[BLDG-SIM] Suggestions on Energy Analysis Software

Joe Azzarello environjoe at chartermi.net
Wed Dec 5 10:11:55 PST 2007


Greetings!

 

I am new on this list and to the concept of building energy simulation
software however I have already learned a bit by reading all of the posts
over the past two weeks. Thanks.

 

My group currently does a fair amount of LEED work and we have decided to
learn more about energy modeling, purchase some software, and possibly
offering modeling service to our clients. I know this will be a long process
to learn the process and software well enough to "sell" these services
however we may as well begin the process now!

 

I have a couple of questions for the group and am looking for some direction
from those of you with much more experience than I have. I am not trying to
start a huge debate here or pitting one software program against another
however your feedback, whatever it may be will be helpful. Therefore my
questions are:

 

1.	Of the "approved" software packages out there [I think 8 different
packages meet the IRS requirements for Tax Deduction], which program
suppliers offer excellent training courses for a person just entering the
field? Do they offer these programs frequently during the year or on an
infrequent basis?

 

2.	As far as ease of use goes I understand that these programs all have
their challenges. Any suggestions on which software program is easiest to
work with? I do not mean the quickest program to get a simulation out of but
a program where it is relatively easy to understand and input data.

 

3.	Are any of these programs more in line with LEED requirements than
others?

 

4.	Ok - the big question: Which program is easiest to use, the most
popular, and why?

 

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback you provide me with. My desire is to
provide quality work for clients on a timely basis without having to spend
large amounts of time overcoming software quirks with one program where
another program may be easier to use.

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Joe Azzarello

Environmental Design Partners LLC

616 566-4937



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