Energy experts have the knowledge and expertise to provide recommendations for an energy-efficient home combining comfort with savings, both in energy and money. Well-qualified energy consultants take the initiative to research energy-efficiency technologies and techniques and then compare their conclusions with others instead of simply taking someone else’s word for it. Their expertise comes from experience in the field, well-rounded employees with various educational backgrounds and interests, and research of a wide variety of energy-related topics, including lighting, windows, water heating, ventilation, insulation, wind and solar energies, and more.

When building a new home, it is important to understand and address energy concerns well before construction begins. Having energy consultants involved from the beginning of the conceptual design phase will provide the opportunity to make energy conscious changes to the plans - changes that typically dramatically improve the home’s energy use. Design issues, both structural and architectural impact both the heating/cooling and energy use (lighting and appliances) of a home. Both small and large design considerations can dramatically decrease the building’s energy consumption, and seeking out expertise before rather than after construction can greatly benefit the future homeowner.

For existing structures, boosting energy-efficiency is more complex because sometimes the alteration might not be the most cost-efficient option in the long run. For example, replacing old windows with high-efficiency, well-sealed windows may not be as good of a return on investment when compared to adding insulation to the attic. Energy consultants can help homeowners weigh the respective benefits and understand the cost benefit analysis on investments for individual or combined energy efficient home products, technologies, and techniques. This approach results in a detailed energy plan of action for owners of existing structures and homes.

With rapidly changing energy costs and issues, new technologies, and ever changing tax policies, energy experts must continually educate themselves and re-examine facts, figures, and policies. This due diligence allows energy consultants to continue to offer the most up-to-date and appropriate recommendations to best serve home and building owners relying on their expertise.

Butterfly Energy Works (BEW) is an energy-consulting firm working with residential and small commercial. Our team consists of scientists, engineers, and specialists. Our set of skills allows us to understand and analyze a building and its surroundings as an integrated system.