# Cool Calc vs Elite Software (Rhvac)

Side-by-side look at published pricing, platform, and ACCA Manual J positioning for Cool Calc and Elite Rhvac. No ranked winner.

- Canonical: https://www.loadcalcstack.com/compare/cool-calc-vs-elite-software
- Vendors: cool-calc, elite-software
- Winner field: depends (this site does not rank a single winner)
- Updated: 2026-09-15
- Author: LoadCalcStack editorial team

Cool Calc and Elite Software Rhvac both appear on ACCA's approved software list for residential Manual J work, but they sell different delivery and billing models. LoadCalcStack does not rank a winner.

> Verified fact: Cool Calc homepage (retrieved 2026-09-15) lists Unlimited Pro at $50/user/mo for Unlimited Manual J, S, and D plus CoolCalc Scan LiDAR App and unlimited ticketed support. The same page also lists a $250/user/mo suite plan and $45/project. Elite Rhvac product and order pages (retrieved 2026-09-15) list Rhvac 10 desktop permanent at $599 and Rhvac Online at $239/year without Rhvac 10 (or $159/year with Rhvac 10). Those pages also list Manual J Calculator Online at $149/year and a desktop combo with Drawing Board / Graphic Manual D at $999.

> Verified fact: Cool Calc markets browser access on modern devices (Mac, PC, phone, or tablet) and a try-before-you-buy / pay to unlock results flow. Elite's product page describes a Windows desktop Rhvac 10 edition and Rhvac Online for internet devices.

> Verified fact: ACCA's approved software page (retrieved 2026-09-15) lists Cool Calc Manual J and Elite RHVAC under full residential load calculation. Confirm the live ACCA list before relying on approval status.

> Editorial judgment: Choose Cool Calc when you want a published monthly web floor plus LiDAR / device flexibility. Choose Elite when you want a perpetual desktop license ($599) or a low annual online option ($149–$239) and a tabular / desktop design workflow. Normalize for users, modules, and training time before treating either number as "cheaper."

## Snapshot (published floors only)

| Dimension | Cool Calc | Elite Rhvac |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Published floor | $50/user/mo | $599 permanent desktop / $239/year Online |
| Delivery | Web browser | Windows desktop + online |
| Manual J / D / S (vendor claim) | J, S, D on Pro card | ACCA Manual J 8th Ed Version 2 / Manual D / Manual S on product page |
| Pricing page style | Public cards on homepage | Public SKUs on product and order pages |
| ACCA list (as retrieved) | Cool Calc Manual J | Elite RHVAC |

Published 2026-09-15. See vendor profiles for sources and anything not confirmed.

## Related

- [Cool Calc profile](/vendors/cool-calc)
- [Elite Software (Rhvac) profile](/vendors/elite-software)
- [Cool Calc vs Wrightsoft](/compare/cool-calc-vs-wrightsoft)
- [Wrightsoft vs Elite Software (Rhvac)](/compare/wrightsoft-vs-elite-software)
- [What is Manual J / ACCA-approved software](/guides/what-is-manual-j-acca-approved-software)