HVAC Softwares are needed to design simple and complicated air conditioning systems. There are many areas of design that engineers have to consider when designing parts that constitute a complete working unit. Mechanical engineers will focus on the mechanical design aspect of the unit ranging from plastic parts design to metal that house the unit.

Systems engineers will probably look into the load calculation and duct design aspect of the site where the air conditioner system is supposed to be installed. Test engineers will simulate and do actual capacity testing in the test labs specifically designed for testing purposes.

Electronic engineers will look into the design of the printed circuit board that controls the operations of the HVAC equipment. Electronic design itself is a huge task henc many big companies have dedicated electronic division that design and develop these controllers. Smaller companies may just purchase the electronic control boards from controls companies that sell these controller board.


    Creo Elements/Pro Software from PTC

    Creo Elements/Pro design software was previously known as Pro/Engineer. This industry standard software is suitable for high-end and complex 3D product design. The integrated parametric design enables you to come out with better product at a shorter cycle time.

    This sofware can be used to design a complete air conditioner equipment from scratch. For example, if you are designing a window or room air conditioner, you will need to design the outlook of the unit follow by the detailed dimensioning of the parts. Assembly diagrams in 3D is easily designed. Once design has been completed, the files can be exported to other mould design software to design the mould before tooling is done.

    This software can be downloaded for free trial of 30 days from the PTC website.


    AUTOCAD Software from AUTODESK

    A less costly 2D/3D software but with lesser feature is AutoCAD from Autodesk. If you are using the software for 2D purposes, the AutoCAD LT will do. It can be used to draw 2D drawings such as screws, sticker design, logo design, parts design and can be saved in DWG format for interfacing with other softwares.

    If you are into 3D design, you can settle for Inventor software. Capability such as visualization and simulation of your products can be done before they are built. This helps to reduce the error before the actual prototypes of the products are made. 

    Wrightsoft HVAC Softwares

    Wrightsoft has quite a number of HVAC softwares that you can try. It has graphical user-friendly softwares that can do load calculations for residential as well as for commercial applications. Duct calculations with parameters such as CFM, load and pressure drop can also be determined.

    It can also read plan design from other autocad softwares and used as the data for further design and simulation. Bill of Materials can also be generated. Whether supplementary heating is needed can also be simulated here.

    As with any standard industry practise today, you can download the trial version before deciding whether to purchase it.


    Printed Circuit Board Design

    If you are an electronic engineer who specialized in circuit design, there are many schematic entry and printed circuit board design softwares that you can try. EAGLE software from CadSoftUSA has most of the basic tools needed to do both schematic and PCB design. You can download the freeware version to try out.

    Editorial Contributors
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    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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