Elite Software Rhvac review

Rhvac has been one of the standard residential load programs for years, and it remains one of the best values here. It calculates block and room-by-room loads to ACCA Manual J Eighth Edition, Version 2, sizes ducts to Manual D with system losses and fan static pressure, and produces a Manual S report that interpolates performance data from any manufacturer. For permits it fills in ACCA Form 310, the ACCA design review form and the Energy Star HVAC Design Report automatically. You can buy it as a Windows desktop license for $599, or as Rhvac Online at $239 a year, which runs in a browser on iPads, phones and computers and can upload desktop project files. A loads-only Manual J Calculator Online costs $149 a year. Drawing Board floor plans cost extra on the desktop, and some links, such as the REM/Rate and EnergyPro exports, are desktop only.

Who it is for

Residential designers who want detailed Manual J reports and code forms at a low annual or one-time cost.

Price

Rhvac Online $239 a year; Rhvac desktop license $599.

1 Year Subscription: I do not have a license for Rhvac 10 $239
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Block and room-by-room loads to ACCA Manual J Eighth Edition, Version 2
• Manual D duct sizing with system losses and fan static pressure
• Manual S report with performance interpolation on any manufacturer's data
• Automatically filled ACCA Form 310, ACCA design review form and Energy Star HVAC Design Report
• Desktop links to REM/Rate, Ekotrope, REScheck and EnergyPro

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Rhvac Online runs on iPads, tablets, phones and computers
• Strength: Free phone technical support during business hours
• Strength: No copy protection on the desktop program
• Weakness: Drawing Board floor plans are sold separately for the desktop
• Weakness: Several reports and export links are desktop only
• Weakness: Interface looks dated next to newer web tools

Key facts

• Rhvac Online: $239 a year, or $159 a year with a Rhvac 10 license
• Rhvac desktop: $599 full; $999 bundled with Drawing Board and Manual D Ductsize
• Loads only: Manual J Calculator Online at $149 a year
• Current version: Rhvac 10.2, released January 2026

Where it ranks

Elite Software Rhvac is No. 3 in our Best HVAC Design Software verdict.