Carrier HAP (Hourly Analysis Program): Free Trial Download, HAP v6 Guide & Load Calculation Workflow
Carrier HAP (Hourly Analysis Program) is one of the most widely used HVAC design programs in the world. Engineers use it for:
- Building cooling and heating load calculations
- Hour-by-hour energy modeling for all 8,760 hours of the year
- Sizing HVAC systems and equipment (chillers, AHUs, FCUs, VRF, rooftop units)
- Comparing the energy cost of design alternatives
This guide explains what the Hourly Analysis Program does, how to get the official free trial, what changed in HAP v6, and the step-by-step workflow for a load calculation in HAP.
What Is the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP)?
The Hourly Analysis Program is Carrier’s load calculation and energy modeling software, first introduced in 1987 and now part of Carrier’s eDesign Suite. It is really two tools in one: a system design tool that calculates peak loads and sizes equipment, and an energy modeling tool that simulates how the building and its HVAC systems perform over a full year. Data entered for the load calculation flows straight into the energy model, which is why HAP software is a standard tool for HVAC engineers, MEP consultants and design-build contractors.
HAP can size most common system types, including:
- Rooftop units and self-contained units
- Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and split DX systems
- Central station air handlers, hydronic and DX fan coils
- Water source heat pumps
- Induction beams and active chilled beams
New to these systems? See our guide to choosing an HVAC system, with animated diagrams of how each one works.
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”; anything claiming that is pirated and often bundled with malware.
- Free 60-day trial: request it on Carrier’s eDesign Trial page. Carrier replies by email, usually within 1 to 2 business days, with download and installation instructions.
- Licensed version: a license gives you the software, updates and technical support. Licensed users download from Carrier’s Software Downloads page.
- Students and learners: the 60-day trial is the practical way to learn HAP. Carrier also publishes HAP training videos on its software support page.
How to Download Carrier HAP (Official, Step by Step)
- Open Carrier’s official eDesign Trial page (button below).
- Fill in the trial request form with your work details.
- Check your email for Carrier’s reply with the download link and installation instructions.
- Run the installer on a Windows PC and follow the setup wizard.
- Already licensed? Use Carrier’s Software Downloads page instead and activate with your license details.
Searching for a specific older build such as HAP 6.2? Carrier’s official pages provide the current HAP v6 release, so use those rather than third-party sites.
Carrier HAP: Official Free 60-Day Trial
Licensed Users: Official Software Downloads
What’s New in HAP v6
HAP v6 is a complete redesign of the classic HAP 4.x and 5.x that many engineers learned on. The current release is v6.40 at the time of writing.
- ASHRAE Heat Balance load method: represents building physics more accurately than the older transfer function approach.
- Graphical 3D building model: draw and assemble the building visually instead of filling in space-by-space forms. Carrier says model creation that used to take days now takes hours.
- Point-and-click zoning: group rooms into HVAC control zones visually.
- Global weather library with about 7,400 weather stations.
- True 8,760-hour energy analysis using measured weather data, with hourly simulation results, usage profiles and heat balance summary reports.
Still on HAP v5? Carrier has said most current users can move to v6 at no charge, at their own pace, and keep using v5 for as long as needed.
HAP v6 vs HAP 4.x / 5.x: Quick Comparison
| Feature | HAP 4.x / 5.x (legacy) | HAP v6 (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Load method | Transfer function | ASHRAE Heat Balance |
| Building input | Form-based, space by space | Graphical 3D model |
| Zoning | Manual lists | Visual point-and-click |
| Energy analysis | 8,760-hour | 8,760-hour, integrated with the 3D model |
| Status | Legacy | Current, actively developed |
How to Do a Load Calculation in HAP v6 (Workflow)
The exact screens change between releases, but every HAP project follows the same logic:
- Create the project and select weather data for the site from the weather library, and set the design conditions.
- Build the model: draw or trace the floor plans, set floor heights, and add walls, roofs, windows and shading.
- Define the spaces: occupancy, lighting, equipment loads and their schedules for each room.
- Group spaces into zones with the point-and-click zoning tools.
- Create the air systems (VAV, fan coil, VRF, rooftop and so on), assign zones, and set ventilation and supply air conditions.
- Run the sizing reports to get peak cooling and heating loads, airflows and coil sizes.
- For energy analysis, add plants, equipment efficiencies and utility rates, then run the annual simulation to compare design alternatives.
Before trusting any software result, check it against a hand calculation. Our HVAC load calculation guide explains the manual method step by step.
Carrier eDesign Suite: HAP and the Other Programs
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) | Peak load calculation, system sizing and detailed 8,760-hour energy modeling |
| Block Load | Peak load calculation and system sizing |
| System Design Load | Peak load calculation and system sizing |
| Building System Optimizer | Energy modeling at schematic design stage |
| Engineering Economic Analysis | Life-cycle cost comparison |
| Refrigerant Piping Design | Refrigerant pipe sizing |
For refrigerant line sizing by hand, see our Refrigerant Pipe Sizing guide.
Who Should Use HAP?
- HVAC and mechanical design engineers
- MEP consultants preparing load calculation submittals
- Energy analysts and LEED modelers
- Design-build and HVAC contractors
- Engineering students learning load calculation (through the free trial)
System Requirements
HAP runs on Windows PCs. Check Carrier’s download page for the current operating system and hardware requirements before installing, as they change with each release.
HAP vs Other Load Calculation Software
- Elite CHVAC: a popular ASHRAE-method load calculation tool, lighter than HAP but without integrated 8,760-hour energy modeling.
- IES VE / EnergyPlus: deeper simulation platforms with a steeper learning curve; HAP is faster for everyday design work.
- Manufacturer tools: such as 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, the Cooling Load Calculator and the Online Ductulator.
FAQ: Carrier HAP
Is Carrier HAP free to download?
No. HAP is licensed software, but Carrier offers an official free 60-day trial of its eDesign programs, including HAP. You request it on Carrier’s eDesign Trial page and receive download instructions by email. Avoid third-party free full version downloads, which are pirated and a malware risk.
What is the latest version of Carrier HAP?
The current generation is HAP v6 (v6.40 at the time of writing). Carrier’s official download pages always provide the current release.
What load calculation method does HAP use?
HAP v6 uses the ASHRAE Heat Balance method, which represents building physics more accurately than the transfer function method used in older HAP versions.
Can I still use HAP v5?
Yes. Carrier has said most current users can move to HAP v6 at no charge at their own pace, and keep using HAP v5 for as long as they need.
What is the difference between HAP and Block Load?
Both are Carrier eDesign programs for peak load calculation and system sizing. HAP adds full 8,760-hour energy modeling, while Block Load is a lighter tool focused on peak loads.
Can HAP be used for LEED energy modeling?
Yes. HAP performs a true hour-by-hour energy analysis using measured weather data for all 8,760 hours of the year, which is used to compare design alternatives and for energy modeling submissions.
Final Thoughts
Carrier HAP remains an industry-standard tool for HVAC load calculation and energy modeling, and the official 60-day trial is a legitimate free way to start. Download it only from Carrier’s official pages, and if you are still on HAP 4.x or 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.
