Hands Down Software
Hands Down Software, founded in 1987, is a niche provider of HVAC engineering tools, best known for its psychrometric chart software HDPsyChart.
Profile
Provides software tools for HVAC engineering, including psychrometric charts, noise prediction, and load calculations.
Hands Down Software, founded in 1987, is a niche provider of HVAC engineering tools, best known for its psychrometric chart software HDPsyChart. The company pioneered the first Windows-based interactive psychrometric chart in the mid-1990s, which has since become a staple for HVAC engineers, manufacturers, and building owners. Over 20,000 professionals rely on Hands Down Software’s tools to design energy-efficient and comfortable spaces.
In 2024, the company was acquired by Carmel Software, marking a significant transition in its ownership. The following year, Hands Down released HDPsyChart V9, its first major update in nearly a decade, signaling a renewed focus on product development. The company’s portfolio includes AcousticCalc for HVAC noise prediction and QwickLoad for HVAC load calculations, alongside a suite of desktop applications tailored for engineering professionals. Despite its niche focus, Hands Down Software has maintained a steady presence in the HVAC industry, though its reliance on legacy products and a relatively small product portfolio raises questions about its ability to innovate in a rapidly evolving market.
Who buys this
- HVAC engineers
- Building owners
- Data center managers
- Manufacturers
- Energy efficiency consultants
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Over 20,000 engineers rely on its flagship product HDPsyChart.
- Long-standing reputation in the HVAC industry since 1987.
- Acquisition by Carmel Software in 2024 provided financial stability.
Watch for
- Reliance on legacy products like HDPsyChart, which saw its first major update in a decade in 2025.
- Limited product portfolio compared to competitors offering broader HVAC solutions.
- Potential integration challenges post-acquisition by Carmel Software.
Key Information
- Founded
- 1987
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hands Down Software known for?
Hands Down Software provides specialized HVAC engineering tools, including psychrometric charts, noise prediction, and load calculations. Founded in 1987, it pioneered Windows-based psychrometric software and serves over 20,000 professionals. The company was acquired by Carmel Software in 2024 and released HDPsyChart V9 in 2025.
What are the key products from Hands Down Software?
The flagship product is HDPsyChart for psychrometric analysis, recently updated to version 9. Other tools include AcousticCalc for HVAC noise prediction and QwickLoad for load calculations. These desktop applications serve HVAC engineers, manufacturers, and building owners with specialized engineering solutions.
Who uses Hands Down Software's products?
Primary users include HVAC engineers, building owners, data center managers, manufacturers, and energy efficiency consultants. Over 20,000 professionals rely on their tools, particularly for psychrometric analysis and load calculations in designing energy-efficient spaces.
How does HDPsyChart compare to other psychrometric software?
HDPsyChart was the first Windows-based interactive psychrometric chart software in the 1990s and remains an industry staple. While reliable, its decade-long update cycle until V9 in 2025 suggests less frequent innovation compared to competitors with more modern, cloud-based solutions.
What changed after Carmel Software acquired Hands Down?
The 2024 acquisition brought financial stability and led to HDPsyChart V9's release in 2025, the first major update in years. However, integration challenges and a limited product portfolio remain concerns for this niche HVAC software provider.
What are the limitations of Hands Down Software's offerings?
The company relies heavily on legacy products like HDPsyChart, with slow update cycles. Its desktop-based tools face competition from broader, cloud-based HVAC solutions. The small product portfolio may limit appeal to engineers needing comprehensive modern systems.
Sources
- www.handsdownsoftware.com — Company history, product portfolio, and acquisition details.
- www.handsdownsoftware.com — Details on HDPsyChart V9 release.
- www.handsdownsoftware.com — Information on Carmel Software acquisition.
- www.acousticcalc.com — Details on AcousticCalc product.