An HVAC system cost comparison program. Co$tWorks 98 will calculate the annual heating and cooling
costs for a building and calculate simple payback between two heating/cooling systems with different
efficiencies or fuel types. Weather data for over two hundred U.S. cities is included. Remembers fuel rates
for your location from use to use.
Keywords
HVAC systems, energy costs, energy economics, heating and
cooling systems
Validation/Testing
N/A
Expertise Required
General knowledge of energy use.
Users
Approximately 150 users to date in U.S.
Audience
HVAC professionals, utilities, energy professionals.
Input
Input is into boxes, point and click choices, and drop down menu listings. User needs heating and cooling load in Btuh.(An estimate could be used for rough comparison.)
Output
Output is to a one page summary report printed to the default Windows printer. The comparison of two units is all on one screen so that it can be viewed at one time.
Computer Platform
Windows 95/98/NT. Fast 486 or better PC. (Co$tWorks, the Win 3.1 version also available.)
Programming Language
Visual Basic
Strengths
Fast and accurate means of showing the benefits of high efficient equipment. Also very useful in
comparing system fuel types.
Weaknesses
Does not yet handle geothermal and dual-fuel heat pumps.
Contact
Availability
$150 for shrinkwrapped box with manual. Call the order line at (800) 615-9176. Educational discounts. Credit cards and purchase orders accepted.
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