3. Calibrate instruments

For reliable monitoring and measuring, equipment being used should provide data that is accurate. A one degree centigrade error in the evaporating temperature of a refrigeration plant can represent a 3 per cent variation in energy use.

When determining the accuracy of your metering system you could consider conducting a simple risk analysis:

• How will I know my EnPI’s and critical parameters are being monitored?
• How can I know if these meters are accurate?
• What are the critical instruments being used?
• Can the instrument have a significant effect on energy monitoring results if it goes out of calibration?
• What is the likelihood of the critical instrument going out of calibration?
• Is it possible to ascertain the accuracy of meters using data provided from other meters and including utility bill information?

You can then determine which instruments should have the most frequent maintenance and calibration routine.