Description

Energy auditors apply knowledge of building systems and energy efficiency technologies (including HVAC/R design and equipment and energy management systems [EMS] controls) to analyze and evaluate energy use in residential homes or commercial buildings, and present information in a meaningful way. 

The job duties of an energy auditor typically involve inspecting facilities to collect energy usage data, determining energy use in homes or buildings by reviewing documents such as utility bills and building system specifications, and performing tests to discover the extent of energy inefficiencies. Knowledge of both fossil fuel-based HVAC/R systems and modern, environmentally friendly equipment that use electricity is essential. For example, energy auditors need to understand the efficiency ratings for heat pumps in order to assess whether they are operating optimally and maximizing energy efficiency. Energy auditors should be detail-oriented and have an aptitude for math to ensure that data is entered correctly and calculations of energy usage and benchmarking are accurate. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills contribute to energy auditors being able to understand and evaluate the data, identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, calculate the costs and energy savings of energy conservation projects, and conduct feasibility studies. Experienced energy auditors may also have project management responsibilities that include developing project scopes of work, planning timelines and budgets, determining the appropriate assumptions and technical approach to use, and ensuring quality control.

As part of the data collection process, energy auditors may visit buildings and need to possess general physical abilities such as walking, climbing stairs, crouching or crawling to access low or cramped spaces, and reaching for and/or lifting objects. They may spend some time outdoors.

Energy auditors present the findings of their analyses and recommendations to clients both verbally and via written documentation (e.g., audit reports, project budgets), so they need to have effective communication and customer service skills to maintain positive relationships with clients. They should have experience using computers to complete their job duties and be familiar with creating and using spreadsheets; presentations; and word processing documents. Energy auditors should be comfortable working as part of a team because they may collaborate with engineers, architects, members of their organization’s sales team, contractors, or other stakeholders.

Energy auditors work in offices to analyze data and sometimes visit worksites for data collection. Their work schedules are typically full-time.

Job Outlook

According to the New York State Department of Labor, there are approximately 10,000 construction and building inspectors in New York State. Energy auditors are part of this group. Despite some fluctuations, overall, employer demand for energy auditors in New York State has been increasing over the past decade. For example, in 2011 there were 168 online job postings for energy auditors, while in 2016 there were 265 online postings, and 339 in 2021. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may also lead to greater demand for these workers because the legislation encourages homeowners to have an energy audit performed (using tax credits as an incentive).

Entering the Field

Energy auditors typically need to have a post-secondary education. For some jobs, a trade certificate or college coursework in areas such as energy auditing, construction, electrical work, or building inspection is sufficient. Most employers in New York State, however, look to hire energy auditors with a bachelor’s degree. Programs in a business or STEM field may qualify candidates for these jobs. Employers value candidates with experience in the areas noted or with HVAC/R equipment and controls, building maintenance, or energy management, with many seeking workers with three to five years of experience. An advanced degree and more extensive work experience in the energy sector may be advantageous for candidates looking to acquire a senior position. 

Familiarity with government policies and regulations related to energy conservation and building codes is important for energy auditors. Certifications from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), the Building Performance Institute (BPI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ESCO Group, the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), or similar organizations demonstrate familiarity with industry standards and competence in the field of energy auditing. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with these certifications. Energy auditors who must travel between worksites may be required to have a valid driver’s license.

Wages

In New York State, the median wage for construction and building inspectors, which includes energy auditors, is approximately $78,200. Entry-level workers earn about $50,900 and experienced workers earn about $94,000.

Annual Wage (Q1 2023 dollars, rounded to 100s) – Statewide and by Labor Market Region

Source:  New York State Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey, SOC Code 47-4011 (Construction and Building Inspectors)

Employers

The types of companies that hire energy auditors may include utilities, facilities management providers, professional services firms that offer inspection or engineering consulting services, and construction contractors. 

Job advertisements for energy auditors who work on or have familiarity with HVAC/R equipment and systems may be posted online with alternative job titles such as energy manager, energy efficiency specialist, energy analyst, energy advisor, or energy consultant. Use energy auditor or any of those similar job titles and keywords such as “HVAC,” “heating,” “refrigeration,” “energy efficiency,” or “energy conservation” when searching job advertisements online to help identify opportunities for employment.

Labor Unions

Energy auditors may belong to unions. The Laborers’ International Union of America (LIUNA) includes energy auditors among its members. Some local chapters of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (HFIAW) have members who provide energy auditing services. Energy auditors who work for a government agency might belong to a union representing public sector employees. Check with local LIUNA or HFIAW chapters or public unions in the community to see if they represent energy auditors or see if local companies that employ energy auditors have a union affiliation that includes these jobs.

Education and Training Programs

Some industry organizations issue certifications that demonstrate competence in the field of energy auditing and may either directly offer training opportunities or have a list of training providers that prepare workers for the certification exams. Examples include the following.

AEE offers a variety of certifications related to energy management, energy service and commissioning, and sustainable development – including one to become a Certified Energy Auditor. AEE offers training courses and also has a list of approved training partners.

ASHRAE offers training and certifications related to building design and performance, including the Building Energy Assessment Professional certification.

BPI offers multiple certifications to demonstrate HVAC/R and building performance competencies, including its Home Energy Professional (HEP) Energy Auditor certification. While they do not have an affiliation with training centers, check to see if a local BPI Test Center offers training.

ESCO Group offers a Residential Energy Auditor specialty certification (as well as a variety of HVAC/R offerings).

RESNET accredits training providers to certify workers who meet their standards as Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters. Check the website for a list of training providers.

Several schools in New York State offer degrees specifically in areas such as energy technology, energy management, or green building technology. Working as an energy auditor is one possible career outcome for graduates of these programs, which are shown in the table below. Many other schools across the state offer programs in business or STEM fields that could also prepare students for this type of work. Check with local schools for program availability.

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