Hiring an Energy Auditor to assesses how much energy your home uses can make your home more efficient. With Energy Audit Professional service, you can reduce your heating bill by up to 40 percent.

The costs can range from $300 to $1,500 for an audit. But you’ll generally get more savings. And you won’t need another audit for another 15 to 20 years.

Here is the pricing based on Square Footage of Building:

• Residential: $449 baseline for building up to 2000 square feet, plus $50 per each additional 1000 square feet, or portion thereof.The audit includes diagnosis with the Blower Door and the Infra-Red camera. The audit will also include a combustion efficiency test on the furnace / boiler, and a CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) Worst Case Test. A full report of building information and remedial measures (with associated costs) is also included in the price, along with a list of qualified weatherization firms and helpful sketches and diagrams for some simple D-I-Y fixes.
• Small Commercial: $649 baseline for building up to 4000 square feet, plus $150 per each additional 1000 square feet, or portion thereof, up to a maximum of $2000.The audit includes diagnosis with the blower door, where safe and appropriate, and the Infra-Red camera. A full report of building information and remedial measures (with associated costs) is also included, as appropriate to client or participating program rules and guidelines.
• Thermal Camera Imaging Only: $225 includes Thermal Camera used while the Blower Door is running and Walk-thru Inspection. No report will be generated to describe remedial measures. If the conditions permit useable IR data to be gathered, a small thermo graphic report can be generated for an additional $50.

* Note: this price can be vary from time to time. It also depends on contractors you choose, and where you live in.

Another solution is you can do it yourself energy audit for your home. Of course you need to learn how to assess your home. You don’t need an advance training specially designed for Professional Energy Audit career to do your home energy audit. A Basic energy audit course may help you save up to 30% of your utility bills. You don’t need to spent too much money on thousand dollars course and expensive tools & methods to do it.

Learn more how you can do it yourself Home Energy Audit.

The legacy energy audit training, RESNET and BPI, has shaped the energy audit industry in US. Most of energy auditors are trained and certified from these two companies. Both companies standards are officially recognized by the federal government, and U.S. government, the Department of Energy, and Energy Star.

Both companies provide good training program, although some students complain these programs is too complicated, extensive, and really expensive since it’s primarily designed for engineers, architects, and home trade experts with a history of energy and inspections. The training cost is quite high, up to thousand dollars (The BPI Training cost is $1595. This is just the most basic training).

The legacy companies generally require an apprenticeship training period (beside the training program period) to learn all energy audit techniques. So you need to dedicate your time to follow this schedule. Graduates from these programs are well prepared to conduct “Advanced” audits with machinery including blower door testing, duct blaster testing, thermal imaging, and other in-depth measuring techniques and practices.

You will also need to purchase the equipment necessary to conduct an Advanced energy audit. The equipment average cost is $20,000 – $30,000. This is for long term investment. The minimal rate of advanced energy audit is $400-$600. These programs are suitable for commercial/industrial market. But it’s quite high for homeowners. We only recommend these programs if you already have energy auditing related background, several months of free time and of course the training cost & investment doesn’t matter to you.

Alternative Energy Audit Training to RESNET and BPI Training

If you just want to learn how to conduct a simple energy audit with lower cost, there is an alternative. Today, many certified energy auditor expert share their same knowledge in more simple and practical course at affordable price and investment.

The Energy Audit Institute created a new type of energy audit for the “eco-conscious” market that reduces the need for energy auditors to buy $20,000 – $30,000 of equipment. At the same time reducing the amount of time required in the consumers residence or facility, thereby lowering the cost of an energy audit to an affordable rate.

How? By removing the advanced auditing techniques such as blower door testing, and duct blasting and other time and money consuming testing. This simplified audit is called a “standard” energy audit.

The standard energy audit still finds (on average) 80% of the energy savings of an “advanced” audit but in a fraction of the time.

A “standard” energy audit is primarily a visual inspection and focuses on the primary energy wasting elements such as heating, cooling, and lighting. Since these areas consume and waste the most energy it makes sense that the standard energy audit should focus on these items.

Another area of focus is tax incentives and rebates from the U.S. government, states, and local energy and gas companies. Since there are many new rebates on items such as insulation, solar screens, radiant barrier, HVAC systems, and water heaters – making sure these areas are clearly identified and explained to the homeowners is critical.

Most graduates of the Energy Audit Institute are able to complete their training and get certified in as little as 2 weeks studying part-time from home.

