When your facility is trying to improve energy performance, it helps to know how much information you actually need before making decisions. Some facilities are just beginning to understand where energy is being used, while others are preparing for major improvements and need a much deeper level of analysis before moving forward.
That’s why knowing the difference between a Level 1 and a Level 3 Energy Audit is so important. Both are great investments and offer clarity into your energy performance, but it’s crucial to know which one is best for you. This blog will help you understand differences between level 1 and level 3 energy audits and which one your facility should choose.
What Sets Level 1 Energy Audits Apart From Level 3 Energy Audits?
The biggest difference between a Level 1 and a Level 3 Energy Audit is the level of detail and the purpose behind the audit. A level 1 audit helps your facility understand the problem by going through each part of your facility systems and evaluating your current standing. A level 3 audit helps your facility evaluate a possible solution before making a major investment. They are much more focused on particular aspects of your facility as well as seeing how improvements could impact long-term performance, rather than the more general and present-minded level 1 audit.
When Should My Facility Get A Level 1 Energy Audit Instead Of Other Levels?
A Level 1 Energy Audit is typically used when you have a need for a baseline at your facility. If energy costs are going up, systems feel inefficient, or your team does not know where to start, level 1 provides an initial overview of energy consumption and possible areas of waste.
Usually the audit includes a walk-through of the facility, a review of utility usage, and an initial investigation of the major energy-consuming systems. The aim isn’t to produce a complete project design immediately but rather to get a practical baseline so your team can understand where they are before deciding the next steps.
For most commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and municipal facilities, a Level 1 Energy Audit is the smarter first step because it takes the guesswork out of large energy decisions.
When Should My Facility Get A Level 3 Energy Audit?
A Level 3 Energy Audit is used when a facility needs a much more detailed look at specific energy improvements. This level is best for facilities that are further along in the process and are preparing for major upgrades, capital planning, performance contracting, or another larger energy project.
At level 3, the audit becomes more detailed and investment-focused. It can include deeper system analysis, more refined cost estimates, projected savings, and a closer look at how specific improvements may perform over time. This is why a Level 3 audit is sometimes connected to an investment-grade energy audit.
If your facility is asking when to get a Level 3 Energy Audit, the answer usually comes down to whether you are ready to seriously evaluate a major improvement. It makes the most sense after there is already a clear reason to study a specific opportunity in greater detail.
Talk To Quandel About Choosing The Right Energy Audit For Your Facility
Not sure whether your facility needs a Level 1 or Level 3 Energy Audit? Quandel Energy Solutions helps commercial, municipal, and other large facilities understand their energy usage and determine the best next step.
For many facilities, a Level 1 Energy Audit is the right place to begin because it creates the baseline needed before moving into deeper analysis. If the findings show that a larger opportunity exists, Quandel can help your team determine whether a Level 3 Energy Audit, energy consulting, utility reduction work, or performance contracting should come next.
To better understand your facility’s energy situation and choose the right audit level, contact Quandel Energy Solutions today.
