Energy Audits

Why you should consider an energy assessment?

Many people wish to become more energy efficient and may have decided to install solar, a geothermal heat pump, a wind turbine, a wood pellet stove or boiler, or perhaps a heat recovery ventilation system, however, the purchaser may not be aware that these items might not solve their energy efficiency problems.

No matter what your choice of energy generation, if your building is leaking like a sieve, has damp problems, is poorly insulated, ventilated or inadequately designed, or has low ‘U’’ value windows, you could be spending money in certain areas unwisely.

An energy assessment is the best method to establish where the best savings can be made. It will also help you to avoid installing a system which quite simply may not be suitable for your particular building. There are many factors which will determine the best choice or solution and this should be left to an experienced person.

Energy Assessment – Guidelines                                                        

Air Tightness/Insulation - Inspection of all windows, doors, chimneys, ventilation ducts, floors, block work and attic?

Heating – Inspection of Boiler, Pipe work, Radiators and all other associated appliances?

Lighting – Inspection of all light fitments and use of all natural, task and accent lighting?

Electricity – Check all appliance types for efficiency?

Detailed technical information and calculations  Energy requirements

The information gathered will form the basis of a 20+ page report which will provide you with an energy assessment. The purpose of this exercise is to enable you to look at efficient and cost effective methods of improving the performance of your building. We can calculate the minimum requirement in terms of energy usage for the size and style of each home.

At this point, we will offer you a variety of options and alternative measures to reduce your overall running costs, improve efficiency and calculate realistic pay back periods.

This report will also go part way to satisfy the requirement for the Government’s ‘EPBD’ (Energy Performance of Buildings) which is a regulation due to be enforced by January 2009. Further information is available on the SEI Web Site. www.sei.ie  Please note that this is an assessment and not a formal energy rating and therefore a certificate or label cannot be issued at this time.

In preparation for the audit, we will ask you to furnish certain vital information -  e.g.

• Bills or costings for electricity and oil, over the last 24 months? (make available on the day)

• Year of build?

• House type – bungalow or 2 storey - orientation - No. of Bedrooms?

• Current type of heating?

• Have you a maintenance contract for your boiler & when was it last serviced?

• Are you currently using low energy light bulbs or appliances?

• How many people live in the house?

• Etc……………..

Payment for this service is required in advance. You can make payment by cheque or credit card.

The survey will take approx. 2 hours and we may need access to your attic space and an appropriate ladder and the cost is €350 inc. VAT. (Subject to distance)

A comprehensive report will be produced with recommendations and savings calculations, which you should receive within 10 working days.

News Alert -  Duncan Stewart - http://www.rte.ie/tv/aboutthehouse/webchat.html