The Energy Auditor course includes training, certification, software, and marketing tools

You will receive everything you need to completely understand Energy Auditing and to go out into the field and start conducting Energy Audits immediately.

Visit Energy Audit Institute for more information about energy audit training program.

The Definition of Energy Efficiency

Well, the simple definition of Energy Audit is to “Determine the energy consumption of a home and find ways to reduce it”. Energy audit is also known as energy efficiency, energy saving, energy evaluation, energy assessment, energy inspection and energy examination.

Energy Efficiency Principles

When the object of study is an occupied building then reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy audit seeks to prioritize the energy uses according to the greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings.

The Activity of Energy Efficiency

The activity of the energy audit cover inspecting the energy flows of a facility (it can be home, building, etc), list and calculate all energy consumption where it is used, then provide list of actions needed to reduce the consumption while improving human comfort, health and safety.

The person who performs energy audit called energy auditor. They can be just an ordinary people who have enough information to perform energy audit or a well trained and certified energy auditor by an Energy Audit Training / Institute.

The Objectives of Energy Efficiency

Here are some objectives when doing energy auditing:

• Identifying the quality and cost of various energy inputs
• Assessing present pattern of energy consumption in different cost centers of operations.
• Relating energy inputs and production output.
• Identifying potential areas of thermal and electrical energy economy.
• Highlighting wastage’s in major areas.
• Recommend appropriate energy conservation, operation, and maintenance procedures.
• Note current and potential health and safety problems and how they may be affected by proposed changes.
• Implementation of measures for energy conservation & realization of savings.

Level of Energy Efficiency Service

Three common service level of energy audit are preliminary audit, general audit, investment-grade audit. The actual tasks performed and level of effort may vary with the consultant providing services. See the detailed scope of work to ensure which level will meet your specific needs.

Preliminary Energy Audit

The preliminary energy audit is a simple energy audit that involves minimal interviews with site operating personnel, a brief review of facility utility bills and other operating data, and a walk-through of the facility to become familiar with the building operation and identify glaring areas of energy waste or inefficiency.

So, when to do preliminary energy audit? The answer is when you want to do:

• Energy audit for major problem areas only
• Quick estimation of implementation cost
• Quick estimation of potential operating cost savings
• Quick estimation of simple payback periods.

Preliminary Energy Audit level is not sufficient for reaching a final decision on implementing a proposed measures, but adequate to prioritize your energy efficiency projects and determine the need for a more detailed audit.

General Energy Audit

The general energy audit is a more complete site energy audit, extension of the preliminary energy audit described above by collecting more detailed information about facility operation and performing a more detailed evaluation of energy conservation measures identified. The general energy audit process requires:

• Utility bills are collected for a 12 to 36 month period to allow the auditor to evaluate the facility’s energy/demand rate structures, and energy usage profiles
• Additional metering of specific energy-consuming systems is often performed to supplement utility data
• In-depth interviews with facility operating personnel are conducted to provide a better understanding of major energy consuming systems as well as insight into variations in daily and annual energy consumption and demand.

General Energy Audit will be able to:

• Identify all energy conservation measures appropriate for the facility given its operating parameters.
• A detailed financial analysis is performed for each measure based on detailed implementation cost estimates, site-specific operating cost savings, and the customer’s investment criteria.
• Sufficient detail is provided to justify project implementation.

Investment-Grade Energy Audit

The investment-grade energy audit is a comprehensive audit, detailed audit, maxi audit, or technical analysis audit, expands on the general energy audit described above by providing a dynamic model of energy use characteristics of both the existing facility and all energy conservation measures identified.

The building model is calibrated against actual utility data to provide a realistic baseline against which to compute operating savings for proposed measures. Extensive attention is given to understanding not only the operating characteristics of all energy consuming systems, but also situations that cause load profile variations on both an annual and daily basis. Existing utility data is supplemented with sub metering of major energy consuming systems and monitoring of system operating characteristics.

When Investment-Grade Energy Audit is required?

In most corporate settings, upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure must compete with non-energy related investments for capital funding. Both energy and non-energy investments are rated on a single set of financial criteria that generally stress the expected return on investment (ROI). The projected operating savings from the implementation of energy projects must be developed such that they provide a high level of confidence. In fact, investors often demand guaranteed savings.

The Yahoo! Hot Jobs article show that energy auditors can earn between $70,000 and $106,000 per year. The average rate for basic energy audit service is $100/hour. This basic service could help homeowners save 30% of their home energy consumption. Means if the everage home in US spent $2000/month, it will save $600/month. This is a good investment for the homeowner. In other side, the energy audit profession earn great income by helping homeowners save money.

