Why carry out an Energy Audit?
More than an Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE). The energy audit "must make it possible, on the basis of a detailed analysis of the building data, to establish a costed and argued proposal for energy saving programs " (definition given by ADEME in its specifications) In addition, an energy audit assesses energy performance and sources of heat loss of a good. The audit therefore makes it possible to improve the former and reduce the latter through adapted and personalized recommendations. Finally, the energy audit corresponds to a global analysis. Heating, Domestic Hot Water (DHW), ventilation, lighting and domestic consumption stations are taken into account interactively in order to reduce consumption as much as possible . Do you want to obtain an Eco-Loan at Zero Rate during a renovation? Know that an energy audit is necessary.
European and international governments are gradually committing to:
first of all find solutions for reducing energy consumption .
do everything possible to continue the fight against global warming .
In this context, Article 8 of European Directive 2012/27 / EU of 25 October 2012 relating to energy efficiency establishes a mandatory energy audit in large companies. The ADDUCE law adopted on July 16, 2013 also transposed this obligation in France. In fact, it is now mandatory to carry out energy audits to be renewed every 4 years for:
all companies with more than 250 employees or with more than € 50M in turnover,
also, for certain condominium buildings equipped with a collective heating system or collective air conditioning.
Companies having set up an Energy Management System according to the “ISO 50001” standard are, on the other hand, exempt. An energy audit must also be carried out since January 1, 2017 in certain condominium buildings equipped with a collective heating system or collective air conditioning. This online energy audit, valid for 10 years , aims in particular to establish the building's energy classification . Thus, work proposals can be made to improve its energy performance . It is moreover the co-ownership manager who must take the initiative to carry out this audit. Quote request
The energy audit is intended for owners or tenants wishing to significantly reduce their energy consumption. The audit is also essential for the granting of certain bonuses (insulation of walls, floors, etc.)
The energy advisory includes the following:
Information on the energy performance of your home (envelope, ventilation, heating system, and domestic hot water production).
Proposals for improvements with achievable savings.
Technical sheets on the proposed recommendations.
A list of contacts, publications and financial incentives.
The auditor therefore has the task of advising you according to the energy diagnosis of your home, your needs and your budget.
During the first appointment, an approved auditor takes a reading of the measurements which can last from 3 to 5 hours depending on the complexity of the property. Following this first visit, a second meeting is set for the submission of the report and to explain the various results. This second meeting is a discussion where the various solutions proposed are discussed both technically and financially.
Finally, Cert-up supports you in your dealings with the Region and the State to benefit from the premiums and tax reductions to which you are entitled.
In order to perform the audit effectively, the following documents will facilitate the work of your expert:
The plans of the house.
Technical details of the composition of the walls (invoices, photos, K worksheet, etc.).
Technical sheets for the heating and domestic hot water production installation.
The boiler maintenance sheets.
Consumption bills for fuel oil, gas, electricity, etc.
An energy audit is a detailed inventory of the energy performance of a building. To do his job, the energy expert is based on the total energy consumption in the house, scrutinizing your home as well as your consumption habits.
The extent of the audit will depend on the services you request from the professional who will perform the task. If you are performing a residential energy audit for the purpose of receiving financial assistance, you will need to meet the requirements of the program (s) you are participating in.
For example, under the Acclimation program, the accredited energy assessor will check:
foundations and structure: foundation walls, exterior walls, floors,
the quality of the doors and windows and their installation;
the insulation of the walls and the roof, as well as the waterproofing (he will carry out an infiltrator test to determine the level of heat loss due to air leaks);
heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems;
the specificity of the house: whether it has a chimney or not, its condition, the exterior cladding, but also the leveling of the land and its drainage;
and finally, your energy consumption habits (hot water, lighting and household appliances).
Following his energy assessment, the expert will give your home an Guider rating.
An infiltrator test identifies air leaks to be sealed to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Performing an energy audit on an average-sized single-family home takes about three to four hours and will cost anywhere from $ 300 to $ 500. But don't see it as an expense, but as a great investment that will save you energy in the long run. In addition, you will gain a lot of thermal comfort! Because with better air tightness and thermal bridges eliminated, no more drafts and condensation on the windows!
The provincial Acclimation program, which has contributed to the energy efficiency of homes in Quebec for more than 13 years, includes an energy audit. This home visit is the first step to follow! The energy assessment of the accredited expert will be reimbursed to you up to $ 100 if you subsequently carry out the recommended work.
Using Acclimation is also the best way to carry out a complete energy assessment at a lower cost : the program allows you to obtain it at a very attractive price. The actual value of an energy assessment is on average 50% higher than the amount you will be charged.
In the last election, the Liberal Party included in its program free home energy checks. The energy performance of existing homes is a real concern.
Do you have high electricity bills? Was your house built before the 1970s? An energy audit may be very helpful in improving its energy efficiency.
That said, there are a few things you can do to check it out. Finding small problems at the source will prevent large problems from arising, and will minimize maintenance costs. If your walls are better insulated, your windows are of better quality, and you seal leaks to limit drafts, you will not only save significant money, but you will be more comfortable in the house!
There are lots of tips for reducing your bill inexpensively. Thus, even if you do not have access to financial assistance for your renovations, your investments will all be reimbursed very quickly. Here are the items that cause significant costs or that are easily settled:
Find and reduce phantom charges
Have efficient appliances
How to properly insulate attics and eaves, or a cathedral roof
Replace or repair windows; improve the air tightness of your doors and windows
Insulate your basement in a cold climate
Habitation also identified in a study the top 10 energy-efficient renovation works, the most interesting to carry out according to their period of return on investment. Also consult our Renovation Guides in the Exclusive publications section!
Energy audits help identify easy-to-make energy-efficient upgrades to your home that are likely to save you money.
Not to be confused with energy audit online, household energy modeling is done before construction in order to anticipate future energy costs. If you are building a house or wanting to do an extension, energy modeling is a good first step. It's actually a preemptive strike that will force you to overcome the hurdles of building a green and sustainable home, and save you the trouble of correcting mistakes after the fact.