Explore the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator
Set a thermostat and watch a heat pump cycle move heat in or out of a house. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator?
Set a thermostat and watch a heat pump cycle move heat in or out of a house. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Homes, offices, data centres, refrigerators and electric cars use these cycles.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
A heat pump moves heat instead of making it.
The refrigerant loop has a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator.
Better insulation reduces heat loss and running time.
Set the outside to −10 °C and compare insulation 2 and 9.
Switch to cooling on a hot day.
Watch the energy used in 60 seconds.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Engineering learners
Engineering and technology students, makers, robotics clubs and teachers of design and technology.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Switch to cooling on a hot day. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
How does an air conditioner work?
It pumps heat from inside to outside using a refrigerant that evaporates indoors and condenses outdoors.
Why does insulation save energy?
The house loses heat more slowly, so the heating runs less often.
Is the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator free to use?
Yes. The HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Engineering group of AZRS simulations.
Does the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 3 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator?
1. In the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator, use the controls to change Outside temperature, Insulation quality, Thermostat setpoint. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator, pick an option such as Heating, Cooling to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Set the outside to −10 °C and compare insulation 2 and 9. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: A heat pump moves heat instead of making it.
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Try the HVAC & Heat Pump Simulator now
Set a thermostat and watch a heat pump cycle move heat in or out of a house. Free to use.
Try it free