Building Science

What is a Certified Energy Auditor?

An energy auditor is a specialized consultant who helps improve the energy efficiency of both residential and commercial buildings. As part of the 'green' energy business sector, a career as an energy auditor presents ample opportunities for advancement over the coming decades. Energy auditors provide clients with actionable, real-world advice that can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually. Energy auditors are essentially building inspectors who provide consultations on energy efficiency.

A large number of energy industry analysts anticipate that the alternative energy sector will continue to expand at a much faster pace than expected.

What does an Energy Auditor do?

Using energy costs money, and wasteful energy use can contribute to pollution. Energy auditors and weatherization workers help customers use less energy, lower their bills, and reduce their environmental impact. Energy auditors often begin by inspecting homes or commercial buildings to measure heat, cooling, electrical, and gas usage. They use thermal infrared cameras to find energy leaks and blower-door tests to measure how airtight a structure is.

The next step is often to meet with building managers or homeowners to determine how to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Evaluating these homes and buildings requires extensive knowledge of efficient practices and excellent communication skills. Weatherization technicians improve the efficiency of heating and cooling system ductwork. They repair windows and insulate attics, basements, walls, and other areas. They also prepare bids and contracts for weatherization work. Physical fitness is essential for these careers since energy auditors and weatherization technicians spend much of the day on their feet. They may find themselves anywhere from rooftops to tight crawl spaces when looking for weaknesses in a building's insulation.

Positions are typically available in utility companies or construction and engineering firms. Many experienced energy auditors choose self-employment to work on their schedule.

Some states require energy auditors to become certified; many auditors learn through up to three years of on-the-job training. Most weatherization technicians need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Why are Energy Auditor's services vital?

Energy consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, creating a comfortable niche market in which energy auditors can earn a living. A more significant driving factor in energy auditing is the rising cost of residential electricity. Similar to the price of gas, electricity has been on an upward trajectory for the past few decades.

A structure's heating and cooling system degrades over time if not properly maintained. Additionally, factors unrelated to the integrity of a heating and cooling system can cause buildings to become less energy efficient. An auditor will conduct various hands-on tests to find the source of energy deficiency.

Conducting a blower-door test is one of the most common ways to find an air leak. This test uses a specialized blower fan to alter the air pressure inside an enclosed structure. All exterior openings to a building are entirely closed except for the opening where the blower fan operates. The blower fan creates a vacuum within the structure, causing exterior air to seep back into the structure. Energy auditors then inspect the structure in search of any air leaks.

A more technical test involves using a thermal infrared camera to analyze the amount of heat a building accumulates. Thermal infrared devices allow minor differences in ambient heat to appear via a camera monitor as shades of bright and dark colors. Typically, red and yellow colors signify a higher temperature than darker shades. Using a thermal monitoring device, energy auditors can determine which areas of a structure demand attention.

Some of the typical duties of an Energy Auditor include:

• Perform pre-work repair inspection conditions and note the areas and services contractors will provide building owners.
• Perform post-work repair inspections, ensuring repairs of contractors were completed according to code and regulations.
• Make recommendations to building owners that will improve their energy efficiency.

Building analysts, energy auditors, quality control inspectors, and HVAC employees may also be required to maintain heating and air conditioning systems regularly. This encompasses cleaning ducts, checking fluid levels, and installing new filters.

Potential Hazards of the Industry

Energy Auditors, including Building Analysts and Quality Control Inspectors, are subject to several potentially hazardous conditions. Auditors engage in combustion using equipment and must be aware of how they work, what emissions may be present, and how best to quickly and safely secure the units. Auditors will be required to use ladders to access internal building spaces.

Other dangers include working with harmful chemicals in heating and cooling units. Energy Auditors must make sure to wear the proper protective clothing and properly dispose of used chemical agents. They need to know the environmental regulations controlling how such fluids are used.

Some more severe risks for Energy Auditors could be potentially fatal. They can be exposed to Carbon Monoxide, which can be poisonous.

Our preparation courses are available as medieval courses we can provide training for a group. We can even come to your facility for a customized experience. Contact us today!

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