Church Energy Audit 101: What It Is, What It Costs, and What You’ll Learn (Even Before Solar)

This is part 4 in our knowledge resource series, written to help churches answer the Revivalist call to care for creation. You can visit https://www.greenthechurch.org/gtcred for more information. 

If you’ve never had a professional energy audit, here’s what you’re probably thinking: “Is this going to be expensive? How long will it take? And what if the results tell me I need to spend $50,000 to fix something I didn’t know was broken?”

These are all fair questions. Let’s answer them and demystify the process at the same time.

What Is a Professional Energy Audit?

A professional energy audit is a detailed inspection of your building and its energy performance. Think of it like a health checkup for your church building. The auditor looks at your systems, measures how much energy you’re using, identifies where waste is happening, and gives you options that can help you both save and generate energy.

Here’s what it typically includes:

1. HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning account for 40 to 50% of most building energy use. The auditor checks age, efficiency, maintenance records, and thermostat programming. They look for leaks, imbalances, and opportunities for upgrades or repairs.
2. Lighting: They measure how much lighting you have, what types of bulbs you’re using, and how efficiently fixtures are designed. LEDs typically use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.
3. Building Envelope: Insulation, air sealing, window condition, and roof integrity all affect how hard your HVAC has to work. The auditor looks for gaps, drafts, and degradation.
4. Water Systems: Hot water heating and fixtures are often overlooked. Auditors check boiler age/efficiency, insulation on hot water pipes, and opportunities for low-flow fixtures.
5. Electrical: The auditor reviews your electrical panel, identifies phantom loads (devices drawing power even when not in use), and notes opportunities for plug load management and solar readiness.

What Does a Professional Energy Audit Cost?

If you’re using a certified auditor (RESNET or BPI certified), a comprehensive audit for a church typically costs $800 to $2,500, depending on building size and complexity. For a typical church of 4,000 to 8,000 square feet, expect $1,200 to $1,800.

That sounds like a lot. But here’s the thing: many states and utility companies offer rebates or grants that cover 50 to 100% of the audit cost. 

In California, for example, nonprofits can access free energy audits through the California Community Choice Aggregation program. New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois have similar programs. Even if you pay out of pocket, the audit often pays for itself in the first year with the insights it provides.

Through GTC RED, we offer energy audits as a no-cost entry point for churches entering our program. The audit is your foundation for all the action that follows.

What Will You Actually Learn?

A good audit report gives you three critical things:

1. Energy Consumption Baseline: You’ll know exactly how much energy your church uses annually, broken down by system. This becomes your measurement stick. Six months after making upgrades, you can measure your real savings. 
2. Equipment Options: Your report will offer suggestions for specific solar systems and other equipment based on your building, budget, and feasibility. These are broken down by cost, estimated energy generating capacity and/or estimated savings. These figures should also include available rebates and other incentives that may lower your total acquisition and installation price. 
3. Estimated Annual Savings: Each audit then offers you a look at what your energy usage could be, based on the range of options provided. Bigger investments will result in greater net savings (or revenue generation), shortening the buy-back period. Your leadership can then decide what options make the most sense and are most realistic for your budget.

Ready to get started? Call (510) 369-3541 or visit https://www.greenthechurch.org/gtc-red-form to set up a no-cost, no-obligation audit today!