4.4/5
Free, DOE-funded whole-building energy simulation engine with sub-hourly time steps, integrated HVAC and plant system modeling, and validation per ASHRAE Standard 140 -- used directly via command line or through GUI front-ends.
MEP Design & Calc
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design and load-calculation tools for small architecture/engineering practices.
7 tools reviewed, sorted by composite score.
4.0/5
Cloud-based mechanical and plumbing design platform that calculates pipe sizing, heat load, duct sizing, and drainage in real time as you draw, with AutoCAD and Revit integration.
Hidden Pricing
4.0/5
Commercial HVAC system sizing and hourly energy analysis tool covering 8,760-hour annual simulation, 7,400+ weather stations, and LEED compliance reporting for rooftops, VRF, chillers, and heat pumps.
ACCA-certified HVAC load-calculation platform covering Manual J, S, D, and N with a drag-and-drop drawing interface, mobile app, and energy compliance add-ons for residential and commercial projects.
3.8/5
Web-based Manual J/S/D HVAC load-calculation tool with LiDAR floor-plan scanning, satellite trace input, and cross-device access -- pay per project or by monthly subscription.
3.6/5
Windows desktop HVAC load-calculation suite covering Manual J residential and light-commercial loads, Manual S equipment selection, and Manual D duct sizing -- with optional cloud access via Rhvac Online.
3.2/5
Building energy simulation platform built on the EnergyPlus engine, adding a 3D modeling GUI with HVAC design, daylighting (Radiance), CFD airflow analysis, and LEED/BREEAM compliance workflows.
Hidden Pricing
Comparison Table
| Tool | Composite | Maturity | Specificity | Integration | Value | Evidence | Pricing | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EnergyPlus | 4.4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | free | none |
| H2X Engineering | 4.0 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 5 | contact-sales | Hidden Pricing |
| Carrier HAP | 4.0 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | one-time | none |
| Wrightsoft Right-Suite Universal | 3.8 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | subscription | none |
| CoolCalc | 3.8 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | per-project | none |
| Elite Software Rhvac | 3.6 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | one-time | none |
| DesignBuilder | 3.2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | subscription | Hidden Pricing |
Get the AEC AI update
New tool reviews in MEP Design & Calc and rubric updates -- no vendor content.
Powered by Buttondown. Unsubscribe any time.