Tape measures—The most basic measuring device is the tape measure.

A 10-metre tape
measure and a 50-metre tape measure are used to check the dimensions of the walls, ceilings,
doors, and windows, and the distances between pieces of equipment for purposes such as
determining the length of a pipe for transferring waste heat from one piece of equipment to
another.

Lightmeter—A portable lightmeter that can fit into a pocket is extremely useful. This
instrument is used to measure illumination levels in facilities. A lightmeter that reads in Lux
allows direct analysis of lighting systems and comparison with recommended light levels
specified by the Illuminating Engineering Society [3]. Many areas in buildings and plants are still
significantly overlighted, and measuring this excess illumination allows the auditor to
recommend a reduction in lighting levels through lamp removal programs or by replacing
inefficient lamps with high efficiency lamps that may supply slightly less illumination than the
old inefficient lamps.
Thermometers—Several thermometers are generally needed to measure temperatures in
offices and other worker areas, and to measure the temperature of operating equipment.
Knowing process temperatures allows the auditor to determine process equipment efficiencies,
and also to identify waste heat sources for potential heat recovery programs. Inexpensive
electronic thermometers with interchangeable probes are available to measure temperatures
in both these areas. Some common types include an immersion probe, a surface temperature
probe, and a radiation-shielded probe for measuring true air temperature. Other types of infra-
red thermometers and thermographic equipment are also available. An infra-red “gun” can
measure temperatures of steam lines that are inaccessible without a ladder.

Voltmeter—A voltmeter is useful for determining operating voltages on electrical equipment,

and especially useful when the nameplate has worn off of a piece of equipment or is otherwise
unreadable or missing. The most versatile instrument is a combined voltohm-ammeter with a
clamp-on feature for measuring currents in conductors that are easily accessible. This type of
multi-meter is convenient and relatively inexpensive.
Wattmeter/Power Factor Meter—A portable hand-held wattmeter and power factor meter is
very handy for determining the power consumption and power factor of individual motors and
other inductive devices, and the load factors of motors. This meter typically has a clamp-on
feature which allows an easy and safe connection to the current-carrying conductor, and has
probes for voltage connections

Combustion Analyzer—Combustion analyzers are portable devices which estimate the

combustion efficiency of furnaces, boilers, or other fossil fuel burning machines. Digital
combustion analysis equipment performs the measurements and reads out combustion
efficiency in percent. These instruments are very reliable and are not very expensive.
Ultrasonic Leak Detector—Ultrasonic compressed air leak detectors are electronic ultrasonic
receivers that are tuned very precisely to the frequency of the hissing sound of an air leak.
These devices are reasonably priced, and are extremely sensitive to the noise a small air leak
makes. The detectors can screen out background noise and pick up the sound of an air leak. All
facilities which use compressed air for applications beyond pneumatic controls should have one
of these devices, and should use it routinely to identify wasteful air leaks.

Airflow Measurement Devices—Measuring air flow from heating, air conditioning or ventilating
ducts, or from other sources of air flow is one of the energy auditor’s tasks. Airflow
measurement devices can be used to identify problems with air flows, such as whether the
combustion air flow into a gas heater is correct. Typical airflow measuring devices include a
velometer, an anemometer, or an airflow hood.
Blower Door Attachment—Building or structure tightness can be measured with a blower door
attachment. This device is frequently used in residences and in office buildings to determine the
air leakage rate or the number of air changes per hour in the facility. This often helps determine
whether the facility has substantial structural or duct leaks that need to be found and sealed.

Smoke Generator—A simple smoke generator can be used in residences, offices and other
buildings to find air infiltration and leakage around doors, windows, ducts and other structural
features. Care must be taken in using this device, since the chemical “smoke” produced may be
hazardous, and breathing protection masks may be needed.
Safety Equipment—The use of safety equipment is a vital precaution for any energy auditor. A
good pair of safety glasses is an absolute necessity for almost any audit visit. Hearing protectors
may also be required on audit visits to noisy plants or in areas where high kW motors are used
to drive fans and pumps. Electrically insulated gloves should be used if electrical measurements
will be taken, and insulated gloves should also be used for working around boilers and heaters.
Breathing protection masks may also be needed when hazardous fumes are present from
processes or materials used. Steel-toe and steel-shank safety shoes may be needed on audits of
plants where heavy, hot, sharp or hazardous materials are being used.