HVAC simulation software is a digital tool used to create virtual models of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system before installation begins. It helps HVAC contractors, comfort advisors, and engineers run load calculations, check airflow, review energy consumption, improve system design, and generate professional documentation.
In this guide, we walk you through seven of the best HVAC simulation software tools available today:
ServiceTitan
Cool Calc
Wrightsoft
Trane TRACE 3D Plus
Autodesk CFD
Carrier Hourly Analysis Program (HAP)
Elite Software RHVAC
We also cover key features you need to keep an eye out for and show you how to choose the right software to streamline workflows and improve HVAC system performance.
1. ServiceTitan
Source: www.servicetitan.com
ServiceTitan’s HVAC Service Software combines business management, field service, and HVAC design tools in one cloud-based platform. Instead of using separate software for scheduling, load calcs, estimating, system sizing, job tracking, customer management, and reporting, our platform keeps all your workflows in one place.
In 2025, ServiceTitan acquired Conduit Tech, a LiDAR-based on-site design platform, to offer users advanced HVAC design functionalities. Thanks to this acquisition, our HVAC software now allows you to scan homes, generate Manual J load calculations, create 3D models, and review airflow data during the same visit. The system automatically uploads all outputs to the job record, so everyone on your team has access to the same information in real time.
Best for: Small, midsize, and large companies that want one system to handle both business operations and HVAC system design.
Top features:
ServiceTitan helps you build a successful HVAC business through office and field service capabilities that cover the full lifecycle of each job:
ServiceTitan also includes built-in HVAC design tools that help your technicians size systems faster, reduce errors, and create visual models that simplify sales, permitting, and installation.
LiDAR Scanning
ServiceTitan’s LiDAR Scanning automatically measures the entire home using a compatible iPad. This tool captures room dimensions, ceiling height, windows, and layout in real time without the need for tape measures and manual note-taking.
Automatic measurements save time during in-home estimates, reduce human error, and can help overcome a technician shortage. ServiceTitan uploads the scan to the HVAC design workflow, so system sizing, airflow, and reports use the same data.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Manual J Load Calculation
ServiceTitan’s Manual J Software produces ACCA-certified load calcs based on ASHRAE design data in 15 minutes. These calculations show how much heating and air conditioning a home actually needs based on real property data.
The system factors in room size, building materials, insulation, windows, climate data, and occupancy to determine the exact HVAC system capacity needs. Based on this information, your technicians can pick the right equipment, avoid oversizing mistakes, and improve energy efficiency.
CFM Report
The CFM Report is an essential feature of ServiceTitan’s Duct Design Software, as it shows how much airflow each room needs based on the load calculation. Airflow numbers help your crew size ducts correctly to ensure comfortable temperatures throughout the home, avoid pressure drops, and prevent callbacks.
3D Model & 2D Floor Plan
ServiceTitan’s 3D Model and 2D Floor-Plan functions automatically create digital layouts of the home based on the LiDAR scan.
The 3D Model shows a true-scale view of rooms, walls, windows, and equipment locations that you can zoom in on and rotate on the screen. This visual representation helps explain the HVAC system design to homeowners, demonstrating professionalism and transparency.
The 2D Floor Plan shows the home’s layout from above and can be used in reports, proposals, and permit requests without drawing anything by hand.
2. Cool Calc
Source: www.coolcalc.com
Cool Calc is HVAC design software that helps calculate loads, select equipment, and design duct systems. Your technicians can open the same job from different locations and keep all design data in one place, as long as they have an internet connection.
Best for: HVAC professionals who want a standalone tool to perform ACCA-certified calculations and don’t need business management capabilities.
Top features:
Manual J load calculation follows ACCA MJ8 standards and uses location data, building details, and climate information to automatically determine heating and cooling needs.
Manual S uses HVAC manufacturer data and the load results to recommend the right equipment, while Manual D helps design duct systems that deliver the correct airflow to each room.
Cool Calc lets you measure homes using LiDAR scanning, trace the property from satellite view, upload floor plans, and create manual schematics in the field.