The more experienced you are in energy auditing, the higher level of market you can tap in. The Industrial and Farming market need advance energy audit services to reduce their production cost and make their business operational more efficient and environmental friendly. The advance service rate could be $400 – $600/hour.

So, Energy auditor is a serious career in a rising green market. Beside of the high potential income, there are some great benefits that you might consider. Learn more about the benefits of energy auditor career.

That’s right! You can gain stability in your life by switching careers into the hottest most in-demand new career there is. The great thing about this new career is that it fits exactly into President Obama’s energy saving stimulus program. Now is the perfect time to become an Energy Auditor and make money by helping companies reduce wasted energy!

There are so many business opportunities available to you right now. Here is a short list of what I believe makes this business unique from everything else you will find:

1. High Income Potential
2. Flexible Hours – You can work Part-Time or Full-Time from Home
3. In-Demand Business – Energy Consultants are “In High Demand” during the 2009-2010 Recession
4. Recession Proof – Business Actually Thrives in a Down Economy
5. No Experience Necessary
6. Easy To Get Started – Be Up And Running In About 2 Weeks
7. Eco-Friendly Business

If you are considering getting started in an eco friendly business opportunity, then becoming an energy auditor is a great option. One that gives you the freedom to work from home and take control of your professional future.

If you need more information about the course, we recommend EAI as one of the most comprehensive Online Training for Energy Auditor in US.

EAI, an ‘A‘ Grade BBB accredited business (Austin, Texas Better Business Bureau), provide comprehensive materials that are reviewed and approved by the Energy Efficiency Association. The association acts as regulatory group to ensure that EAI meet the highest standards in professionalism and provide real-world efficiency techniques and practices. Upon completing your energy auditor training course you will receive your certification signed by EAI and the Energy Efficiency Association.

1. What is energy auditor?

An energy auditor is an individual who inspects and evaluates home energy efficiency levels. As part of this inspection, the energy auditor will measure energy consumption, track heating and cooling loses, and check the operation and efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Based on the results of the audit, he or she will discuss the benefits of potential energy upgrades and improvements with the homeowner.

2. What does an energy auditor do?

The home energy auditor inspects the home and documents its energy characteristics, such as construction techniques, insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, heating and cooling system efficiencies, water heating system efficiency, and solar orientation of the home. Diagnostic testing, such as blower door airtightness testing and duct system leakage testing, are often part of the audit.

The data gathered by the home energy auditor is input into a computer program and a model of the home’s energy consumption is generated. Using this model along with local utility rates, estimates of the home’s energy costs can be provided. Along with the energy cost analysis, the home owner also receives a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy efficiency.

2.1. Here are the specific goals of an energy audit are to:

1. Identify the type, size, condition, and rate of energy consumption for each major energy using device.
2. Recommend appropriate energy conservation, operation, and maintenance procedures.
3. Estimate labor and materials costs for energy retrofits.
4. Project savings expected from energy retrofits.
5. Note current and potential health and safety problems and how they may be affected by proposed changes.
6. Explain behavioral changes that will reduce energy waste.
7. Provide a written record of decision making.

3. Why do people need energy auditor? — Hear what people are saying about energy audit

An energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home or commercial building consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home or commercial building more energy efficient.

An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. With the audit, energy auditor can pinpoint where your house or commercial building is losing energy, be it your heating or cooling equipment or leaks to the outside.

3.1. Hear From Yahoo! Answers

If you go to Yahoo! Answers and search for energy audit, you’ll find that many people need help in energy auditing. Here are some words from I listed:

• Anybody ever get a home energy audit?
  Has anyone ever hired someone to do a home energy audit where they connect a blower on your door and test your house for leaks? Was it worth it? Did you notice much change in your utility bills after doing it and having the leaks fixed?
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArkWX.SBp5ufXrvFgls9aCEjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20070710172640AAKkFpS
  
• Has anyone had a home energy audit done recently and how much did it cost?
  thanks
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmuRlDXUwxsq.9TShwiT5SYjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20100326113827AAfNAH1
  
• Where do I go for an energy efficiency audit in Wisconsin?
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuBj99F1bHlwy74t.5SsXYAjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080418070224AAesflf
  
• Are there energy audit managers in Canada/USA?
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgUq6lWq2WF5hLYUG4C6NnMjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20071105010347AAzqH3K
  
