Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
Both softwares can be used for your purpose, but I would prefer Design Builder. It is less time consuming. In OpenStudio default settings are much more complex than design builder which is more user friendly. Plus OpenStudio model visualization is not possible. In Designbuilder majority settings are already set by default to help simulate multiple times and then make changes according to your needs. Chances of errors are less so it saves your time. As for HVAC system I would suggest using Simple HVAC first, after it completes without errors you can then add the detailed HVAC. To complete a model with standard systems (for building your size) can take me 7-10 days while detailed might take a more than 2 weeks (for complete detailed HVAC). But again it depends how much time you are spending on it. Hope this helps.
