ASHRAE Level I, II & III Energy Audits
Using industry-recognized standards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), our team evaluates building systems, analyzes energy consumption, and provides actionable recommendations to reduce operating costs and improve building performance. IE Energy provides professional ASHRAE Level I, Level II, and Level III energy audits for commercial and multifamily buildings.An ASHRAE energy audit is a systematic evaluation of a building’s energy use and the performance of its major energy-consuming systems.
ASHRAE audits follow standardized methodologies that assess:
HVAC systems
Lighting systems
Building envelope performance
Domestic hot water systems
Electrical systems
Control systems and automation
The purpose of an energy audit is to identify Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that can reduce energy consumption while maintaining or improving building performance.
ASHRAE defines three levels of audits, each providing increasing levels of analysis and detail.
What Is an ASHRAE Energy Audit?
ASHRAE Level I Energy Audit
Preliminary Energy Analysis
An ASHRAE Level I energy audit provides a high-level overview of a building’s energy performance and identifies low-cost opportunities for improvement.
Level I audits are typically the first step in evaluating building efficiency and establishing a baseline understanding of energy use.
What a Level I Audit Includes:
Review of utility bills and historical energy consumption
Preliminary benchmarking of building energy performance
Walk-through inspection of building systems
Identification of low-cost and no-cost efficiency measures
General recommendations for operational improvements
Level I audits help building owners quickly identify immediate opportunities to reduce energy waste and determine whether more detailed analysis is needed.
ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit
Detailed Energy Survey and Analysis
An ASHRAE Level II energy audit provides a more detailed evaluation of building energy systems and identifies specific efficiency upgrades.
This level of audit includes engineering analysis and financial evaluation of recommended improvements.
What a Level II Audit Includes:
Detailed energy consumption analysis
Comprehensive inspection of building systems
Identification of energy conservation measures (ECMs)
Estimated implementation costs for each measure
Projected energy savings
Simple payback calculations and financial analysis
Level II audits are commonly required by building performance standards, benchmarking programs, and energy compliance regulations.
They provide building owners with actionable information for planning energy efficiency upgrades and capital improvements.
ASHRAE Level III Energy Audit
Investment-Grade Energy Analysis
An ASHRAE Level III energy audit is the most comprehensive level of energy analysis and is often used to support major capital investment decisions.
Level III audits involve detailed engineering modeling and financial evaluation of complex energy improvement projects.
What a Level III Audit Includes:
Detailed building energy modeling
Engineering analysis of major building systems
Measurement and verification of system performance
Detailed cost estimates for major retrofit projects
Life-cycle cost analysis and financial projections
Level III audits are often used when planning large energy retrofit projects or developing long-term energy investment strategies.
Benefits of ASHRAE Energy Audits
ASHRAE energy audits provide valuable insights that help building owners improve operational efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
Key benefits include:
Reduced Energy Costs
Energy audits identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and lower utility expenses.
Improved Building Performance
Audits reveal inefficiencies in building systems and operational practices.
Regulatory Compliance
Many building performance programs require energy audits as part of compliance.
Capital Planning Support
Energy audits provide financial analysis that helps prioritize building upgrades.
Sustainability and Emissions Reduction
Energy efficiency improvements contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved environmental performance.
Water Audits & Consumption Analysis
IE Energy provides comprehensive water audits to help commercial and multifamily properties identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and lower utility costs. Our approach goes beyond simple usage review by analyzing water consumption patterns, equipment performance, and operational practices across your facility.
We evaluate major water systems including domestic hot water, cooling towers, irrigation, and fixtures to identify leaks, excessive usage, and optimization opportunities. Our team benchmarks your water use against similar buildings and provides clear, actionable recommendations to improve efficiency.
Water audits can be performed as a standalone service or integrated into ASHRAE Level I, II, or III energy audits—giving you a complete understanding of both energy and water performance.
Key Deliverables:
Identification of leaks and inefficiencies
Fixture and system performance evaluation
Cost-saving recommendations and ROI estimates
Integration with overall building energy strategy
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked
Questions
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ASHRAE energy audits evaluate major building systems that affect energy consumption, including:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Lighting systems
Domestic hot water systems
Building envelope (walls, windows, insulation)
Electrical systems
Building automation and control systems
The goal is to identify inefficiencies and opportunities to reduce energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.
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The timeline depends on the building size and audit level.
Typical timelines include:
Level I audit: 1–2 weeks
Level II audit: 3–6 weeks
Level III audit: 6–12 weeks
Larger buildings or complex facilities may require additional time for analysis.
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Energy auditors typically require:
12–24 months of utility bills
Building floor area and usage information
Equipment specifications
Building operating schedules
Occupancy levels
Maintenance records
Providing accurate building information helps ensure reliable audit results.
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In many cities and states, energy audits are required as part of building energy regulations.
Examples include:
Building performance standards (BPS)
Energy benchmarking programs
energy disclosure laws
emissions reduction policies
These regulations often require ASHRAE Level II audits or equivalent evaluations.
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Energy audits help reduce operating costs by identifying inefficiencies in building systems.
By implementing recommended improvements, building owners can:
Lower utility bills
Reduce maintenance costs
Improve equipment performance
Extend system lifespan
Over time, these improvements can significantly reduce total building operating expenses. Savings vary depending on building condition, but energy audits commonly identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption by 10%-30% or more.
Need More Help?
Discuss an ASHRAE Energy Audit or Water Audit Today
Fill out the form below and our team will reach out within 1 business day to discuss ASHRAE Energy audits or water audits for your property.
Prefer to connect directly?
Call us at 909-906-0840
Email us at team@ieenergy.com