Quick Overview
- 1#1: Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) - Industry-standard software for precise hour-by-hour heat load calculations and HVAC system sizing in commercial buildings.
- 2#2: TRACE 3D Plus - Comprehensive building energy simulation tool that excels in accurate heat load analysis for design and optimization.
- 3#3: Right-Suite Universal - All-in-one HVAC design suite with ACCA Manual J compliant residential and light commercial heat load calculations.
- 4#4: Elite RHVAC - Affordable, ACCA-approved software for fast and detailed residential heat load calculations per Manual J standards.
- 5#5: CoolCalc - Cloud-based Manual J calculator delivering quick, accurate residential heat load results with mobile accessibility.
- 6#6: LoadSoft - Efficient residential load calculation tool fully compliant with ACCA Manual J-8 for HVAC sizing.
- 7#7: EnergyPlus - Open-source engine for whole-building energy modeling including detailed heat load simulations.
- 8#8: eQUEST - Free DOE-2 based tool for rapid building energy analysis and heat load estimation.
- 9#9: DesignBuilder - Intuitive 3D modeling software with integrated EnergyPlus for heat load and energy simulations.
- 10#10: IES Virtual Environment - Advanced integrated platform for dynamic heat load calculations and environmental performance analysis.
Tools were ranked based on accuracy (including compliance with standards like ACCA Manual J), comprehensive features (e.g., simulation capabilities, scalability), user experience, and value, ensuring relevance for both routine and complex heat load analysis.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right heat load calculation software is critical for effective HVAC system design, and this comparison table breaks down tools like Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), TRACE 3D Plus, Right-Suite Universal, Elite RHVAC, CoolCalc, and more. Readers will discover key features, performance metrics, and ideal use cases to identify the best fit for their specific projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) Industry-standard software for precise hour-by-hour heat load calculations and HVAC system sizing in commercial buildings. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | TRACE 3D Plus Comprehensive building energy simulation tool that excels in accurate heat load analysis for design and optimization. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Right-Suite Universal All-in-one HVAC design suite with ACCA Manual J compliant residential and light commercial heat load calculations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Elite RHVAC Affordable, ACCA-approved software for fast and detailed residential heat load calculations per Manual J standards. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | CoolCalc Cloud-based Manual J calculator delivering quick, accurate residential heat load results with mobile accessibility. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | LoadSoft Efficient residential load calculation tool fully compliant with ACCA Manual J-8 for HVAC sizing. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | EnergyPlus Open-source engine for whole-building energy modeling including detailed heat load simulations. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 4.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | eQUEST Free DOE-2 based tool for rapid building energy analysis and heat load estimation. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | DesignBuilder Intuitive 3D modeling software with integrated EnergyPlus for heat load and energy simulations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | IES Virtual Environment Advanced integrated platform for dynamic heat load calculations and environmental performance analysis. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
Industry-standard software for precise hour-by-hour heat load calculations and HVAC system sizing in commercial buildings.
Comprehensive building energy simulation tool that excels in accurate heat load analysis for design and optimization.
All-in-one HVAC design suite with ACCA Manual J compliant residential and light commercial heat load calculations.
Affordable, ACCA-approved software for fast and detailed residential heat load calculations per Manual J standards.
Cloud-based Manual J calculator delivering quick, accurate residential heat load results with mobile accessibility.
Efficient residential load calculation tool fully compliant with ACCA Manual J-8 for HVAC sizing.
Open-source engine for whole-building energy modeling including detailed heat load simulations.
Free DOE-2 based tool for rapid building energy analysis and heat load estimation.
Intuitive 3D modeling software with integrated EnergyPlus for heat load and energy simulations.
Advanced integrated platform for dynamic heat load calculations and environmental performance analysis.
Hourly Analysis Program (HAP)
enterpriseIndustry-standard software for precise hour-by-hour heat load calculations and HVAC system sizing in commercial buildings.
Advanced hourly-by-hourly simulation engine with built-in DOE-2 calculation core for precise load and energy predictions
Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) from Carrier is a comprehensive HVAC design software renowned for accurate heating and cooling load calculations using the ASHRAE hourly analysis method. It enables detailed modeling of buildings, zones, systems, and equipment, while providing energy analysis, system sizing, and ventilation calculations. HAP integrates extensive weather data libraries and supports whole-building simulations, making it an industry standard for professional engineers.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate hourly load calculations compliant with ASHRAE standards
- Comprehensive integration of weather data, zone modeling, and system design tools
- Robust reporting and customization for complex commercial projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to its depth
- High upfront cost and Windows-only compatibility
- Occasional performance issues with very large models
Best For
Professional HVAC engineers and consulting firms handling detailed commercial and institutional heat load calculations.
Pricing
One-time license starts at around $1,500-$2,500 per user, with annual maintenance fees; volume discounts available.
TRACE 3D Plus
enterpriseComprehensive building energy simulation tool that excels in accurate heat load analysis for design and optimization.
