Top 12 heat pump design software

Update: February 2025

Simulation of heat pump systems is essential for accurate heat pump design. Heat pump design software allows for a realistic analysis of energy efficiency, operating costs, and system performance. In this article, we compare the world’s leading heat pump design software, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help professionals find the right software for their specific needs.

Why is the right heat pump design software so important?

Planning and heat pump sizing is a complex process that must consider numerous factors such as energy efficiency, operating costs, and environmental conditions.

Simulation software assists professionals like HVAC planners, engineers, energy consultants, and contractors in analyzing various scenarios in detail to find the optimal configuration for a specific project or to optimize an existing system.

Simulating heat pumps offers significant value by enabling precise calculations and realistic assessments of system performance. This helps avoid planning errors, reduce costs, and increase system efficiency.

Another crucial aspect is risk minimization. Potential issues, such as insufficient heating capacity or excessive electricity consumption, can be identified and addressed early through simulation, helping to avoid costly corrections and increase customer satisfaction.

Additionally, simulation software allows for the comparison of different operating strategies and the identification of optimization potentials. By integrating weather data and site-specific parameters, a realistic representation of future operations is created.

Today, it’s necessary to design heat pump systems in combination with other energy sources like photovoltaic systems or combined heat and power (CHP) plants. This provides the basis for decision-making on hybrid solutions and increases planning reliability to achieve project goals such as CO2 reduction, increased economic efficiency, or degree of autonomy. When combining heat pumps and photovoltaics, the heat pump control system is of crucial importance. Heat pump control is the key factor in reducing electricity consumption from the grid and thus lowering annual operating costs. The heat pump control system can be optimized and the components optimally matched to each other by simulating the heat pump.

That’s why professionals use heat pump simulation software

In larger projects, simulation leads to optimal results, as operation and profitability are influenced by numerous dynamic factors, including:

• Site conditions: climatic conditions and geographical location,
• Building characteristics: the energy status of the building envelope, the temperature level of the heat distribution system, and existing storage,
• User behavior: for example, the proportion of hot water demand,
• Heat source temperature: which can vary depending on the system,
• Heat pump properties: including coefficient of performance (COP), inverter technology, and refrigerant,
• Operating strategy: ensuring efficient and adapted system use.

By considering these factors, simulation enables realistic and precise planning. In this blog, we compare the world’s leading professional heat pump design software:

Polysun Designer

Provider: Vela Solaris AG, Winterthur, CH
Polysun is one of the world’s most comprehensive heat pump design software and energy modeling software. It allows detailed modeling of hybrid systems, including solar collectors and photovoltaics.

Pro	Comprehensive simulation software for heat pumps and other renewable energy systems, enabling the simulation of complex systems with multiple energy sources. Offers a large product database with components for heat pumps, collectors, and storage. Detailed modeling of hybrid systems, including solar thermal and photovoltaics. Hydraulic simulation with detailed component modeling. Smart-grid capability for integration into intelligent energy systems. Extension to electromobility possible, including charging profiles. Output of generation and load profiles for detailed energy balance. Import of geothermal probe and climate data for precise simulation of geothermal systems. Advanced control options and open-source model library. The software is available in 13 languages.
Cons	May be oversized for simple applications. Requires time and training to get acquainted. Costs can be high for smaller projects.
Price	€350/month in the first year, €36.50/month in the following year (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: Polysun Designer is an extremely versatile and powerful software ideal for planning and simulating complex, hybrid energy systems. Notably, it allows the integration of various renewable energies like solar thermal and photovoltaics and optimizes the system concerning different goals. The user-friendly interface and extensive database facilitate work. Due to its range of functions, the software is more suitable for larger projects and demanding users.

DK-Integral

Provider: Delzer Kybernetik GmbH, 79541 Lörrach, DE
DK-Integral offers an in-depth analysis of various operating modes of heat pumps and is particularly suitable for complex systems. It is a specialized heat pump simulation software for complex heating and cooling load calculations.

Pro	In-depth analysis of various operating modes of heat pumps. Specialized calculations for heating load and storage optimization. Cooling load calculation for reversible heat pumps. Detailed control strategies for heat pump management. Simulation options for CHP and PV combinations. Integration of power and load profiles. Output of measurement data in various formats.
Cons	May be too complex for simple applications. Requires time and training to get acquainted.
Price	€355/month in the first year, €71/month in the following year (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: DK-Integral is specialized software for the in-depth analysis of complex heat pump systems. The ability to analyze various operating modes and develop detailed control strategies are the main advantages. The software is particularly suitable for demanding projects requiring a detailed analysis of system dynamics.

DesignBuilder

Provider: DesignBuilder Software Ltd., Stroud, Gloucs, GL5 3AN, UK
DesignBuilder is comprehensive building simulation software that also enables the simulation of heat pump systems. It offers a wide range of functions for analyzing energy consumption, thermal comfort, and environmental impact of buildings.

