Certified Energy Auditor Energy Audit Process Questions and Answers

Question 1

An energy auditor is conducting a preliminary analysis of a commercial office building.
The process includes reviewing the past 24 months of utility bills, performing a brief walk-through inspection to identify obvious inefficiencies, and benchmarking the building's Energy Use Intensity (EUI) against similar facilities.
Which level of energy audit is being performed?

Accepted Answer

ASHRAE Level 1

Answer

ASHRAE Level 2

Answer

ASHRAE Level 3

Answer

Investment-Grade Audit

Question 2

A manufacturing facility is considering a major capital project to replace its aging HVAC system with a modern, high-efficiency geothermal system. To support the multi-million dollar investment decision, the management requires a comprehensive analysis that includes detailed data collection via sub-metering, calibrated energy modeling, and a rigorous life-cycle cost analysis. Which of the following audit types is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

An investment-grade audit

Answer

A preliminary walk-through audit

Answer

A detailed energy survey and analysis

Answer

A retro-commissioning study

Question 3

During the data analysis phase of an energy audit, an auditor calculates the Simple Payback Period for a proposed lighting retrofit. The total implementation cost is $25,000, and the projected annual energy cost savings are $5,000. What is the Simple Payback Period for this measure?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

4 years

Answer

0.2 years

Answer

6 years

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a crucial first step in the energy audit process, before conducting the on-site survey?

Accepted Answer

Collecting and analyzing historical utility consumption data.

Answer

Performing a blower door test to measure air leakage.

Answer

Calibrating detailed energy simulation models.

Answer

Installing sub-meters on all major equipment.

Question 5

An energy audit report for a hospital recommends upgrading the building automation system (BAS). In addition to significant energy cost savings, the report highlights that the new BAS will improve occupant thermal comfort and give maintenance staff better diagnostic tools, reducing repair times. These secondary benefits are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs)

Answer

Capital improvements

Answer

Return on investment

Answer

Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)

Question 6

An ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit differs from a Level 1 audit primarily in its:

Accepted Answer

Level of detail in engineering calculations and financial analysis.

Answer

Focus on identifying only no-cost operational changes.

Answer

Use of whole-building computer simulation and modeling.

Answer

Exclusion of a physical site walk-through.