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  1. General

    1. What are the system requirements to run HeatCAD 2024?

      Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7 (SP1) with Internet Explorer 9 or higher, and with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2
      Processor: 2.0 GHz or higher recommended
      RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB or more recommended
      Disk Space: 250 MB (Microsoft .NET Framework may require up to 4.5 GB)
      Video: SVGA or higher (recommend resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher). Support for DirectX 11 or OpenGL 2.0 (recommend minimum of 1 GB Video Memory)
      Mouse: External mouse with scroll wheel (built-in mouse pads are not recommended)

    2. Can I use HeatCAD on a MAC computer?

      HeatCAD is a Windows program only and is not Mac compatible. We do have users running HeatCAD on a Mac using a Windows emulation software. They say it works fine, but we have done no testing on this and we do not formally support it.

      You are welcome to test the free trial version to see if it will work on your configuration, however we would not be able to offer technical support for this.

    3. Do I need AutoCAD to run HeatCAD?

      No. AutoCAD is not required to run HeatCAD. HeatCAD is able to import AutoCAD 2016 (and earlier) drawing files for use as a template for your plumbing system design, and it can also export to the DWG and DXF file formats.

  2. License and Subscription

    1. Will HeatCAD stop working after the subscription expires?

      No. HeatCAD will remain fully functional after the subscription expires, but you will no longer have access to upgrades or all of the support options. See the License and Subscriptions page for more information.

    2. What if I let my subscription expire and then later want to upgrade to a newer version of HeatCAD?

      If you choose not to renew your annual subscription and then later want to upgrade to a newer version of HeatCAD, you can either:

      1. renew your subscription and pay the reinstatement fee, or
      2. you can simply purchase a new HeatCAD Full license.

      You can choose the option that is least costly for you, which will depend on how long it has been since your subscription expired. The online subscription renewal process will calculate and display the reinstatement and renewal fees.

    3. Do I need to purchase 2 licenses to use HeatCAD on my home and work computers?

      The HeatCAD license permits one primary-use installation (for example, your office computer) and one secondary-use installation (for example, on a home or notebook computer), provided that they are both for your use only. If you want a secondary-use activation, follow the instructions by clicking here.

      If the second installation is for a different user, then an additional license must be purchased.

    4. If I install HeatCAD 2024, will I still be able to use my earlier version of HeatCAD?

      Yes. You can install HeatCAD 2024 trial without affecting your older HeatCAD installation. The different versions can be used on the same computer at the same time.

    5. If I change computers will my existing activation code still work?

      No it will not. You will need to request a new activation code for the new computer.

      Click here for instructions...

    6. Is there a Network or Multi-user license available for HeatCAD?

      No there is not. HeatCAD requires a local installation and activation for each user.

      HeatCAD is licensed on a per-user basis, but there are discounts available for multiple license purchases (see Pricing)

  3. Activation and Upgrading Help

    1. I have my Activation Code. How do I enter it?

      Click here for instructions...

    2. My Activation Code didn't work. What do I do now?

      Click here for instructions...

    3. I want to purchase and activate a new license.
    4. How do I renew my Annual Subscription?
    5. How do I upgrade to the latest software version?
    6. I want to activate the software on a second computer for my personal use.

      Click here for instructions...

    7. I have a new computer. How do I transfer my activation?

      Click here for instructions...

    8. Can I transfer one of our licenses to a new/different employee?

      Yes you can. You will need to contact us to request a transfer.

  4. Features and Other Questions

    1. What learning resources are available?

      The HeatCAD tutorials are under development. Since much of the functionality is the same, it is recommended that you use the LoopCAD tutorials at this time. Specifically lessons 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

      www.LoopCAD.com/Tutorial

      If you want more in-depth help on specific topics you can also download past webinars that we have hosted. These are typically 1-hour long videos.

      www.Avenir-Online.com/AvenirWeb/Support/Training.aspx

      As well HeatCAD provides a comprehensive Help file. From anywhere in the program you can press F1 to open the Help file, or choose the "Help | Contents" menu. You can then browse topics, or search the index for keywords.

    2. Can I import PDF drawings?

      Yes you can import PDF drawings or scanned drawings in JPG, PNG, or BMP formats as well as AutoCAD DWG and DXF files.

    3. Can I calculate heat losses using HeatCAD?

      Yes.

      The Standard Edition allows you to calculate residential heating loads using ASHRAE, and residential heating and cooling loads using CSA-F280 R2017.

      The MJ8 Edition adds the Manual J heating and cooling load calculations.

      Refer to the Feature Comparison Chart for more.

    4. Can I calculate cooling loads (heat gain) using HeatCAD?

      Yes.

      The Standard Edition allows you to calculate residential heating and cooling loads using CSA-F280 R2017. However cooling load calculations are not available when using ASHRAE.

      The MJ8 Edition adds the Manual J heating and cooling load calculations.

      Refer to the Feature Comparison Chart for more.

    5. I am getting an error. How can I send you the details?

      If a program error window appears onscreen, first complete the Name, Email, and Notes fields and then click the "Send Error Report button. If prompted to include a copy of the project file, choose Yes.

      It is often helpful if you enter a brief description into the Notes field explaining what you were doing or attempting when the error occurred.

      We will review the error details and then contact you.

    6. Why are there no Canadian location available for snow melt load data?

      The snow melt load calculations in HeatCAD are based on ASHRAE (2011 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications, Chapter 51, Table 1). These calculations and data are only available for a subset of the US locations, and not for any Canadian locations.

      You can read more on this in the Help file - see the "Calculation Methods and Assumptions" and "Snow Melt Loads" topics.

      For Canadian locations we recommend to either:

      1. Use the manual load input mode and enter your design load (per unit area); or
      2. Select a US city with similar climate and snowfall characteristics.
    7. Can I specify wall or ceiling radiant heating in HeatCAD?

      HeatCAD does not provide a way to directly add radiant wall or ceiling heat to the drawing. It will however automatically calculate the supplemental heat required for a room and this can be supplied by wall or ceiling heat if desired. You can also edit the amount of supplemental heat supplied if you want to lower the floor temperatures further.

    8. Can I specify different wall thicknesses?

      Currently there can only be one wall thickness setting per floorplan. We normally recommend that you set this to match the interior wall thickness.You can then draw the exterior walls so that the interior edge approximately lines up with the actual interior edge.

      The reduced wall thickness for the exterior walls will not affect the heat loss calculations because this thickness is for the drawing display only. The heat loss/gain calculations use the construction settings for the wall. So even if the drawing display shows a 4" thick wall, but the construction settings specify an 8" thick wall, the calculations are based on the 8" thick wall.

    9. Can I model a Walkout Basement in HeatCAD?

      Yes. See the "Walkout Basements" topic in the Help file for details.

    10. Can I model Vaulted or Cathedral Ceiling in HeatCAD?

      Yes. See the "Vaulted or Cathedral Ceilings" topic in the Help file for details.