About
HVAKR is the leading cloud-based HVAC design platform purpose-built for mechanical engineering teams. It consolidates the full mechanical design workflow—basis-of-design development, space takeoffs, heating and cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, and duct system design—into a single, intuitive interface. Powered by AI, HVAKR automates space takeoffs from floor plans and delivers real-time load calculations that update instantly as design inputs change, eliminating the manual rework that slows traditional tools. Engineering teams at firms of all sizes use HVAKR to cut load calculation time by up to 50% and dramatically reduce the cost of incorporating architectural revisions. The visual, floor-plan-based input method gives engineers confidence that their designs accurately reflect peak conditions, leading to better end-user comfort outcomes. The web-based platform enables true simultaneous collaboration—multiple team members can work on the same project in real time with zero friction. HVAKR complies with ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183, so results meet industry code requirements. It is suitable for both commercial and residential projects and is accessible via web browser with no complex software installation. An API is also available for custom integrations. Whether replacing legacy tools like Trace 700 or scaling a growing practice, HVAKR gives mechanical design teams the speed, accuracy, and collaboration they need to deliver projects on time and under budget.
Key Features
- Real-Time Load Calculations: Heating and cooling load calculations update instantly as you adjust inputs like airflows, temperatures, and internal loads, giving engineers immediate feedback during design.
- AI-Powered Space Takeoffs: Automatically process floor plans using AI to perform rapid space takeoffs and zone assignments, dramatically reducing manual input time.
- Duct System Design & Equipment Sizing: Design complete duct systems and size mechanical equipment within the same platform, eliminating the need to switch between disparate tools.
- Real-Time Team Collaboration: Web-based platform enables multiple engineers to work on the same project simultaneously, making it easy to divide and conquer large projects.
- ASHRAE & ACCA Compliance: Fully compliant with ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183, ensuring load calculation results meet industry code requirements and can be trusted for construction documents.
Use Cases
- Performing accurate heating and cooling load calculations for commercial office buildings, retail spaces, and multi-family residential projects.
- Designing and sizing duct systems as part of a complete mechanical basis-of-design package for construction documents.
- Collaborating in real time across distributed engineering teams to divide project zones and complete designs faster.
- Quickly revising load calculations when architectural changes are made mid-project without starting from scratch.
- Replacing legacy HVAC design software like Trace 700 with a modern, cloud-based alternative that offers a simpler workflow and faster outputs.
Pros
- Dramatic Time Savings: Engineering teams consistently report cutting load calculation time by 50% or more, with some estimating overall design speed improvements of up to 10x.
- Intuitive, Visual Interface: Floor-plan-based inputs make the design process visual and straightforward, reducing errors and giving engineers confidence in their results.
- Seamless Revision Handling: Architectural updates can be incorporated quickly due to real-time recalculation, turning a historically burdensome task into a minor workflow step.
- Code-Compliant Results: ASHRAE & ACCA compliance is built in, so engineers can submit calculations with confidence that they meet regulatory standards.
Cons
- HVAC/Mechanical Design Niche Only: HVAKR is purpose-built for HVAC mechanical design and does not serve structural, electrical, or other engineering disciplines.
- Cloud-Only Availability: Being entirely web-based means the platform requires a reliable internet connection; there is no offline desktop application.
- Pricing Transparency: Specific pricing tiers are not publicly listed on the website, which may require prospective users to go through a sales or sign-up process to evaluate costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HVAKR supported where I work?
HVAKR is a web-based platform that works in any modern browser, making it accessible at virtually any workplace without special IT setup or software installation.
Does HVAKR work for both commercial and residential projects?
Yes, HVAKR supports both commercial and residential HVAC design projects, accommodating a wide range of building types and scales.
Is HVAKR code compliant?
Yes. HVAKR complies with ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183, ensuring that load calculations and design outputs meet recognized industry standards.
How long does it take to learn HVAKR?
HVAKR is designed to be intuitive. Most engineers report getting up to speed quickly thanks to its visual, floor-plan-based interface and straightforward workflows.
Can I use HVAKR if I don't have floor plans?
HVAKR is optimized for floor-plan-based input, but the platform also provides options for users who may not have formal floor plan files available at the start of a project.