Pro	Comprehensive building simulation with detailed modeling of heat pump systems. User-friendly interface and intuitive operation. Integration of energy efficiency measures and renewable energies. Ability to analyze life cycle costs and CO₂ emissions.
Cons	May be oversized for simple applications. Requires time and training to get acquainted. Costs can be high for smaller projects.
Price	€327/month (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: DesignBuilder is comprehensive building simulation software that also enables the simulation of heat pump systems. It offers a wide range of functions for analyzing energy consumption, thermal comfort, and environmental impact of buildings. The software is particularly suitable for architects and engineers seeking a holistic view of the building.

HOMERPro

Provider: HOMER Energy LLC, Boulder, Colorado 80301
HOMER Pro is specialized software for the design and optimization of microgrids and hybrid energy systems, including heat pumps. It allows detailed analysis of various system configurations and the assessment of their economic efficiency and environmental compatibility.

Pro	Specifically developed for the design of microgrids and hybrid energy systems. Comprehensive database with components and models for renewable energies. Optimization of system configurations concerning costs, efficiency, and emissions. Detailed reporting and analysis tools.
Cons	Focus on microgrids may limit the simulation of individual buildings. Requires expertise in energy technology.
Price	€379/month (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: HOMER Pro is specialized software for the design and optimization of microgrids and hybrid energy systems, including heat pumps. It allows detailed analysis of various system configurations and the assessment of their economic efficiency and environmental compatibility. The software is particularly suitable for planners and engineers involved in the design of microgrids.

WP-OPT

Provider: WPsoft GmbH, 50679 Cologne, Germany
WP-OPT specializes in optimizing heat pump systems, assisting planners in selecting the most efficient system configurations. The heat pump simulation software enables detailed analysis of various energy sources and operating modes.

Pro	Specialized in optimizing heat pump systems. Considers real operational data for practical planning. Customizable energy generators with individual parameters. Detailed calculation of temperature profiles for heat sources. Exports data as CSV files for further processing in other programs. Optimization of heat pump controls. Manual available for special applications.
Cons	Focus on optimization may overlook other aspects. User-friendliness could be improved.
Price	€61/month in the first year, €8/month in subsequent years (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: WP-OPT is specialized software focused on optimizing heat pump systems. The ability to analyze various energy sources and operating modes and to optimize system configuration for efficiency are its main advantages. The software is particularly suitable for planners seeking a detailed analysis of system efficiency.

IDA ICE

Provider: EQUA Solutions AG, CH-6300 Zug, Switzerland
IDA ICE is a powerful simulation software for dynamic building modeling. By incorporating detailed building data, the software is particularly suitable for integrated planning.

Pro	Enables detailed analysis of a building’s thermal behavior. Dynamic modeling of buildings with heat pump systems. Imports real measurement data to validate simulations. Allows the use of custom refrigerant and component parameters. Considers internal loads and user behavior for realistic calculations. Flexible interfaces for integration with other simulation tools. Supports hydraulic systems.
Cons	Very complex and requires extensive knowledge in building simulation. IDA ICE is a demanding tool aimed at experienced engineers. High costs and long learning curve.
Price	Upon request

Conclusion: IDA ICE is high-end software ideal for dynamic building simulation. By considering detailed building data and user behavior, very realistic simulations can be conducted. The software is particularly suitable for demanding projects requiring a holistic view of the building and its energy systems.

Xendee

Provider: Xendee Corporation, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
Xendee is a cloud-based software for the design and optimization of microgrids and decentralized energy systems. It offers a wide range of functions for modeling, simulation, and analysis of energy systems with various energy sources, including heat pumps.

Pro	Cloud-based: Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Facilitates collaboration among team members. Scalability: Can handle large and complex projects. Integration: Integrates various data sources and software tools.
Cons	Xendee offers a broad range of functions for modeling and optimizing microgrids and decentralized energy systems. This complexity can be challenging for new users and may require a certain learning period. Xendee is specialized in the design and optimization of microgrids and decentralized energy systems. For other applications, such as detailed building planning or simulation of individual components, Xendee is less suitable.
Price	€540/month (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: Xendee is a cloud-based software for the design and optimization of microgrids and decentralized energy systems. It offers a wide range of functions for modeling, simulation, and analysis of energy systems with various energy sources, including heat pumps.

CAN-QUEST

Provider: eQUEST, James J. Hirsch & Associates, Camarillo, CA, 93012-9243
CAN-QUEST is a free, user-friendly energy analysis software offering a wide range of features for modeling and simulating buildings and their energy systems, including heat pumps.

Pro	Free software accessible to everyone, making it an attractive option for smaller projects or users new to building simulation. Intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, even for less experienced users. Comprehensive features for modeling buildings and their energy systems, including heat pumps. Enables detailed analyses of building energy consumption and evaluation of energy efficiency measures. Specialized tools for simulating heat pump systems, including various types of heat sources and distributions.
Cons	Compared to commercial software solutions like Polysun, IDA ICE, or DesignBuilder, CAN-QUEST offers limited functionalities. Simulation results are less detailed than those from commercial software solutions. Less suitable for simulating very complex buildings or energy systems.
Price	Free

Conclusion: CAN-QUEST is a free and user-friendly energy analysis software that provides a broad range of features for modeling and simulating buildings and their energy systems. It is particularly suitable for smaller projects or users looking to familiarize themselves with building simulation.