• Which Organisation is the Best in India for ENERGY AUDIT in Mining Sector?
  Our Company is Operating a Black Galaxy Granite in Andhra Pradesh. Energy Audit is required for Machines
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlSKjAjMTLJ7pNmTvR1Xm_UjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080309034235AAvsZzT
  
• Can anyone tell me what to expect when having a home energy audit?
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuBj99F1bHlwy74t.5SsXYAjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080321124322AAkagHC
  
• How much can an energy audit save me on my electricity bill?
  How much can it save and how much does it cost?
  reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AihHu6C73BqPOxv2bA3wUYwjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20090422122417AA8cWg8

3.2. Hear From Google Trends

You can also see the Google trends for Energy Audit growth

reference: http://www.google.com/trends?q=energy+audit

4. How to help people in Energy Audits and earned money by doing that? — Become an Energy Auditor.

Become a Professional Energy Auditor is the perfect answer to help them and gain stability in your life. There are a variety of benefits to going through energy audit training. This can involve a wide range of topics, ranging from insulation and ventilation to different heating and cooling systems. The end result of a full training course could be a career in an industry that is expected to keep growing along with the public and governmental interest in green building and energy efficiency

According to a Yahoo! Hot Jobs article, energy auditors can earn between $70,000 and $106,000 per year. See the detail of energy audit service rate and how much it help homeowner save utility bills permonth on how much does an energy auditor earn.

5. What is required to be energy auditor?

The Energy Auditor Training provider can teach you everything you need to know. All you need is basic math skills and they will teach you the rest. Their students come from all walks of life and they all have one thing in common… a desire to succeed. This is the only thing you need to become an Energy Auditor and achieve financial success.

6. Who should take Energy Audit Course?

Energy Audit Course is suitable for everyone who want to start a new stable career, self-employed with high potential income, or leverage your existing professional services, even suitable for personal uses – example, reducing their home energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety in their own home.

Here are a few examples of how you can use energy auditing to help you succeed.

• Start Your Own Energy Business
  Apply what you learn from our training programs to build your own empire. Work full-time or part-time to obtain the income level you desire.
• Offer Energy Audits To Your Existing Clients As An Additional Service
  If you are already working in homes with a trade such as painting, windows, home inspections, general contracting, electrical, etc. adding energy audits to your list of services can earn you substantially more each month.
• Leverage Your Existing Client List To Get New Energy Audit Clients
  if you are or were a realtor, you may already have all the contacts you need to kick-start your new energy business!Realtors can get certified in energy auditing and help your clients buy and sell “green” homes.
• Put Your New Education To The Test
  Students and recent graduates can apply their higher education in an emerging and dynamic marketplace.

7. What will you learn in Energy Audit Training?

The course divided into 2 category:

1. Home Energy Auditor Training & Certification
2. Commercial Energy Auditor Training & Certification

You will learn how to find energy savings on things like lighting, HVAC systems, appliances, water heaters, insulation, machinery, and lots more. Visit here to see the details.

8. How long does the Energy Audit Course takes?

All the materials are packaged together in one large download that you get at the time of purchase. You are free to take as short or as long as you want to learn the materials. Most candidates complete the program within 2 weeks.

9. Where I can take the Energy Audit Training?

Energy Audit Training and Certification for both Home Energy Audit and Commercial Energy Audits provided by The Energy Audit Institute (EAI).

EAI provides Home Energy Audit Training and Commercial energy audit training which covers the most common energy consumption aspects of homes and businesses. You will learn how to do a visual examination using specific steps, methods and calculations. You will be required to examine the current energy use of a building, facility or structure and determine its current energy usage and make recommendations for improvement. The objective of the audit is to identify areas to reduce energy use and save money on energy costs. The average EAI energy audit finds homeowners and business owners a savings of 30% on their monthly energy costs.

10. Getting started into Energy audit Business — Energy Audit Certification

The Energy Audit Training home study approach lets you start your new career working part-time. You don’t need to take time off and attend classes or interrupt your busy schedule. Just download the training program and study in your spare time. Once you’ve mastered energy efficiency, you’re ready to take the Energy Audit Certification exam. Once you pass it, you are off and running in your new “Energy Auditor” career. Most of graduates are able to complete the entire program working on it part-time in about 2 weeks. Here is all you need to remember:

• Step 1: Register and Download the training program and study at your own pace
• Step 2: Learn Energy Auditing and efficiency for homes and businesses
• Step 3: Get Certified and then just go out get customers and build your business

11. Reference

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_audit
2. http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
3. http://www.time.com/time/
4. http://www.google.com/trends
5. http://answers.yahoo.com/