question - calculating for Mech/Elec/Plumb designs

[DCXCV]

So I've always done my electrical and plumbing design calcs by hand but am looking at some programs to do the same (per a client's request).  Does anyone have any recommendations? 

Currently looking at Elite and Wright software

[Dietrich]

For commercial projects?  Residential?  Hospitals or light commercial? 

For mechanical calcs are you talking about heat load calcs for air conditioning/heating or duct sizing?  The two most popular load calc softwares are the Carrier HAP (hourly analysis program) or Trane TRACE 700.  I preffer HAP (Carrier also makes a more stripped down version of this for block loads), but the co I work for now uses TRACE.  I have seen some software packages for duct sizing, but they are mostly glorified electronic duct sizing wheels. 

Usually plumbing is done with spreadsheets based on local codes.  Simple calcs.

There are also CAD software packages for M&P design that have a bunch of calculations built in, i.e. AutoDesk AutoCAD MEP has built in duct sizing.

[DCXCV]

This would all be for residential.  I'm actually not doing the mechanical portion but was asked to look into a program for it. 

I was looking at the Elite software demo last night (which was recommended to me) and it really looks like it's for big projects.  I'm not sure that anything other than hand calcs are feasible for a residential sized project. 

Thanks

[Dietrich]

I liked doing block loads for residential stuff.  There are a couple simple programs for this...I'll see if I can find any.  It's nice to have SOME idea of how much AC is required as opposed to the contractor method of sizing it up from the curb...  I live in Phoenix, so things like glazing type and orientation, insulation, roofing, even color can significantly change the heat gain on a house.

[Dietrich]

Wow....been a while since I looked into this.  Those software packages from Write and Elite look pretty nice.  Lot's of features for the money.  Here is the Carrier block load software, but for residential stuff, that Elite Manual J looks great!

http://www.commercial.carrier.com/commercial/hvac/general/0,,CLI1_DIV12_ETI643_MID4353,00.html

What helps make it easy is having a good library of materials/insulation built in, plus easy of entering all the exposures.