GeoT*SOL

Provider: Valentin Software GmbH, 10243 Berlin
GeoT*SOL is specifically developed for the simulation of heat pump systems. The heat pump simulation software enables detailed calculations of efficiency under real operating conditions and is particularly suitable for designing brine/water and water/water heat pumps.

Pro	Specifically designed for the simulation of heat pump systems. Detailed calculation of efficiency under real operating conditions. Particularly suitable for planning brine/water and water/water heat pumps. Simulation of parallel, semi-parallel, and mono systems. Detailed calculation of the seasonal performance factor (SPF) under real conditions. Integration of PV systems through an interface to PV*SOL. Consideration of location-specific weather and temperature data. Output of detailed electricity consumption profiles. Calculation of pressure losses and source temperatures.
Cons	Limited functionalities; the focus on heat pumps may restrict the simulation of other renewable energies. Regeneration of ground probes cannot be simulated. User-friendliness could be improved.
Price	€32/month (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: GeoT*SOL is a specialized program particularly suited for the detailed design and simulation of heat pump systems. The software is especially suitable for users who value the efficiency and economic viability of heat pump systems but has limited functionalities.

EnergyPLAN

Provider: Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University
EnergyPLAN is an open-source tool for the simulation and analysis of energy systems at the national and regional levels. It enables the modeling of complex energy systems with various energy sources, including heat pumps, and the assessment of the impacts of political measures and technological developments.

Pro	Open-source software that can be used free of charge. Flexible and adaptable to various energy systems. Ability to analyze energy systems at the national and regional levels. Support for the integration of renewable energies and energy efficiency measures.
Cons	Familiarization requires expertise in the field of energy economics and modeling. May be unsuitable for the simulation of individual buildings or small systems.
Price	Free

Conclusion: EnergyPLAN is an open-source tool for the simulation and analysis of energy systems at the national and regional levels. It enables the modeling of complex energy systems with various energy sources, including heat pumps, and the assessment of the impacts of political measures and technological developments. The software is particularly suitable for researchers and policymakers.

ETU Simulation

Provider: Hottgenroth, ETU GmbH, 4615 Holzhausen, Austria
ETU Simulation is a user-friendly heat pump design software s in combination with other heating and cooling systems.

Pro	User-friendly solution for simulating heat pump systems in combination with other heating and cooling systems. Integration with CAD software for seamless incorporation into planning processes. Detailed economic calculations considering investment and operating costs. Ability to simulate battery storage systems to optimize self-consumption. Import of SCADA data to optimize control processes. Output of dynamic results for optimized control strategies.
Cons	May be less suitable for very complex systems. Ground cooling and probe regeneration are not possible.
Price	€50/month in the first year (excluding VAT)

Conclusion: ETU Simulation is a user-friendly software that is well suited for the simulation of heat pump systems in combination with other heating and cooling systems. The CAD integration and the ability to carry out profitability analyses are clear advantages. The software is particularly suitable for smaller projects and users looking for a simple and intuitive solution.

EnergyPlus

Provider: U.S. Department of Energy
EnergyPlus is a powerful, open-source whole-building energy simulation program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. It is widely used by architects, engineers, and researchers to model energy consumption for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and other building systems.

Pro	Open-source and free: Accessible to everyone, making it a cost-effective choice for energy modeling. Highly detailed simulations: Known for its detailed simulations and ability to model complex building physics, including heat and mass balance calculations for each thermal zone. Widely adopted and supported: A large community contributes to its development and offers support, ensuring continuous improvement and reliability. Flexibility: Capable of modeling a wide variety of building types and systems, accommodating diverse project needs.
Cons	Command-line interface: Operates primarily through a command-line interface, which can be challenging for users accustomed to graphical interfaces. Steep learning curve: Effective use often requires a solid understanding of building physics and energy modeling principles. No native graphical user interface: The lack of a built-in GUI may necessitate the use of third-party interfaces, adding complexity to the workflow.
Price	Free

Conclusion: EnergyPlus is a robust and versatile tool for whole-building energy simulation. Its open-source nature and comprehensive modeling capabilities make it a valuable resource for professionals aiming to perform detailed energy analyses. However, the command-line interface and complexity may present challenges for some users, potentially requiring additional training or the use of supplementary tools to facilitate its application.

Conclusion

The selection of suitable heat pump design software depends heavily on individual requirements. For MEP planners and engineers, choosing the right simulation software is crucial to ensure high planning quality. The programs presented offer different strengths and are each optimized for specific applications. Careful evaluation of the software based on the project requirements is therefore essential.