CoolCalc
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.
3.8 /5 composite score
Best entry-level MEP tool for a solo engineer with variable project volume -- $45/project (or $50/month subscription) with no annual lock-in, cross-device web access, and LiDAR iPhone floor-plan scanning make Manual J/S/D accessible without a steep upfront commitment.
Rubric Scorecard
| Criterion | Score | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity | 3/5 | Web-based product serving HVAC contractors, energy auditors, and instructors; supports 100+ HVAC equipment brands; newer platform than desktop incumbents but functional and actively maintained. |
| AEC Specificity | 4/5 | Covers ACCA Manual J load calculations, Manual S equipment selection, and Manual D duct design; multiple input methods (LiDAR, uploaded floor plans, satellite traces, free-draw) suit both office and field use. |
| Integration | 4/5 | Browser-native with Mac, PC, phone, and tablet access; LiDAR scanning on iPhone 12 Pro+ and iPad Pro integrates field capture with office calc workflow; project sharing built in. |
| Value / Pricing | 5/5 | $45/project pay-as-you-go or $50/user/month subscription with no annual lock-in -- the per-project model is the lowest-barrier pricing in the HVAC calc category for a solo engineer with sporadic project volume. |
| Evidence | 3/5 | Ranked #3 in HVAC load-calculation software by worldmetrics.org (8.6/10 ease-of-use score); no Capterra or G2 listing found. |
How we verified this: we checked CoolCalc against its live site and an independent source — worldmetrics.org. Nothing on this page is listed from memory. See how we review.
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