3. Wrightsoft
Source: www.wrightsoft.com
Wrightsoft offers HVAC simulation software for detailed system calculations, duct layouts, and project planning. The platform includes desktop programs for full system design, along with mobile tools for quick load calcs and sales presentations. All simulation features connect to the same data center to help your HVAC team build accurate and professional documentation.
Best for: HVAC contractors, system designers, and mechanical engineers who need advanced design tools for residential or light commercial HVAC projects.
Top features:
Manual J load calculations, Manual S equipment sizing, and Manual D duct design follow ACCA standards and use real building data.
You can draw or import floor plans to build the home layout, create 2D and 3D duct models, and view the HVAC system inside the building design.
Add-ons help you create material lists, calculate operational costs, generate proposals, and perform Manual N commercial load calcs.
4. Trane TRACE 3D Plus
Source: www.trane.com
Trane’s TRACE 3D Plus HVAC design software provides advanced simulation options for complex projects. Your crew can study building performance, compare HVAC system options, and understand how design choices affect energy use, comfort, and operating cost.
Best for: Mechanical engineers, design consultants, and HVAC professionals working on commercial buildings or large homes that require energy modeling, sustainability studies, and code compliance.
Top features:
Building and HVAC simulation capabilities use detailed room data, weather conditions, and ASHRAE design standards to calculate loads, airflow, and energy use.
3D building information modeling (BIM) lets you create the structure, assign systems, and test different HVAC designs before installation.
Compliance and energy analysis tools help you meet LEED and ASHRAE requirements and study energy savings, operating costs, and HVAC system performance to choose the best option for green building projects or high-efficiency designs.
5. Autodesk CFD
Source: Autodesk.com/products/cfd/overview
Autodesk CFD uses computational fluid dynamics to test how air, heat, and ventilation behave inside a building or HVAC system. Instead of relying only on formulas or load calculations, the software lets your crew study real operating conditions and make changes during the design process.
Best for: HVAC designers, engineers, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams who need detailed performance analysis for commercial buildings, industrial spaces, or complex HVAC systems.
Top features:
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools run flow simulations to analyze airflow patterns, pressure drops, humidity, and heat transfer, increasing comfort and system efficiency.
Integration with computer-aided design and BIM models lets you test HVAC performance directly from building designs without recreating the project.
Advanced analysis tools compare different system layouts, check energy consumption, and help you optimize designs to improve energy savings and indoor air quality.
6. Carrier Hourly Analysis Program (HAP)
Source: www.carrier.com
Carrier’s Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) combines HVAC system design and energy analysis in the same program. Your team can create building projects, calculate loads, size equipment, and review performance results without switching tools.
Best for: Engineers, HVAC designers, and contractors who need detailed reports, accurate sizing, and reliable performance predictions for commercial building projects.
Top features:
Load calculation and system design tools use ASHRAE heat balance methods to size HVAC equipment based on building, occupancy, and weather data.
3D building modeling lets you import floor plans, define rooms and zones, and check airflow, loads, and HVAC system performance.
Hour-by-hour energy analysis calculates energy consumption for every hour of the year to help you compare HVAC system options, estimate operating cost, and choose more efficient designs.
7. Elite Software RHVAC
Source: Elitesoft.com/web/hvacr
Elite Software RHVAC is a desktop HVAC calculation tool made for residential and light commercial projects. The program uses automation to calculate heating and cooling needs and system sizing requirements.
Best for: Contractors and HVAC professionals who need accurate Manual J load calcs to design efficient systems and select the right equipment for homes or small buildings.
Top features:
Manual J load calculations determine how much heating and air conditioning each room needs based on building materials, insulation, windows, occupancy, and climate data.
Calculates room airflow, duct sizes, static pressure, and hydronic radiant floor tubing length to help you understand system requirements before you start designing.
Connects with other Elite programs for duct design, floor plan drawings, or energy analysis, to meet all project needs.
What Are the Best Free HVAC Simulation Software Tools?
