Purchasing a commercial property is a major investment. Getting an inspection in the due diligence phase is a critical step in the buying process, but are you getting the most out of those inspections? If you’re not conducting energy efficiency inspections, the answer might be no.
Getting an energy efficiency inspection before purchasing a commercial property provides numerous benefits, including cost savings, improved comfort for occupants, and reduced environmental impact over the lifetime of your purchase.
At Building Envelope Allies, we specialize in energy audits and inspections to help building owners (and potential buyers) address energy inefficiencies before they become costly problems. A comprehensive evaluation of the building’s critical systems and energy usage makes it easier for you to make informed decisions about your investment.
Here’s why you should always get an energy efficiency inspection before purchasing a commercial building.
Detect potential problems in critical building systems
Leak detection
Air and water leaks are costly problems, and they’re not always easy to identify at first glance. Our building diagnostics team specializes in detecting the cause behind issues like frost, high indoor humidity, water spots on ceilings and walls, and mold.
We use blower door testing to identify air leaks in the building envelope. The blower door creates a negative pressure inside the building, and we measure the amount of air entering through leaks.
Air leaks can cause energy waste by allowing conditioned air to escape, which often results in higher energy bills. Blower door testing also highlights potential comfort issues, like drafts and poor indoor air quality from infiltration of outdoor pollutants.
Nondestructive roof moisture surveys
We offer two types of nondestructive roof moisture surveys to identify trapped moisture without tearing up the roof. Nuclear roof testing uses nuclear radiation to detect moisture in roofing systems, and infrared testing uses infrared thermography to identify temperature differences caused by saturated insulation.
Trapped moisture can lead to mold, rot, and even higher electrical bills, because moisture reduces the insulation value of the roofing system. Getting nondestructive testing early helps identify moisture issues before they cause significant damage and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Infrared electrical inspections
Infrared electrical inspections are another nondestructive testing method that offers valuable insight into a building’s health. Our Level II and Level III Certified thermographers use thermal imaging to detect electrical faults such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, and faulty breakers.
These issues can cause fires, electrocutions, and equipment damage, and can result in costly repairs or replacements. Identifying electrical faults before purchase can help reduce energy waste and save money on utility bills. Sometimes, these tests are also required for insurance coverage.
Evaluate energy usage
The above inspections can identify issues with critical building systems that a traditional inspection might miss, and they also offer valuable insight into the building’s energy usage. For example, air leaks could mean high heating and cooling bills, and electrical inefficiencies can increase electric bills.
Depending on the age and condition of the building you’re considering, you may be interested in a more comprehensive energy efficiency inspection. Other assessments can include HVAC system and duct leakage testing, water and lighting retrofits, and infrared insulation inspections.
Make a more informed investment
After the energy efficiency inspection, we deliver a comprehensive report of our findings. You can use the report to evaluate the potential purchase through the lens of energy efficiency and compile the findings with the rest of your due diligence.
Our findings shed light on the condition of the building and any necessary repairs, improvements, or upgrades it may need. You can then weigh this knowledge when making your investment decision.
If you make the purchase, addressing energy inefficiencies early on can help reduce operating costs, save money on utility bills, and enhance occupant comfort. Plus, reducing energy waste can help reduce the building’s environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Find out how an energy efficiency inspection can help you make better commercial real estate investments. Contact Building Envelope Allies to talk to an expert.