eQUEST
Energy management software
Utilities software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if eQUEST and its alternatives fit your requirements.
$55 per CD
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
Small
Medium
Large
-
What is eQUEST
eQUEST is a building energy modeling and analysis tool used to estimate energy use, utility costs, and the impact of efficiency measures in commercial buildings. It is commonly used by energy modelers, HVAC engineers, architects, and consultants for design-phase analysis, retrofit evaluation, and code or program documentation. The software combines a guided input workflow with a DOE-2 simulation engine and produces reports suitable for comparing baseline and proposed scenarios.
DOE-2 based simulation engine
eQUEST uses the DOE-2 calculation engine, which is widely referenced in building energy modeling practice. This supports detailed hourly simulation of HVAC systems, schedules, and building envelope assumptions. It is well-suited to comparative analysis of design alternatives and energy conservation measures.
Scenario and measure comparison
The workflow supports creating baseline and proposed cases to quantify savings from equipment, envelope, and control changes. Users can iterate quickly on parametric changes without rebuilding a model from scratch. This is useful for early design decisions and retrofit feasibility studies where multiple options must be compared.
Report outputs for documentation
eQUEST generates standardized reports covering end-use breakdowns, peak demand, and energy cost impacts. These outputs help communicate results to project stakeholders and can support submissions for certain utility or efficiency programs. The reporting is oriented around building performance rather than operational metering.
Not an operational EMS
eQUEST is primarily a design and analysis modeling tool, not a platform for ongoing energy monitoring and control. It does not natively ingest live meter/IoT data for continuous commissioning or real-time dashboards. Organizations typically need separate systems for operational energy management and building automation integration.
Windows-centric legacy UI
The interface and workflow reflect an older desktop application design and can feel dated compared with modern web-based analytics tools. Collaboration features such as multi-user versioning, centralized model management, and audit trails are limited. This can add friction for teams that need structured governance across many projects.
Model accuracy depends on inputs
Results depend heavily on the quality of assumptions for schedules, internal loads, HVAC configuration, and calibration targets. Without measured data and careful validation, outputs can diverge from actual performance. The tool requires specialized expertise to avoid common modeling errors and misinterpretation of results.
Plan & Pricing
Pricing model: Freeware (with optional paid distribution/CD and developer licenses)
Official items found on vendor site (DOE2.com / eQUEST pages):
- eQUEST program: Free download (eQUEST v3.65 current release available on DOE2.com). Key notes: full eQUEST installer available for Windows; described as "freeware" on the official site.
- DOE-2 / eQUEST on CD: DOE-2 / eQUEST / PowerDOE CD available by mail for $55 US (add $5 for Canada, $10 outside North America). (CD includes program versions and weather data.)
- PowerDOE (related product): No-expiration PowerDOE license price listed as $278 US (cash-discount price $250 US). PowerDOE also offers a 90-day evaluation release free of charge.
- Derivative/source & distribution licenses: The vendor states they "provide complete licensing for eQUEST source and executables" and that licenses can be purchased for development and distribution (single-user and server options), but the site does not list specific prices for those licensing options (contact/vendor process required).
Key notes & links: eQUEST is explicitly described as freeware on the official DOE2.com site; some paid items (CD, PowerDOE license, derivative licensing) are available via the vendor but specific commercial-license pricing beyond the CD and PowerDOE amounts is not published on the site.