Integrated Trane equipment performance data for automated HVAC sizing and load-based optimization directly within simulations
TRACE 3D Plus, developed by Trane Technologies, is an advanced whole-building energy modeling software that excels in precise heat load calculations, HVAC system sizing, and annual energy simulations for commercial and institutional buildings. It supports detailed 3D geometry modeling, integrates weather data, occupancy schedules, and equipment libraries to deliver ASHRAE-compliant load reports and performance analyses. Ideal for engineers needing comprehensive simulations beyond basic heat load tools, it optimizes system design and energy efficiency.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate hourly heat load calculations with zone-level detail
- Seamless integration with Trane equipment libraries for optimized sizing
- Robust support for standards like ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring engineering expertise
- High computational demands and long simulation times
- Pricing is premium and not transparent without vendor quote
Best For
Professional HVAC engineers and energy consultants handling complex commercial projects that demand detailed, code-compliant heat load analysis.
Pricing
Subscription-based licensing starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually per user; contact Trane for custom enterprise quotes.
Right-Suite Universal
specializedAll-in-one HVAC design suite with ACCA Manual J compliant residential and light commercial heat load calculations.
RightDraw graphical interface for intuitive 3D building modeling and automated load/duct calculations from drawings.
Right-Suite Universal by Wrightsoft is a professional-grade HVAC design software suite specializing in precise heat load calculations per ACCA Manual J standards for residential and light commercial buildings. It integrates load calculations with duct design (Manual D), equipment selection (Manual S), and 3D graphical modeling for a complete system design workflow. The software supports detailed takeoffs, zoning, and code-compliant reporting, making it a robust tool for HVAC contractors and engineers.
Pros
- Highly accurate Manual J load calculations with extensive building and equipment libraries
- Seamless integration of load calc, duct sizing, and 3D design in one platform
- Professional-grade reports and compliance tools for permits and sales
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- High cost may deter small firms or solo contractors
- Primarily Windows-based with limited mobile integration
Best For
Experienced HVAC contractors and engineers managing complex residential and light commercial design projects.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at ~$1,995 for single-user license; multi-user and suite bundles higher with volume discounts.
Elite RHVAC
specializedAffordable, ACCA-approved software for fast and detailed residential heat load calculations per Manual J standards.
Advanced multi-zone infiltration and duct leakage modeling integrated directly into load calculations
Elite RHVAC from Elite Software is a specialized desktop application for residential HVAC professionals, performing precise room-by-room heat load calculations compliant with ASHRAE and ACCA Manual J standards. It supports detailed inputs for building envelope components, infiltration, internal gains, and ventilation to accurately determine heating and cooling loads. The software generates customizable reports and integrates with other Elite tools for duct design and equipment selection.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate calculations using industry-standard methods with extensive material and equipment databases
- Comprehensive room-by-room analysis and professional-grade reporting capabilities
- Perpetual licensing with reliable long-term support from a established vendor
Cons
- Outdated Windows-only interface that feels clunky compared to modern web-based tools
- Steep learning curve due to dense input requirements and lack of intuitive wizards
- No cloud or mobile access, limiting remote collaboration
Best For
Experienced residential HVAC contractors and engineers needing precise, code-compliant load calculations on desktop systems.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $695 for single-user; optional annual maintenance around $150.
CoolCalc
specializedCloud-based Manual J calculator delivering quick, accurate residential heat load results with mobile accessibility.
Seamless cloud accessibility enabling real-time calculations and report generation from any browser or mobile device
CoolCalc is a cloud-based HVAC software specializing in ASHRAE-compliant heat load calculations for residential and light commercial buildings, streamlining Manual J processes. Users input building geometry, insulation, infiltration, and internal loads via an intuitive web interface to generate accurate heating and cooling load reports. It produces professional PDF outputs suitable for permits and proposals, with support for zoning and duct sizing.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface reduces learning curve for Manual J calculations
- Generates detailed, compliant PDF reports quickly
- Accessible from any device with internet, no installation required
Cons
- Requires reliable internet connection, no offline mode
- Subscription model may not suit infrequent users
- Limited advanced features for complex commercial projects compared to desktop competitors
Best For
HVAC contractors and residential designers seeking fast, user-friendly cloud-based heat load calculations without software installation.
Pricing
Pro plan at $49/month or $468/year (20% savings); free 14-day trial available, with tiered options for teams.
LoadSoft
specializedEfficient residential load calculation tool fully compliant with ACCA Manual J-8 for HVAC sizing.
Advanced infiltration modeling using detailed stack effect and wind-driven calculations for superior accuracy in tight modern homes
LoadSoft by Carmel Software is a Windows-based application designed specifically for residential heat load calculations compliant with ACCA Manual J 8th Edition. It enables users to input detailed building geometry, construction assemblies, internal loads, and weather data to compute precise heating and cooling loads on a room-by-room basis. The software generates customizable reports for equipment sizing, permitting, and client presentations, with support for duct load calculations.
