Home Energy Audit and Critical Analysis of Energy Consumption

This report presents a comprehensive home energy audit conducted on a student's residence. The audit meticulously analyzes the energy consumption of various appliances, calculating both daily and monthly usage and associated costs. Part A details the audit's assumptions, data collection from appliances, and a thorough consumption analysis, including the identification of major energy-consuming items like heaters and freezers. Part B focuses on energy loss management, proposing practical solutions such as sealing air leaks, improving insulation, controlling moisture, and upgrading water heating systems. Furthermore, the report suggests the implementation of solar panels as a renewable technology to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, providing data on potential cost savings and environmental benefits. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency for both individual households and the broader society, advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices and renewable resources.

Running Head: HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Energy Management and Efficiency
Home Energy Audit and Critical Analysis
Student Name:
Student ID:
Course Name:
Course ID:
Faculty Name:
University Name:

HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS 1
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Part A: Home Energy Audit............................................................................................................2
Audit Assumptions......................................................................................................................3
Energy Consumption Analysis....................................................................................................3
Part B: Energy Loss Management...................................................................................................1
Reduction of Energy Loss...........................................................................................................1
Air Leakage.............................................................................................................................1
Insulation.................................................................................................................................1
Moisture Control......................................................................................................................1
Water Heating..........................................................................................................................1
Suggested Renewable Technology..............................................................................................1
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................1
References........................................................................................................................................2
List of Figures
Figure 1: kWh used per month........................................................................................................0
Figure 2: Cost Per Month (in pence)...............................................................................................0
List of Tables
Table 1: Appliance and Energy Usage............................................................................................3
Table 2: Consumption Calculation..................................................................................................0
Table 3: Source (thecoexperts.co.uk, 2016)....................................................................................2

HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS 2
Introduction
Energy management is imperative for a sustainable living. The effective management of energy
not only impacts the growth aspects of a country but the whole planet (Anvari-Moghaddam et al,
2015). The management of energy begins at smaller scale and carried out at larger scale. The
smaller scale can be referred to homes, small companies, which later extend to big companies
and society as a whole. The combination of efficient energy management at all the levels
collectively converts into sustainable future for everyone (Kushiro, 2015). Apart from saving
electricity consumption at every level, the effective management of energy comprises of
elements such as installation of tools and techniques that can act as the alternative sources of
energy. The motive behind the energy saving or application of alternative energy source can be
dual, namely, saving costs and increasing the life of the planet through the use of renewable
energy sources (Van Dam et al, 2013).
The current paper is focused towards analyzing the consumption of energy in the author’s
residence. An energy audit has been carried out for various appliances and overall energy
consumption was calculated. The results are discussed in the Part A. Furthermore, some methods
have been suggested to reduce the current level of energy consumption and the renewable
technology that can be utilized to replace the current energy source for various appliances in Part
B of this paper. In the final chapter, a conclusive remark has been presented based on the energy
audit and suggested alternative solutions.
Part A: Home Energy Audit
There are various appliances that are used at present in the residence for various purposes and
utilities. The table given represents the list of appliances currently operational, number of each
appliance and the rate of power consumption of each unit.
Appliance Initial
Number of
Items
Rate of Power
Consumption (per
unit in watt)
Ceiling Fan C1 4 75
Cell Phone Charger C2 6 3
CFL Light Bulb C3 9 60
Clothes Dryer C4 1 2000
Clothes Washer C5 1 500
Cooking Stove Top C6 1 1000
Desktop Computer D1 1 100
Dishwasher D2 1 1800
Electric Aroma
Lamp E1 3 12

HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS 3
Electric Water
Boiler E2 1 4000
Freezer F 1 250
Game Console G 1 90
Hair Dryer H1 2 1000
Heater H2 3 1000
Iron I 1 1100
Laptop L1 4 60
Microwave Oven M1 1 1200
Television T1 2 75
Water Heating W1 1 4000
Wi-Fi Router W2 1 15
Table 1: Appliance and Energy Usage
Source: Respective Product labels
Audit Assumptions
Given below are the assumptions that have been used in this study:
1. The rate that is paid in pence per kWh is 13.75.
2. The total days in a month taken as 30.
3. The energy consumption considered equal on all days.
Energy Consumption Analysis
The consumption analysis has been conducted on the appliances as per the data shown in the
Table 2 (next page). Several factors were considered while reaching the total consumed energy
and cost incurred on per day and monthly basis. The factors that were considered are:
1. Rate of power consumption of each appliance (as given on each appliance’s product
specification)
2. Total number of items for each appliance
3. Per day use of each appliance on hourly basis
4. Per day use of appliance (combined) on hourly basis
5. Monthly and per day consumption of energy in hour
6. Monthly and per day cost incurred on each appliance in pence.
The Table 2 is followed by the two charts – Chart 1 and 2 – showing the cost incurred and hours
used for each product. The monthly data shows that the Heater (1080kWh/ £148.50), Freezer
(540kWh/ £74.25), Water Heating (360kWh/ £49.50), Hair Dryer (240kWh/ £33.00), Iron
(198kWh/ £27.22), and Laptop (115.2/ £15.84) are the major energy and cost consuming
appliances.

Running Head: HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Appliance
(Initial)
Items Watt Per Day
Consumption
per item(hr.)
Per Day
Consumption
(hr.)
Monthly
Consumption
(hr.)
kWh
used per
day
kWh used
per month
Cost per
day
(pence)
Cost per
Month
(pence)
C1 4 75 5 20 600 1.5 45 20.63 618.9
C2 6 3 10 60 1800 0.12 3.6 1.65 49.5
C3 9 60 12 108 3240 6.48 194.4 89.1 2673
C4 1 2000 1 1 30 2 60 27.5 825
C5 1 500 1 1 30 0.5 15 6.88 206.4
C6 1 1000 1 1 30 1 30 13.75 412.5
D1 1 100 5 5 150 0.1 3 1.38 41.4
D2 1 1800 1 1 30 1.8 54 24.75 742.5
E1 3 12 4 12 360 0 0 0
E2 1 4000 1 1 30 0.14 4.2 1.98 59.4
F 1 250 24 24 720 18 540 247.5 7425
G 1 90 4 4 120 1.08 32.4 14.85 445.5
H1 2 1000 1 2 60 8 240 110 3300
H2 3 1000 12 36 1080 36 1080 495 14850
I 1 1100 2 2 60 6.6 198 90.75 2722.5
L1 4 60 16 64 1920 3.84 115.2 52.8 1584
M1 1 1200 2 2 60 2.4 72 33 990
T1 2 75 8 16 480 1.2 36 16.5 495
W1 1 4000 3 3 90 12 360 165 4950
W2 1 15 24 24 720 0.36 10.8 4.95 148.5
Total 45 18340 137 387 11610 103.12 3093.6 1417.97 42539.1
Table 2: Consumption Calculation

Running Head: HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The total kW consumption per day of the residence is 103.12 and the monthly consumption is
3093.6. Per day cost of energy is 1417.97 pence, that is, 14.17 pound. The monthly cost of
energy that is consumed in the residence is 425.39 pound. The energy bill that is received from
the electricity department is near to this amount every month that is between 420 pound and 430
pound. The per year energy consumption amounts to 37116 kWh and the cost is £5104.68The
chart below shows the energy consumed by the various appliances in the residence:
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 E1 E2 F G H1 H2 I L1 M1 T1 W1 W2
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
kWh used per month
Figure 1: kWh used per month
The chart below shows the energy cost consumed by the various appliances in the residence:
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 E1 E2 F G H1 H2 I L1 M1 T1 W1 W2
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
Cost per Month (in pence)
Figure 2: Cost Per Month (in pence)

HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS 1
Part B: Energy Loss Management
The section is concerned with identifying the solutions that can be implemented to ensure that
there is less energy loss from the residence. Moreover, the impact on the cost has been discussed
for each of the aspects. The use of solar energy has been suggested in the section concerning the
renewable energy application in this residence.
Reduction of Energy Loss
There are various methods that can be applied to reduce the energy loss from the residence.
Mentioned below are some of the methods that have been identified to be the suitable ones in the
case of the author’s residence:
Air Leakage
The identified air leakage needs to be sealed-off. The use of caulk, sealant or spray foam can be
the choices depending on the area that needs to be sealed. It is a onetime expense and does not
need regular investment (Amann et al, 2013). Weather-strip can be used on window and doors.
Insulation
The level of insulation can be increased by bringing in the individuals who are expert at handling
the activities concerning insulation (Fuerst et al, 2015). This onetime investment is likely to have
appreciable return on investment in the form of energy and eventually the cost savings.
Moisture Control
The moisture can be controlled by sealing the possible leaks in the building. The gutters should
be repaired and screens that were broken should be repaired. The installation of ventilation fans
will also ensure the moisture control. These are one time investment likely to ensure longer
safety period.
Water Heating
The installation of new faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads can be done to ensure that the
energy and water are saved together. Showerheads of 1.5-2.2 GPM can be used, and Kitchen
faucet aerators of 1.5-2.2 GPM can be used. Moreover, the heat traps can be used along with an
insulation blanket due to the presence of water heater that is very old.
Suggested Renewable Technology
The use of solar panels has been suggested as a renewable technology for this residence. Solar
panels harness Sunlight to convert into electrical energy (Kaiser et al, 2014). The appliances for
which the solar energy will be used are Heater, Freezer, Water Heating, Hair Dryer, and Iron, as
they have been found to be consuming excess conventional energy.
Given below is the data of prices of various solar panel sizes (shown as approximate roof space)
and the estimated annual output of each of them. Moreover, the return from the energy saving
has also been given.

HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS 2
Table 3: Source (thecoexperts.co.uk, 2016)
As the combined energy usage of the five items mentioned above in a year is extensive,
therefore, the installation of three 28 sq m solar panels has been suggested. The installation will
fulfill the need of these appliances (Theecoexperts.co.uk, 2016). Moreover, as per the table given
above it can estimated that in the coming days, the return of investment from the solar panels in
terms of energy and cost savings can also be expected.
Conclusion
The purpose to save the energy or making the residence energy efficient is likely to have greater
impact on the society and the county as whole. If the same activities are followed for the every
residence and commercial buildings, then it can be possibly stated that the whole country can
become energy efficient, operating majorly on renewable resources, and less on exhaustive
energy sources.
The audit process conducted in this paper brings to the conclusion that there were various
improvement activities required to be handled for the residence to ensure that the energy stays
enclosed. Moreover, as the energy leakage is directly associated with the more consumption of
electric energy, therefore use of suitable precautions are necessary. Some of them have been
mentioned in the earlier section which will be followed.
Major focus has been on harnessing solar energy for the major energy consuming appliances. It
is likely to reduce the cost of energy to minimum possible level and act as a green alternative to
the current energy source.

HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS 3
References
Amann, J. T., Ackerly, K., & Wilson, A. (2013). Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings:
Save Money, Save the Earth. New Society Publishers.
Anvari-Moghaddam, A., Monsef, H. and Rahimi-Kian, A., 2015. Optimal smart home energy
management considering energy saving and a comfortable lifestyle. IEEE Transactions on Smart
Grid, 6(1), pp.324-332.
Fuerst, F., McAllister, P., Nanda, A., & Wyatt, P. (2015). Does energy efficiency matter to
home-buyers? An investigation of EPC ratings and transaction prices in England. Energy
Economics, 48, 145-156.
Kaiser, W., Kahn, M. E., & Locke, S. (2014). Accidental Environmentalists? Californian
Demand for Teslas and Solar Panels. NBER Working Paper, (w20754).
Kushiro, N. (2015). A Basic Study for Realizing Life Event Sensor for Home Energy
Management System. In Knowledge-Based Information Systems in Practice (pp. 21-38).
Springer International Publishing.
Theecoexperts.co.uk. (2016). Solar Panels Cost | Prices from £3500 | The Eco Experts. [online]
Available at: http://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/how-much-do-solar-panels-cost-uk#SolarCost
[Accessed 2 Nov. 2016].
Van Dam, S. S., Bakker, C. A., & Buiter, J. C. (2013). Do home energy management systems
make sense? Assessing their overall lifecycle impact. Energy policy, 63, 398-407.