Free HVAC simulation tools let you perform quick calculations and measurements without buying software licenses or paying subscriptions. However, they only work for small projects and don’t replace full HVAC design software:
ServiceTitan HVAC Load Calculator lets you enter basic building details such as square footage, insulation, and number of occupants, to estimate the property’s heating and air conditioning capacity needs and the BTUs (British thermal units) required.
ServiceTitan HVAC CFM Calculator helps you find the required airflow rate for a room based on its dimensions.
FieldCamp HVAC Sizing Calculator provides a quick estimate of heating and cooling capacity and the recommended BTU and tonnage to help you choose the right HVAC system size.
Cool Calc Scan uses the camera and LiDAR sensor on your iPhone or iPad to create a 3D floor plan while you walk through the home.
What Are the Best HVAC Design Software Tools For Large Trades Businesses?
Large trades businesses need HVAC design software that can handle advanced calculations, project coordination, and professional documentation:
ServiceTitan gives large companies a unified system for managing HVAC system design, field work, and business operations. Our software connects every part of the project from scheduling, load calculations, airflow reports, and home scans to estimates, inventory tracking, and job costing, offering bigger teams real-time access to all the information they need.
TRACE 3D Plus fits complex projects where engineers need to study building performance before choosing equipment. The software supports detailed modeling, system comparisons, and energy analysis to help large businesses handle commercial work, meet code requirements, and produce reports.
Autodesk CFD works well for large HVAC installations that need advanced testing of airflow and temperature behavior inside the building. Flow simulation and heat transfer analysis help spot design issues early, which reduces costly changes later and improves system performance.
Features to Look For in HVAC System Design Software
The best HVAC design software offers functionalities that reduce manual work, improve system sizing, and help create accurate reports for installation, permits, and customer proposals:
ACCA-certified Manual J load calculation automatically determines how much heating and air conditioning a property needs using industry-approved methods. Accurate numbers prevent oversizing, improve energy efficiency, and make it easier to meet code requirements.
Airflow calculation shows how much air each room needs so you can size ducts correctly and keep temperatures balanced. These calculations help prevent pressure problems, uneven cooling, and comfort issues.
Automatic property measurement tools, like LiDAR scanning, save time by capturing room dimensions without manual tape measurements. These features reduce errors and speed up the HVAC design process.
3D modeling creates visual models of the building layout and HVAC system before installation. You can check equipment placement, explain the design to customers, and make sure the installation crew has the right measurements.
Equipment guidance suggests the right unit size based on the load results. These tools help you choose compatible systems, avoid guesswork, and make sure the HVAC system runs efficiently.
How to Choose the Best HVAC Simulation Software for Tradesmen
Choose the right HVAC simulation software for your business by considering your daily workflow needs, as well as the tool’s design capabilities, ease of use, and long-term cost.
Define what your team needs
Some teams only need load calculations and duct sizing, while others need a full system that also handles dispatching, estimates, job tracking, and invoicing. Large companies may also need multi-user access, reporting tools, and integrations with accounting or CRM systems.
Check the design and calculation features
Make sure the program includes all the simulation features you need to size and plan systems correctly. Check for ACCA-certified calculations, airflow reports, and duct sizing.
Look for simple workflows and automation
HVAC simulation software needs to make the job easier, not slower. Tools that scan homes, import floor plans, or fill in calculation data automatically save time and reduce mistakes. An easy interface also helps new technicians learn the software faster and keeps your team productive during busy seasons.
Compare prices and technical support
Before choosing a program, check how pricing works and what’s included. Some tools charge per user, some per project, and others charge extra for advanced-feature add-ons. Good support, training, and regular updates are equally important as they help your team make the most of the software.
Over to You!
The best HVAC simulation software helps you calculate loads, determine airflow needs, visualize and pick equipment, and create accurate reports without slowing down your workflow.
Some tools focus only on calculations, while others offer advanced capabilities like 3D modeling, energy analysis, and full business management.
Look for software that matches your operations, reduces manual work through automation, and improves design accuracy.
ServiceTitan offers all-in-one HVAC Service software that connects system calculations, sales tools, and job management in a single workflow. Our platform also includes scheduling, job costing, reporting, and customer management features that help your office and field teams stay coordinated.
ServiceTitan HVAC Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
