If you want to ensure an accurate utility bill and minimise your utility costs, it is important to conduct a thorough energy audit. However, doing these audits at the right time can make a significant difference in ensuring accurate findings and maximising energy conservation.
Let’s consider some key strategic times for carrying out an energy audit:
During Peak Seasons
Different industries experience different seasonal fluctuations. For example, the retail sector may experience peak periods during holiday seasons, while agricultural sectors will peak during harvest times.
Conducting energy audits during these high-demand periods, relevant to your industry, provides a realistic look at your energy consumption under the most demanding conditions. This gives clearer insight into peak energy loads and helps identify where your business might be overspending on energy during busy times.
An audit during peak periods is also more likely to reveal inefficiencies that might be hidden during low-demand periods. Equipment that is under strain during heavy-use periods, for example, may reveal excessive energy consumption at this time.
At the End of a Financial Period
It’s beneficial to conduct an energy audit at the end of a financial period to align findings with budget planning. Doing so allows you to evaluate energy expenses within the larger financial context, making it easier to justify and plan for future energy-saving investments.
If your business generates reports on sustainability and financial performance, conducting an energy audit at the end of a financial period is a crucial checkpoint. This timing facilitates the gathering of data needed to establish new energy goals and set benchmarks.
During Transitional Seasons
During transitional seasons such as spring and autumn, moderate temperatures result in less need for heating and cooling. Conducting energy audits during these times can provide a more stable baseline, less influenced by extreme temperatures, making it easier to isolate and understand your energy use patterns.
Conducting an energy audit in spring or autumn also allows time for upgrades or improvements before the summer or winter, when energy demands typically rise sharply.
If you identify necessary adjustments during this period, you can implement the changes in time to affect peak-season energy usage.
When Introducing New Equipment or Processes
If your business is implementing new machinery, adding lighting, or rolling out new processes, conducting an energy audit can pinpoint how these additions impact your energy demand and efficiency.
This is an ideal time to set new benchmarks to accommodate new equipment and processes. Such audits also help create a clearer picture of your energy landscape and provide insights for future upgrades or changes.
Energy Management Solutions carries out thorough energy audits to help ensure that you can save money and minimise your energy usage. Contact us today for more information.