Today we’d like to introduce you to Krissa Miller.
Hi Krissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I first learned about this career path dedicated to sustainability, improving home performance, and helping people live in healthier, more efficient homes, it immediately resonated with me. The idea that I could contribute to both environmental stewardship and better living conditions for families was deeply fulfilling. A family friend who is a pioneer in the field encouraged me to explore it further, and that recommendation ultimately set everything in motion.
I dove into the training, studied immensely, and after passing my HERS certification exam, I began apprenticing. During that time, I absorbed everything I could, learning from multiple professionals and gathering as much real world experience as possible. All that groundwork eventually led to me starting my own company in 2017.Like many small business owners, the early years came with challenges. I had to learn how to network in the local Kansas City market, navigate complex projects, manage client expectations, and handle every aspect of operations. But those hardships helped shape the way I work today. This industry requires constant learning, and I’ve always been committed to growing my knowledge, evolving with the field, and expanding both my mindset and the company.
After becoming HERS certified, I went on to earn ENERGY STAR certifications for both single-family and multifamily projects. More recently, I obtained my LEED Green Rater and LEAD AP credentials through USGBC and I also hold the NGBS Field Rep Verifier certification. Each certification has strengthened my ability to support builders, developers, and homeowners at a higher level.
A major turning point for my company came when Kansas City, Missouri adopted the 2021 energy code. I immersed myself in the code, learned it thoroughly and then trained builders, contractors, realtors, and worked with the city planning department on how to apply the building practices correctly in new construction. I had also worked with a local builder and architect to develop an example set of Energy Code Analysis (ECA) pages for Kansas City, Missouri. They serve as a reference to assist builders and contractors in creating code compliant building plans under the 2021 IECC. Because of this work, our business grew rapidly. We began receiving daily calls from new clients who were referred by others we had assisted. Although this industry is relatively new and not widely understood, it is clearly incredibly valuable, and the demand continues to increase.
What I love most about this work is that we’re not just helping reduce energy bills; we’re contributing to healthier, more sustainable homes for the people who live in them. Being part of an industry that benefits both homeowners and the planet is truly rewarding, and it motivates me every day to keep learning, improving, and making a positive impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the biggest obstacles I faced came during the early years of growing my company., back then, energy ratings and performance testing weren’t widely required, so every cold call felt like an uphill battle to convince the client of the value. I had to convince builders who often didn’t see the immediate need to take a chance on a service they weren’t obligated to use. It was especially difficult to persuade prospective clients who are new to the process or hesitant to adapt to modern building practices. Earning trust in a developing industry took persistence, patience, and a lot of education in building science.
When Kansas City, Missouri adopted the 2021 Energy code, many builders pushed back. Some attended public hearings, and others even traveled to Washington DC to lobby against the updated requirements. Much of the resistance stemmed from the concerns about added construction cost. Many builders assumed homeowners wouldn’t be willing to pay for efficiency upgrades, and the price impact would be too significant.
There’s a saying in the sustainability industry: “Fight the good fight”. That’s exactly what it feels like at times. This field is still relatively new and part of our job is helping people understand that improved codes and building programs are not just about energy savings, they’re about protecting the families who will live in these homes. We work to shift the mindset in the building process from “checking a box” to having all involved genuinely build a healthier, safer, more resilient home.
Most of our work focuses on new construction and through our testing we’ve seen firsthand why this matters. About 1 out of every 10 homes we inspect have an issue that can be easily resolved before the homeowner takes ownership of the home. Catching things early is exactly why we do what we do. Our role isn’t just compliance. It’s quality assurance, consumer protection, and ensuring that every home we inspect is built better for the people who will call it their own.
Another challenge I faced was entering this field as a young woman entrepreneur, in a male dominated industry. I was only 19 years old when I started Central Energy Audits, and many people doubted my knowledge and capabilities before they worked with me. I often had to push a little harder and prove myself a little more just to earn the same level of respect.
Those experiences while more difficult at times ultimately strengthened my determination. Once people had the opportunity to work with me, their doubts shifted to trust and many became long-term clients and supporters. Being underestimated motivated me to rise above expectations and establish myself as a knowledgeable, reliable, and a capable professional in this industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The quality that has been most important to my success is my adaptability and my eagerness to continually learn and improve. The industry evolves quickly and being able to adjust grow and stay head of standards and new technologies has allowed me to better serve my clients and strengthen my business.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
In my professional life, I’ve built a career centered around building science, energy efficiency, and helping others create healthier smarter homes. What truly sets me and my company apart is our deep expertise paired with our commitment to staying on the cutting edge. We’re constantly evolving with the industry, investing and continuing education, updated training, and emerging technologies so we can deliver the most accurate, reliable, and forward-thinking services.
Our team is made up of experts from diverse backgrounds, which allows us to provide a wide range of high quality services. We take pride in being responsive, hands-on, and going above and beyond for both our Builder clients and the homeowners we serve through our home energy audit programs.
I am especially proud of our involvement in sustainability initiatives. We partner with several programs and organizations that support energy efficiency and low-income housing, and we actively sponsor and provide training on the latest energy codes. Being able to contribute to long-term community impact is one of the most meaningful parts of our work.
At the core of our company is education. Our primary goal is to support the building industry and help raise awareness about building science, environmental responsibility, and healthier indoor living. Whether it’s a new construction project or an existing home we believe people deserve to understand how their home performs, how it affects their quality of life, and how they can reduce their energy burden. Empowering clients with this knowledge is what drives us every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centralenergyaudits.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralenergyaudits/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Central-Energy-Audits-61552845475053/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissa-miller-837358199/
