As a small office architect, most of my projects don’t have the budget for a dedicated mechanical engineer on staff. In the past, I have been happy to use BEOpt for energy modeling, particularly because I was able to output ERI data for energy code compliance.

With BEOpt 3.0 they have removed the ERI functionality from BEOpt, stating explicitly that they don’t want to compete with commercial software companies in the HERS market.

So I’m left with either having to build two energy models or trying to learn yet another energy modeling software. The three recommended by RESNET are EnergyGuage, REM/Rate, and Ekotrope.

Does anyone have experience with any of these? I’m looking for a software that I can use both as a design tool and to ensure energy code compliance. Most of my projects are subject to NY State stretch energy code. Thanks!