compare ies hysopt

Best IES Alternative for HVAC System Software

IES vs Hysopt

IES is trusted for static building energy modelling — helping you calculate heating and cooling loads and check compliance. But buildings don’t perform on paper alone. Hysopt takes you further with dynamic system simulation, hydraulic design, and control strategy validation — so you deliver HVAC systems that actually work as designed.

What’s the Difference between IES and Hysopt?

IES is a go-to tool for architects and engineers who need static building simulation, thermal loads, daylighting and compliance modelling. It’s excellent for predicting a building’s theoretical energy demand.

But here’s the thing:
IES does not design or verify the real HVAC system that must deliver those results day to day.

Hysopt fills that gap with dynamic system simulation. It turns static load data into real-world system design — balancing hydraulics, testing controls and delivering verified comfort and energy savings.

ies vs hysopt
Features
Hysopt
IES
Building Load Calculation
  • Included
    • Core feature
    Dynamic System Simulation
    • Full thermal, hydraulic & controls
    • Not available
    Hydraulic Network Design & Balancing
    • Detailed system design
    • Not included
    Control Strategy Validation
    • Built-in
    • Not included
    Energy & CO₂ Optimisation
    • Proven savings
    • Static estimate only
    Outputs & Deliverables
    • Verified sizing, balancing, performance
    • Static building model outputs

    Why HVAC Engineers Choose Hysopt

    1. Beyond Building Loads

    IES estimates how a building should perform. Hysopt shows how the HVAC system will perform in real operation.

    2. Find Hidden Problems Early

    Hysopt’s dynamic simulation catches oversizing, flow issues and control errors that static models can’t.

    3. Deliver Real Savings

    With Hysopt’s verified outputs and clear reports, engineers can prove how designs cut costs and CO₂ emissions for clients.

    Who Benefits from Switching to Hysopt

    MEP Consultants

    Take static building loads from IES and design dynamic, optimised HVAC systems.

    Commissioning & Operations Teams

    Start up systems with fewer issues, no costly balancing fixes and proven control logic.

    Energy & Sustainability Managers

    Verify that the performance on paper becomes real-world savings.

    How to Switch from IES to Hysopt

    Switching from IES’s static building modelling to Hysopt’s dynamic system design is easy and powerful — giving you a complete workflow from loads to real performance:

    • Use IES load results as reliable input data
    • Build dynamic hydraulic and thermal simulations in Hysopt
    • Balance flows, test control strategies and size equipment properly
    • Get onboarding help, templates and expert support to make switching simple

    computer screen with the hysopt calculator
    Capabilities
    Hysopt
    IES
    Thermal & Hydraulic Simulation
    • Full simulation engine
      • Static loads only
      Control Strategy Modelling
      • Validated and testable
      • Not available
      Balancing & System Optimisation
      • Built-in
      • Not included
      Energy & CO₂ Savings Verification
      • CO₂, cost, energy
        • Theoretical only

        Frequently asked questions

        Does Hysopt replace IES for load modelling?

        Hysopt includes load calculations, but many engineers use IES for detailed static building models and then switch to Hysopt for dynamic system simulation, hydraulic balancing and control checks.

        Is it easy to switch from IES to Hysopt?

        Yes — Hysopt accepts static load results as input. Engineers can quickly build dynamic system models with guided workflows and expert onboarding support.

        Can Hysopt simulate the whole HVAC system?

        Absolutely. Hysopt tests thermal flows, hydraulic balancing and controls in one place — showing exactly how the system will perform in real conditions, unlike static models.

        How does Hysopt help reduce energy use compared to IES alone?

        While IES predicts theoretical building energy needs, Hysopt designs the real HVAC system to match, catching hidden oversizing and control issues to cut waste and CO₂ output.

        Ready to see the Difference?

        Make the switch from IES to Hysopt today — and prove your HVAC system works in practice with Hysopt’s dynamic simulation, hydraulic design and verified savings.

        Discover the Hysopt software

        Discover our innovative simulation and calculation software, completely tailored to HVAC engineers.
        Join the ranks of leading professionals already using Hysopt to deliver remarkable results.