relying on assumptions,” says Matthew Furlong, owner of Först Consulting Group. “That information makes it easier to prioritize improvements based on actual conditions.”
ENERGY STAR notes that effective operations and maintenance practices can reduce operating costs while also lowering the risk of early equipment failure and unscheduled downtime.
Energy Audits Can Reduce Maintenance Costs
Energy efficiency and preventive maintenance often go hand in hand. When HVAC equipment, controls and other building systems are operating inefficiently, they may work harder than necessary. That can contribute to wear and potentially shorten equipment life.
An energy audit can help identify where maintenance practices or operating schedules may need attention. Rather than waiting for a system to fail, building and home owners can use audit findings to prioritize maintenance and address performance concerns before they become larger expenses.
“Maintenance becomes much more effective when it is informed by what the building’s systems are actually telling you,” Furlong says. “The goal is to catch inefficiencies early and give owners a practical way to address them.”
The U.S. Department of Energy also identifies effective HVAC operations and maintenance as a way to improve performance, reduce operating costs and extend equipment service life.
Support Better Insurance Risk Management
While an energy audit does not guarantee lower insurance premiums, it can contribute to a stronger approach to property risk management. Identifying equipment concerns, documenting building conditions and addressing maintenance issues can demonstrate that a property owner is taking a proactive approach to managing potential sources of loss.
That documentation can also be useful when discussing risk mitigation with an insurance professional. Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but proactive maintenance and loss-prevention measures can play an important role in managing property risk. The Insurance Information Institute has noted the importance of better building-condition information and risk-mitigation measures in commercial property insurance.
“Insurance is only one part of the larger risk picture,” Furlong says. “A well-maintained building with documented improvements gives owners better information when evaluating their overall exposure.”
Turn Energy Audit Findings Into Action
The value of an energy audit ultimately comes from what happens after the assessment. Recommendations can help building owners determine which improvements deserve immediate attention and which can be incorporated into longer-term capital planning.
A professional audit can also help distinguish between simple operational adjustments and projects requiring a larger investment. ENERGY STAR recommends using audits to identify areas where building systems have become inefficient over time and bring them back toward peak performance.
“The best audit is one that leads to decisions,” Furlong advises. “We want owners to come away with information they can actually use to improve performance, control costs and plan for the future.”
Related post: How a Home Energy Performance Review Can Save You Money
Why Choose Först Consulting Group?
Först Consulting Group can help property owners look beyond utility bills to understand the factors affecting building performance. With a practical approach to energy analysis, our firm can help identify opportunities for greater efficiency while bringing maintenance considerations into the conversation.
Working with Först Consulting Group can give building and home owners a clearer basis for prioritizing improvements and managing ongoing costs. An energy audit can be an important step toward a more efficient, better-maintained property and a more proactive approach to building risk. Contact us today to schedule your energy audit.
