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.