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Radiant Software

has a heat loss calculator called Hydronic Explorer that I use exclusively for my heating calculations. It's extremely easy to use and has convenient drop-down menus. It's also free.

I'm happy with the program and don't have a need for it to do anything else.

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Comments

  • Steve Smith
    Steve Smith Member Posts: 2
    Radiant Software

    I'm in the process of writing a radiant software article for Plumbing & Mechanical. I know of three: John Siegenthaler's Hydronics Design Studio; LoopCAD and Right-Radiant Plus. I also understand that tubing and boiler companies have their own software (probably written for them by the companies behind LoopCAD and Right-Radiant Plus).

    I'd like to know what you primarily rely on these software programs to do. Does one have more strengths in one job function than another? Also, what DON'T the programs do that you wish they did. Does one software program do all you need done or do you need to use more than one?

    Let me know what you all think. This will be in the Radiant Heating Report 2005, published in the April issue.

    Steve
  • Leo G_99
    Leo G_99 Member Posts: 223
    Thermal-Ease

    is the one I use. The steps are logical and easy to understand, but most importantly for me, is that it prints a room by room summary in column style for the inspection departments of my local muni's.

    Leo G
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    I'm just a homeowner...

    ... but I tried HVAC-Calc, Hydronics Explorer, and the HDS package before our renovation to weigh the costs and benefits of various insulation/window/etc. strategies.

    I found HVAC-Calc the easiest to use for me. You can read a review I wrote at HeatingHelp or an updated version on my website.

    If the software package is Manual-J compliant, the results should match across different programs. However, some programs are more intuitive than others, so trying a number of them out is the way to go.

    Companies that do a lot of duct, radiant, and other work may benefit from integrated packages like Wrightsoft that allow you to enter the data but once.
  • Dave Yates (PAH)
    Dave Yates (PAH) Member Posts: 2,162
    design programs

    Hi Steve,

    John's program is on my wish list and I've heard many good comments from those who use it.

    I rely heavily upon Wirsbo's program and appreciate the ease with which I can go back in to change installation plans - like when a homeowner changes a floor covering without any advance warning. Not that that ever happens! The reports generated list materials and costs, which is a huge help. Lots of usefull information regarding water temperatures and zoning strategies too.

    For other manufacturers, like Watts for instance, I'll utilize their program as it meshes with their products and also genrates a long list of reports.

    I utilize Slant Fin's for baseboard and like the information for low water temps Runtal gives in their charts, which helps for blending hybrid systems.

    For the air side, I use the RHVAC Elite software.

    Last, but certainly not least, I like using the Wrightsoft software. It does the radiant and HVAC calculations as you draw in the home's rooms.

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  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    My favorite

    for radiant specfic is the Watts Radiant. The Assumption Report is an excellent report.

    I suppose it comes down to what you learned on and got comfortable with. Results have become much closer than years ago when the RPA compared various manufactures software :)

    I like Siggys HDS because it takes over where all the others end. Pipe sizing, expansion tanks sizing, VS injection design, pipe insulation module, fuel cost calc, and much more.

    LoopCad seems to be the crowd pleaser!

    On the HVAC side I used Carriers program years ago, I suspect there are other good loss/gain programs for FA systems.

    hot rod

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  • Paul Pollets
    Paul Pollets Member Posts: 3,662
    Wirsbo Advanced Design Suite

    I've used the Wirsbo software for years and count on its reliability. The newest version is very user friendly when designing a radiant home or building. It has snowmelt design and will do a cooling load calculation at the same time. I like the comprehensive report functions which make generating permit-ready or submittal documents a breeze. The individual room design module will catch any input data that would cause the room to underheat. The designer must input the "supplemental" requirements before exiting the room. That feature gives the "red flag" necessary to prevent problematic comfort control. The "drag & drop" manifold loop design makes it very easy to reorder loops. Tweaking the material list is simple, and very accurate. The program could be enhanced by adding: a radiator takeoff design for connected EDR or btu loads (not all rooms may have radiant heat and it would be nice to add radiators to the same software)Adding a Fuel Cost Analysis module; Adding a Loop Layout CAD feature, perhaps as an add-on.

    I also use the SlantFin calculator for radiator loads, and have used the HVAC-CalcPlus for air-side design.

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  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,232
    well,....

    the first computer heat loss i used was warm source from Rehau, Wirsbo, RFH warm source, HDS, slant fin, hvac,Rhvac are the ones that i have....HDS is likeable as it allows some things perhaps in the way of future improvements as the industry goes forward...it is the newest that i have ....i share these things with others in the community so they can see what they like about the programs...indeed there have been improvements in the designe parameters over the years....in a way the ALF programme seems like it is a pretty good example in its take on the gradual improvement side of things also. Having a program that is easily used should be the first prerequisite.Have it given to every school in America,let the young peoples minds contend with the potential in the developement of energy sustainability starting in thier own homes..and communities. Far too often education is given the short shrift in lieu of socialization factors or some liberal gibberage...The saddest part of the need for doing heat loss is that sustainability is passe, old hat..... yet to many its the first they ever considered it. Think About it....The trend now is ,interchanges of information on what to do with the post manufacturing ages redevelopment, of the spaces previously construed as the highest and best use at the time.in other words huge areas that were developed using all kinds of energy with no particular thought of the future...
    Here we are a small voice on a large plateau....how about mentioning some programs currently in vogue in the E.U?,....other than the ones we mentioned so far...,Japan and China have plenty of construction and reconstruction,how about expanding the world view a little bit on the subject?.. dont laugh, a buddy of mine was asked last year to consider installing some radiant in a lama monestary...considerations?;voltages, location, construction practices, very different building components and quite likely a view of comfort that might not exactly correspond to our own. i hope this makes sence, many of my friends figure i have not only views outside the box ...I' may have escaped ' , ...entirely *~/:) GG and GL
  • Ted_9
    Ted_9 Member Posts: 1,718


    For Radiant only projects I use Viegas' program. The new program is very good, though there may be a couple of bugs. But I havent talked to Viega about it yet. I'm waiting t go to one of their training classes for the program, which was yesterday, but I could not go.

    PATRIOT HEATING & COOLING, INC.

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  • b young
    b young Member Posts: 28
    SiggyIs HDS

    I would be interested in seeing SIGGYS HDS software. Is there a site where i can see this or down load a demo.

    Thanks
  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    byoung

    better the bold, I suppose :)

    Try a demo at www.hydronicpros.com

    hot rod

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  • Wrightsoft

    is my software of choice!

    I've used the Wirsbo & Heatway radiuant programs, even tried Radiantecs version. I always return to Wrightsuite.

    When using the Wirsbo or heatway programs I always have to do the building again in a different program if I need non-radiant rooms or cooling.

    With Wrightsuite I can toggle radaint on or off, room by room and I always get a loss AND gain!

    I love it!

    STeve

This discussion has been closed.