advise on hvacsoftware programs

clammy

Wondering what's the best computer software for heat loss and heat gain for residental and some small to large commerical work and also with radiant programs.I guess something that would allow me to do duct sizing so i can save a little time i mostly do up grades on commerical office a/c systems that where not planned out to well mostly all of them with lack of returns or offices with pleum returns that ars oversized but due to the fact that there returns are pulling fromabove drop cielings with no roof ventalators makes the unit work like crap it's a hard sale on some of them and i'de like to have some thing that i can print out to show the difference in sizing to show that re done there systems would work properly and the custemers would have a correctly operating a/c system instead of a short cycling high humidity system that they presently have thanks for any input peace

Firedragon_4

Try this:

http://www.firedragonent.com/Software.htm

Constantin

Have a look at On The Job

I posted a home-owner about HVAC-Calc by Don Sleeth in the On the Job section. here. I have since updated that review slightly, which you can read on my own site. As stated in the review, I found HVAC-Calc fast and easy to use and even bought the permanent homeowner license.

However, HVAC-Calc may not be perfect for you as it doesn't do much outside the realm of air-based heating and cooling. For example, it's built-in duct sizing algorithm currently assumes that you heat and cool the strucure via air. Thus, if the structure deviates from this premise, the calculated duct sizes will be oversized. Furthermore, I question the results that the duct sizing tool returns in HVAC-Calc since it does not appear to take equivalent length into account. I'm probably missing something though.

Anyway, as best as I can tell, HVAC-Calc is a good tool for folks who operate a business primarily on the air-side. While it has rudimentary hydronics features (such as calculating base-board lengths), the main focus of this software remains calculating heat gain and heat loss., which it does well.

If you have the dough and the inclination for more powerful packages, you may want to look into the offerings from Wrightsoft and Elitesoft, which offer integrated modules that do everything you stated you wanted. The reason I would consider these alternatives from your perspective is HVAC-Calc for commercial applications costs as much as the Manual-J calculators these alternatives offer. Furthermore, these alternatives offer (typically $300) modules including duct-sizing tools that stand up to Manual-D scrutiny, Radiant Panel sizing and layout, even quote generation to automate the process of running a sales call.

I would request or download the demo files from each firm to see which program makes the most sense to you. While I found HVAC-Calc fast and easy to use, I'm sure there are others who won't. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to test alternatives, so I cannot give you my perspective on them. However, do think hard about how you will use your software. Regardless of brand, it's a big investment, so it better save you a lot of time.

Ken D.

HVAC Software

Carrier Corp. has a nice program in REZCALC. It's easy to use and they have helpful support. They also have commercial and industrial programs. Also ACCA and SMACNA. have some available.