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HVAC Estimating Software
Compare All HVAC Estimating Software
Synchroteam
Synchroteam
Synchroteam is a cloud-based field service management and scheduling solution that caters to businesses of all sizes in field service industry that includes cleaning services, construction, electrical and HVAC. Synchroteam fe...Read more
AutoBid SheetMetal
AutoBid SheetMetal
Trimble® AutoBid® SheetMetal is an on-premise labor and material estimating solution for HVAC and sheet metal estimators. Using the solution's 'Automatic Fitting Generation', estimators can create takeoffs while keeping track of t...Read more
Contractor Foreman
Contractor Foreman
NOW: Starting @ $49/m for the WHOLE company, Contractor Foreman is the most affordable all-in-one solution for small and medium trade and general contractors who want a better way to manage their projects. *FREE Trial + 100 Day Gu...Read more
Software pricing tips
Read our Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software Buyers GuideSubscription models
- Per employee/per month: This model allows you to pay a monthly fee for each of your employees.
- Per user/per month: Users pay a monthly fee for users—normally administrative users—rather than all employees.
Perpetual license
- This involves paying an upfront sum for the license to own the software and use it indefinitely.
- This is the more traditional model and is most common with on-premise applications and with larger businesses.
Rated best value for money
ServiceTitan
ServiceTitan
Transform your business with ServiceTitan's all-in-one software solution for residential and commercial field service businesses. With powerful tools that can increase revenue by 25%, improve sales, supercharge your team, and prov...Read more
FieldPulse
FieldPulse
FieldPulse is the leading field service software for small service businesses that want to grow while saving time and money each day. Powerful, easy-to-use features and integrations give plumbers, HVAC specialists, and more the to...Read more
Housecall Pro
Housecall Pro
Housecall Pro is a cloud-based field service management app for service professionals to automate workflows and streamline technician dispatch. This solution includes a native mobile app and complementary web portal and serves a w...Read more
Service Fusion
Service Fusion
Service Fusion is an all-in-one, cloud-based field service management software. It caters to service contractors and businesses of all sizes across multiple industries. Service Fusion offers field service management, VoIP phone so...Read more
FieldEdge Flat Rate Mobile
FieldEdge Flat Rate Mobile
FieldEdge Flat Rate Mobile (formerly Coolfront) is a cloud-based HVAC solution that allows users to carry and access their flat rate pricing and repair database on a mobile device. It caters to small sized plumbing, electrical and...Read more
Popular Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software Comparisons
Buyers Guide
Last Updated: March 10, 2022Mechanical contractors have unique needs when it comes to creating price estimates for jobs. And these needs vary based on what type of work the company performs: heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling; plumbing and piping, refrigeration, fire suppression or waste water work.
A general estimator system, such as those covered in our construction estimate and takeoff guide, will suffice for contractors developing high-level pricing across multiple divisions. However, a mechanical estimator will need a system that is specific to his trade. We’ve profiled about a dozen top-rated cost estimate technology solutions that address the mechanical market.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What Is Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software?
Common Features of Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software
What Is Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software?
While the HVAC, mechanical and plumbing trades are closely related, the features in cost estimating programs will vary for each of these divisions. For example:
- Vendors offering tech solutions for commercial and industrial mechanical contractors will provide labor and material pricing for piping, plumbing fixtures, valves, fittings and more.
- Sheet metal estimating software will have cost information for fabricators and sheet metal companies, including pricing for round duct work, rectangular ductwork, hangers and other accessories.
Mechanical pricing estimate solutions are typically offered as standalone tools for piping work or sheet metal work cost estimates. It is also possible to get a system designed for both types of jobs.
Screenshot of mechanical digital takeoff screen in Viewpoint MEP Estimating
Specialty vendors might also offer separate HVAC scheduling software or HVAC dispatching software as add-ons or standalone products. HVAC dispatch software allows companies to oversee services from work order to balance sheet. This guide provides a robust listing of HVAC software providers.
Common Features of Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software
When assessing which HVAC management software solution best meets your company's unique needs, estimators should evaluate the following top programs with mechanical-specific capabilities. The best HVAC software available will have all of these options, but businesses just needing to learn how to bid HVAC jobs should go for something more basic. Beginners can also ask vendors for the best mechanical software courses to learn how to best utilize the system.
| Item database | The system should offer a large database of mechanical-specific parts and items, including fittings, valves and piping, as well as light gauge, heavy gauge and industrial sheet metal materials for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling. The database should have more than 100,000 items. |
| Assemblies | The system should offer a large library of pre-built mechanical assemblies. This will allow the estimator to more quickly build their estimate and not have to build their own library of assemblies. Of course, the system should also allow for easy creation of custom assemblies. |
| MCAA or PHCC labor tables | A mechanical-specific or air conditioning estimating software should have integrated labor tables from the MCAA or PHCC. These tables help the estimator determine the types of labor that will be required to perform a specific task. That is then matched with current labor rates. |
| Mechanical-specific pricing services | There are well over 100,000 different materials and items for plumbing, piping, sheet metal, ventilation and other mechanical work. The best accounting software for HVAC business manages more accurate item cost databases by integrating with a mechanical-specific pricing service such as Ferguson, Harrison, Trade Services or Porter. |
| BIM integration | Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is gaining wider use in large projects and is especially relevant to mechanical work. If your commercial HVAC maintenance estimating software integrates to BIM tools, the BIM models can pass detailed takeoff data directly into the system. Estimators will benefit from eliminating the takeoff process through this integration. |
| Mechanical-specific reports | Estimators want to run a variety of reports, including historical win rates, job costs, actual costs versus estimates etc. While many of these reports are similar to those offered in generic price estimate systems, the data they present will be unique to mechanical work. Buyers should evaluate available reports to ensure they meet their needs. |