HVAKR is a web-based program centered on creating a simple and seamless workflow for HVAC designers and engineers. They developed an all-in-one design platform with a step-by-step format. As a result, the users are saving time, reducing errors, and finding that even less-experienced designers are able to successfully complete HVAC designs.
The company was founded in 2021 by Cal Poly alumni Davis Muxlow (Mechanical Engineer, HVAC) and Andrew Krippner (Mechanical Engineer, Developer) upon recognizing the need for better HVAC software.
HVAKR is based in Huntington Beach, CA. their mission is to radically improve the lives of HVAC designers and engineers globally.
Interview with interview with Davis Muxlow, PE – Cofounder at HVAKR.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Davis Muxlow, PE: HVAKR’s sole focus is to develop the best, most-intuitive software for all HVAC projects. The program is designed for residential and commercial applications alike, whether it be a 1,000 ft2 single-story home, or a 1,000,000 ft2 facility.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
D.M, PE: In 2022, HVAKR released its Beta version and since then has been working with select engineers to test and develop additional features.
In February, 2023, HVAKR is releasing its full version, which will be widely available to all. We will be at the 2023 AHR Expo in Atlanta, Georgia to announce and release our product.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
D.M, PE: HVAKR is a single product, but it facilitates a number of design procedures. Users can 1) develop their basis-of-design, 2) define spaces and create zone maps, 3) perform heating and cooling load calculations, 4) size equipment, 5) create dry-side designs (ductwork) including duct sizing and pressure loss calculations, and 6) create wet-side designs (hydronic piping) with pipe sizing and head loss calculations. These are the basics, with many more features to come.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
D.M, PE: Globally, we’re currently seeing a proliferation of online software as a service. Most industries have taken advantage of this, but the construction industry, and HVAC particularly, is late to the game.
An all-in-one design solution is relatively new to the world of HVAC. While there are some products available for residential design, most commercial designers have been doing things the same way for the last decade or more. They are often using a mix of hand-made markups, third-party software, and a series of company-made excel spreadsheets that get copied down from project to project.
We are at the forefront of a new and exciting movement as a younger generation of engineers is seeking to innovate and improve the design process.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
D.M, PE: The construction industry is beginning to recognize the value of including trade-specific designers and builders early in the construction process. This is evident through the increased popularity of Design-Build contracts, and rightly so. More design input upfront means owners and architects can better understand how their decisions impact their building’s energy usage, the space required for utilities, and overall cost. However, this iterative process requires designers to be highly adaptable and make numerous changes as the building evolves. Having quality software to facilitate this rapid-changing design process is crucial.
HVAKR recognizes this need and is meeting it. By integrating the full design process into one platform, designers can make changes and instantly see updated results. Say you’ve completed your design in HVAKR and the architect wants to change window types; just update those parameters in your basis-of-design and HVAKR will automatically update your load calcs, CFMs, duct sizes, and more. This allows designers to make comparisons and deliver alternate designs in minutes rather than weeks.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
D.M, PE: For reasons outlined in previous answers, HVAKR is fundamentally innovative. We believe it’s the first all-in-one HVAC design program that is web-based and truly focused on ease-of-use.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
D.M, PE: 2023 is going to be a pivotal year for our company. We’re releasing our full product in February and expect to see hundreds of engineers and designers adopt the program before the year’s end. Thanks to its versatility, we anticipate a wide variety of customers whether they be small design offices, large MEP firms, or mechanical contractors.
Our goal for the year, as we build this base of designers, is to collect an enormous amount of feedback that we can use to continually improve our software and best serve our users.