Quick Start

This guide walks you through creating your first HVAKR project. By the end, you’ll have a working building model with load calculations.

Step 1: Create a Project

1. From the home screen, click Create Project
2. Enter a project name and address — the address pulls ASHRAE design weather data for the location
3. Choose the project type (Commercial or Residential) and which space type and envelope templates to include

Tip

If your plan includes HVAKR AI, use Create with AI to describe the building in plain language and have it set up the project for you.

Step 2: Upload Floor Plans

1. Navigate to Basis of Design > Sheet Library
2. Click Upload and select your floor plan files (PDF or DXF)
3. Set the scale for each sheet using the scale calibration tool

Step 3: Define Spaces

1. Go to Building Model > Spaces
2. Select a sheet from the dropdown
3. Use the polygon tool to trace around each space on the floor plan
4. Assign a space type to each space (e.g., Office, Conference Room, Corridor)

Tip

Use Auto Takeoff Spaces (the wand icon in the toolbar) to automatically detect and create spaces from your floor plan.

Step 4: Configure the Envelope

1. Navigate to Building Model > Envelope
2. Assign wall types to exterior walls
3. Add windows and doors to the envelope
4. Define the roof and slab for each space

Step 5: Group Spaces into Zones

1. Go to Building Model > Zones
2. Create zones and assign spaces to each one — a zone is a group of spaces served by a single thermostat or terminal unit
3. Each space belongs to exactly one zone

Tip

Use Auto Create Zones to generate zones from your spaces automatically.

Step 6: Create Systems

1. Go to Building Model > Systems
2. Create an HVAC system (e.g., VAV, RTU, Split System)
3. Assign zones to the system

Step 7: View Results

1. Navigate to Reports > Loads
2. View cooling and heating loads for each space and system
3. Ventilation and outdoor air (OA) requirements appear in the airflow tables within the same view

Next Steps

• Creating Projects - Learn more about project setup options
• Navigation - Understand the HVAKR interface
• Basis of Design - Configure project-wide settings