Pros
- Full ACCA Manual J compliance with room-by-room and duct load accuracy
- Professional, customizable PDF reports for permits and sales
- One-time purchase with lifetime support and updates
Cons
- Dated graphical user interface feels outdated compared to modern tools
- Limited to residential applications; no commercial support
- Windows-only with a moderate learning curve for new users
Best For
Small residential HVAC contractors or designers seeking reliable, offline Manual J calculations without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $795 for the base LoadSoft Residential license; additional modules like ducts or bundles up to $1,495.
EnergyPlus
otherOpen-source engine for whole-building energy modeling including detailed heat load simulations.
Advanced coupled heat and moisture transfer modeling for precise zone load breakdowns
EnergyPlus is a free, open-source whole-building energy simulation program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, capable of detailed heat load calculations through hourly or sub-hourly simulations of heating, cooling, and ventilation loads. It models complex interactions between building geometry, materials, HVAC systems, weather data, and occupancy to provide precise peak and annual load profiles. While not a lightweight tool for quick sizing, it excels in accuracy for compliance modeling and research applications.
Pros
- Unmatched accuracy with physics-based heat balance modeling
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Extensive weather data integration and customizable outputs
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring IDF file editing
- No native intuitive GUI (relies on third-party interfaces)
- Long run times for complex models
Best For
Experienced energy engineers and researchers needing highly detailed, whole-building heat load simulations for design validation or code compliance.
Pricing
Free and open-source; no licensing fees.
eQUEST
otherFree DOE-2 based tool for rapid building energy analysis and heat load estimation.
The DOE-2.2 simulation engine delivering industry-standard accuracy for hourly heating and cooling loads
eQUEST, available at doe2.com, is a free whole-building energy simulation tool powered by the DOE-2.2 engine, capable of performing detailed heating and cooling load calculations as part of comprehensive energy modeling. It supports zone-level load breakdowns, peak load reporting, and integrates with energy code compliance tools. While versatile for annual simulations, it excels in accurate hourly load predictions for commercial buildings.
Pros
- Free software with no licensing costs
- Powerful DOE-2 engine for precise hourly load calculations
- Detailed zone-by-zone load reports and energy code compliance support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Outdated graphics and workflow compared to modern tools
- Overkill for simple residential load calcs, better for whole-building analysis
Best For
Engineers and architects handling commercial building projects requiring integrated energy simulation and load calculations.
Pricing
Completely free for download and use.
DesignBuilder
specializedIntuitive 3D modeling software with integrated EnergyPlus for heat load and energy simulations.
Seamless EnergyPlus integration for dynamic, hourly-resolved heat load simulations beyond steady-state methods
DesignBuilder is a user-friendly graphical interface for the EnergyPlus simulation engine, specializing in whole-building energy modeling including detailed heat load calculations for heating and cooling systems. It enables 3D modeling of building geometry, materials, HVAC systems, and internal loads to predict peak loads accurately using dynamic hourly simulations. The software supports regulatory compliance, such as CIBSE TM59 and Part L in the UK, and provides comprehensive reports for design optimization.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop 3D modeling for quick setup
- Highly accurate dynamic heat load calculations via EnergyPlus
- Extensive reporting and visualization tools for loads analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve for EnergyPlus novices
- High hardware requirements for complex models
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for small firms
Best For
Architects, energy consultants, and HVAC engineers needing integrated dynamic heat load modeling for compliance and optimization.
Pricing
Annual licenses start at ~£995 for basic simulation, up to £2,995+ for full professional features including advanced HVAC and daylighting.
IES Virtual Environment
enterpriseAdvanced integrated platform for dynamic heat load calculations and environmental performance analysis.
Dynamic, transient heat load calculations with full inter-zone radiation, infiltration, and HVAC system modeling for unmatched realism
IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) is a comprehensive building performance modeling suite that excels in dynamic heat load calculations via its Apache module, enabling precise hourly assessments of heating and cooling loads based on detailed geometry, schedules, and HVAC systems. Compliant with ASHRAE and other standards, it supports complex buildings with inter-zone heat transfers and transient effects. While powerful for integrated analysis, it's more than a standalone heat load tool, incorporating energy, daylight, and CFD simulations.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate dynamic hourly simulations accounting for real-world transients
- Deep integration with full building performance tools like energy and CFD
- Robust standards compliance (ASHRAE, CIBSE) and customizable climate data
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and modeling depth
- High cost prohibitive for small firms or simple projects
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware for large models
Best For
Experienced HVAC engineers and building performance consultants handling complex commercial projects needing integrated heat load and simulation analysis.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing with annual subscriptions or perpetual options starting at $10,000+ USD, depending on modules and users.
Conclusion
Evaluating heat load calculation software reveals tools that vary by focus, but the top performers lead in precision and compliance. At the top is Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the industry standard for detailed commercial calculations, with TRACE 3D Plus excelling as a robust choice for building energy optimization, and Right-Suite Universal standing out as a versatile all-in-one tool for residential and light commercial needs. Each offers unique strengths, ensuring a solution tailored to diverse project requirements.
Explore the capabilities of Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) today to experience the precision and efficiency that make it the top choice for heat load calculations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison