Why Energy Audits Matter for Commercial Facilities
Rising energy costs are one of the biggest controllable expenses for commercial property owners in South Australia. A structured energy audit identifies where your building is losing money — and what to fix first.
At CHS, we see the same patterns across dozens of facilities: ageing HVAC systems running at 60% efficiency, lighting that hasn't been touched since the building was fitted out, and building envelopes leaking conditioned air through failed seals and poor insulation.
The Three Layers of an Energy Audit
1. HVAC System Review
Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system typically accounts for 40–60% of a commercial building's energy consumption. We assess:
- Compressor and condenser efficiency against manufacturer specifications
- Ductwork integrity — leaks in supply and return ducts can waste 20–30% of conditioned air
- Control system calibration — thermostats and BMS setpoints that have drifted over time
- Refrigerant charge levels and system pressures
- Filter condition and airflow restriction
2. Lighting and Electrical
Modern LED retrofits can reduce lighting energy by 50–70% compared to fluorescent or halogen systems. We evaluate:
- Current fixture types, wattages, and run hours
- Opportunities for occupancy sensors in low-traffic areas
- Daylight harvesting potential
- Power factor correction for industrial loads
3. Building Envelope
The thermal performance of your building's shell directly affects how hard your HVAC system works:
- Roof insulation — particularly critical in South Australia's climate
- Window glazing performance and seal integrity
- Door seals and loading dock curtains
- Wall insulation in older buildings
What to Expect from a CHS Energy Assessment
We provide a prioritised report ranking improvements by payback period. Most facilities find quick wins — changes that pay for themselves within 12–18 months — alongside longer-term capital upgrades.
Our goal is to give you a clear, costed roadmap — not a generic recommendation to "upgrade everything."
If you manage commercial property in Adelaide and want to understand where your energy dollars are going, get in touch to arrange a site assessment.