Home / Architects

For architects

Mechanical design that fits your set.

We size the HVAC system from your drawings and send back load, equipment and duct documents for the permit set. You keep the project. We handle the mechanical numbers.

The problem

HVAC usually shows up last.

  1. Decided in the field

    When nobody sizes the system early, duct runs and equipment space get worked out on site, after the design is set.

  2. Chases that don't fit

    Without duct sizes, you guess at room for trunks, returns and the air handler, and the soffits grow later.

  3. Clients ask about comfort

    Glazing, orientation and insulation change the loads. It helps to see the numbers while those choices are still open.

How AG3 helps

Numbers early, documents for the set.

Send drawings at design development or at permit. We model the building in Wrightsoft and send back documents you can coordinate against and include with your submittal.

  • MJ
    Loads from your drawingsRoom by room heating and cooling loads, so you can see what your envelope choices do.
  • MD
    Duct sizes and routingTrunk and branch sizes to plan chases, soffits and returns before the framing goes up.
  • MS
    Equipment and its spaceUnit sizes from Manual S, so the mechanical closet or attic platform is the right size.
  • MN
    Commercial projectsManual N for retail, office and light industrial spaces, with ASHRAE ventilation.
  • REV
    When the plans change1 revision is included as long as the plans stay the same. If the plans change, we quote the redesign at $95 per engineering hour.

Pricing

Starting prices.

Residential prices cover up to 2,000 sq ft. Your final price is in the estimate, after we review the drawings.

MJ

Manual J

$185starting at
  • Room by room loads
  • +$0.06 per sq ft over 2,000
  • Delivered in 2 to 3 business days
  • 1 revision included
MN

Manual N

$450starting at
  • Commercial load calculation
  • Priced from your drawings
  • 1 revision included

All prices and extras

How we work

From plans to permit in four steps.

  1. 01

    Send your plans

    Upload the floor plan and whatever specs you have. We'll ask for anything missing.

  2. 02

    Get your estimate

    We review the plans and send a fixed price with a delivery date before any work starts.

  3. 03

    We model it

    The house goes into Wrightsoft room by room to size every duct and unit.

  4. 04

    Check and deliver

    We check the design against ACCA, ANSI and ASHRAE methods and send the permit-ready PDF.

Architect questions

Before you send drawings.

At what stage should we send drawings?

As soon as the floor plan and window layout are fairly settled. Early numbers help you plan chases and the mechanical space. If the plans change afterwards, we quote the update separately.

What files do you need?

PDF floor plans with dimensions, plus window and insulation specs if you have them. The form takes up to 10 files (PDF, JPG, PNG or ZIP) and 200 MB in total. For a bigger set, paste a Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer link.

Do you take commercial projects?

Yes. Manual N covers commercial loads, starting at $450 and priced from the drawings.

Can you work with the project's HVAC contractor?

Yes. We can send the design to the contractor and answer questions about the layout and equipment.

All questions

Ready when you are

Let's size it right the first time.

Send your plans today and get an estimate back.

Call Upload plans