Which method is commonly used to test the efficiency of heating systems?

The method commonly used to test the efficiency of heating systems is the energy audit. An energy audit provides a comprehensive assessment of a building's energy use and efficiency, identifying areas where energy is wasted and offering recommendations for improvement. It typically involves analyzing heating system performance, measuring energy consumption, and evaluating insulation levels, airflow, and other variables that impact heating efficiency. By doing so, the audit can reveal how effectively the heating system is operating and whether it meets the required standards for energy efficiency, ultimately leading to potential cost savings and enhanced comfort.

In contrast, while visual inspection can reveal obvious issues, it does not provide a quantifiable measure of efficiency. Temperature verification assesses the output temperature of the system but does not account for other important efficiencies. Sound level measurement can indicate operational performance but is not a direct metric of heating efficiency.