Smoke and mirrors: The essentials of an auditor's toolbox. [Energy auditors]

Journal Article · · Home Energy; (United States)

OSTI ID:5647531

Lutz, K

What is the single most important tool an auditor can bring to an energy audit Is it a blower door, infrared camera, or digital thermometer Or is it something more often taken for granted than these high-tech toys - something like good training, a sturdy ladder, or a strong-beamed flashlight The two most important tools are a pair of eyes and a brain, asserts Tom Wilson of Residential Energy Conservation Consulting Group in Fairchild, Wisc. Michael Blasnik of GRASP in Philadelphia concurs. Head, eyes, and hands, he elaborates, are the true essential tools of a good energy auditor. And utility bills, he adds are often more valuable than anything else you can bring to an audit. Utility bills can be the most effective labor-saving devices simply because they allow the auditor to evaluate how much time to spend with the traditional auditing tools, measuring the energy use and waste of a building. Obviously, these trainers value the right approach to an audit more highly than they do with the fanciest gadgets. So before describing the essentials of the auditor's toolbox, here's a list of a few more of the intangible tools that an auditor should have before the physical tools can be used most effectively.

• OSTI ID: 5647531
• Journal Information: Home Energy; (United States), Journal Name: Home Energy; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN 0896-9442; ISSN HOENE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320107* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Systems-- (1987-)
AUDITS
CALCULATION METHODS
CAMERAS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ENERGY AUDITS
FLOWMETERS
FLUE GAS
FURNACES
GAS ANALYSIS
GASEOUS WASTES
HUMIDITY
INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
INSPECTION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEASURING METHODS
METERS
MIRRORS
MOISTURE GAGES
MONITORING
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERISCOPES
PRESSURE GAGES
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
THERMOGRAPHY
THERMOMETERS
TOOLS
WASTES