Carrier HAP (Hourly Analysis Program) Download — Free Trial, Features & Latest Version Guide
Carrier HAP (Hourly Analysis Program) is one of the most powerful and widely used tools in the HVAC industry for:
- Building cooling & heating load calculations
- Hour-by-hour energy modeling (all 8,760 hours of the year)
- HVAC equipment sizing (chillers, AHUs, FCUs)
- Comparing energy cost of design alternatives
Developed by Carrier Corporation as part of the eDesign Suite, HAP combines system design and energy modeling in one package — input data from your load calculation flows directly into the energy model, which is why it’s the standard tool for HVAC engineers, MEP consultants and design-build contractors worldwide.
Is Carrier HAP Free? (Quick Answer)
HAP is licensed software — but Carrier offers an official free 60-day trial. There is no legal “free full version” floating around; anything claiming that is pirated and usually bundled with malware. Here’s how it actually works:
- Free 60-day trial: request it from Carrier’s official eDesign Trial page — you receive download and installation instructions by email. Full functionality, ideal for evaluating the software or learning it.
- Licensed version: after the trial, a license entitles you to the software, regular updates and technical support from Carrier’s HVAC engineers. Downloads require your license key.
- Students: the 60-day trial is the practical way to learn HAP; Carrier University also offers training resources.
How to Download Carrier HAP (Official, Step-by-Step)
- Go to Carrier’s official eDesign Trial page (button below).
- Fill in the trial request form with your work details.
- Check your email — Carrier sends the download link and installation instructions.
- Run the installer (Windows 10/11, 64-bit) and follow the setup wizard.
- Already licensed? Use Carrier’s Software Downloads page instead and activate with your license key from your renewal/license email.
Carrier HAP — Official Free 60-Day Trial
Licensed Users — Official Software Downloads
What’s New in HAP v6 (Latest Version)
The current HAP v6.x generation (v6.40 at the time of writing) is a complete redesign over the classic HAP 4.9/5.x that many engineers learned on:
- ASHRAE Heat Balance load method — the most rigorous load calculation method, replacing the older transfer function approach
- Graphical 3D building model — assemble the building visually instead of filling space-by-space forms
- System-Based Design sizing — sizing procedures tailored to the specific system type (VAV, FCU, VRF, etc.)
- True 8,760-hour energy analysis using measured weather data, for comparing design alternatives and LEED® energy modeling
- Tested per ASHRAE Standard 140 — the standard method of test for building energy analysis programs
- Building rotation, external shading (reveals, overhangs, fins), unlimited zones/systems/spaces, psychrometric reports and chiller load profiles
Note: HAP v5.2 (released December 2025) was the final update to the legacy v5 line (2-D modeling) — Carrier continues help-desk support for it, but all new development is in v6. If your office still runs v4.9 or v5, the “Convert Previous Version” option in v6 transfers your project data.
HAP v6 vs HAP 4.9 / 5.x — Quick Comparison
| Feature | HAP 4.9 / 5.x (Legacy) | HAP v6.x (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Load method | Transfer Function | ASHRAE Heat Balance |
| Building input | Form-based, space by space | Graphical 3D model |
| Energy analysis | 8,760 hour | 8,760 hour, integrated with design |
| Equipment sizing | Generic | System-Based Design |
| Status | v5.2 = final update (support only) | Actively developed (v6.40+) |
Who Should Use HAP?
- HVAC / mechanical design engineers
- MEP consultants preparing load calculation submittals
- Energy analysts and LEED modelers
- Design-build and HVAC contractors
- Engineering students learning load calculation (via the free trial)
System Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- RAM: 8 GB recommended
- Storage: ~1 GB free space
- Note: eDesign programs install most documentation and resources locally with the software
HAP vs Other Load Calculation Software
- Elite CHVAC — popular ASHRAE-method load calculation tool, lighter than HAP but without integrated 8,760-hour energy modeling
- IES VE / EnergyPlus — deeper simulation platforms, steeper learning curve; HAP is faster for everyday design work
- Manufacturer tools — like the classic McQuay Duct Sizer for duct sizing (download it here)
For quick manual cross-checks alongside HAP, try our free tools: the TR to CFM Calculator (1 TR = 400 CFM rule) and the Online Ductulator (Duct Sizer Pro).
FAQ — Carrier HAP
Is Carrier HAP free to download?
No — HAP is licensed software, but Carrier offers an official free 60-day trial with full functionality via the eDesign Trial page. After the trial, a license includes updates and technical support. Avoid “free full version” downloads from third-party sites — they are pirated and a malware risk.
What is the latest version of Carrier HAP?
The current generation is HAP v6.x (v6.40 at the time of writing). HAP v5.2, released in December 2025, was the final update to the legacy v5 line and now receives support only.
What load calculation method does HAP use?
HAP v6 uses the ASHRAE Heat Balance method — the most rigorous approach — and is tested per ASHRAE Standard 140. Older HAP 4.9/5.x used the transfer function method.
Can HAP be used for LEED energy modeling?
Yes. HAP performs true hour-by-hour (8,760-hour) energy analysis with measured weather data and is widely used for comparing design alternatives and LEED® energy modeling submissions.
What are the system requirements for HAP?
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), 8 GB RAM recommended, and about 1 GB of free disk space.
Final Thoughts
Carrier HAP remains the industry-standard tool for HVAC load calculation and energy modeling — and with the official 60-day trial, there’s a legitimate free way to get started today. Download it from Carrier’s official pages above, and if you’re still on HAP 4.9/5.x, plan the move to v6: the heat balance method and 3D building model are worth the switch.
For more HVAC software guides, downloads and free calculators — stay tuned with MEPBase.com.
