# DOTS: HVAC — Delmar Online Training Sim > 3D HVAC simulation for diagnostic and troubleshooting skills training. (iPhone/iPad app by Cengage Learning, Inc..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-hvac/id1120177624 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Cengage Learning, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/371168145) - Category: Education, Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 2.08/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 18 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 115 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2017-01-13 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-hvac/id1120177624/reviews.md ## What is DOTS? DELMAR ONLINE TRAINING SIMULATION: HVAC is a 3-D, immersive simulation that offers a rich learning experience that mimics field performance. It challenges learners to master diagnostic and troubleshooting skills across seven pieces of HVAC equipment – Gas Furnace, Oil Furnace, Gas Boiler, Split Residential A/C, Commercial A/C, Heat Pumps, and Commercial Walk-in Freezers. Delmar Online Training Simulation: HVAC offers approximately 200 scenarios that allow students to troubleshoot and build diagnostic and critical thinking skills. Two modes within the simulation promote incremental learning: Training Mode and Challenge Mode. Training Mode has fixed scenarios to aid in familiarizing the user with the equipment, the problem needing attention, and using the simulation. Challenge Mode has randomized scenarios within three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Both modes require learners to diagnose a fault or faults and perform the repair successfully while materials and labor costs are tracked. Soft skills are also included within the simulation. Requires a tablet and course purchase. ## Key features - 3D immersive simulation - HVAC equipment diagnostics - Troubleshooting skills development - 200+ scenarios - Training and Challenge modes - Cost tracking for materials and labor ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | HVAC, 4 Terms (24 Months) | $54.99 | one-time | | HVAC, 2 Terms (12 Months) | $44.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 18) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-hvac/id1120177624/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Failed Technician Generator *2023-03-20* This app is supposed to teach technicians to rely on the measurements that their equipment is supposed to simulate out in the field. As a field technician, I cannot get the application to work without severe massaging, and even then only half the time. In all simulators, trying to tap on the hotspots related to the solution result in a non-reading from the app. I had to connect a mouse to my iPad just to come close. Referring specifically to the heat pump simulation aspect, trying to “connect gauges” is a struggle in locating the hotpoint to tap on, and when I do find the connection point it’s not actually located within the highlight. When attempting to read the capacitor, the multimeter is set for reading microfarads (display reads 0.0 uF) but placing the probes on even whats supposed to be a known-good capacitor shows 0. And this is during the walkthrough sections. Any application that is trying to teach needs to work during the tutorials. This is a failed application, and the web application is a failed app, as well. I will be requesting refunds from Cengage to cover for my failed grades because I can’t submit a successful completion. ### 1/5 — Do not buy *2023-01-31, version 4.0.35* I got charged 2 times $45 and I did not receive the the digitail goods ### 1/5 — No free trail *2022-12-02, version 4.0.35* Would definitely consider a subscription but absolutely NOT without being able to try it first. Bad marketing choice **Developer response:** A free 30-day trial is now offered (v4.0.40+). ### 5/5 — Refund *2022-11-28, version 4.0.34* Asked for a refund and it already says I have a pending credit. So I am changing my review to say that the idea of this app is amazing. If the bugs could be worked out of it I probably wouldn’t put it down. Customer service is quick. I hope the app is fixed or updated and I will definitely subscribe. **Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to review our app. You can get a refund by contacting Cengage Support at +1 (800) 354-9706 or https://support.cengage.com/. This simulation is based on Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology by Eugene Silbertstien, et al. and has been reviewed by several notable HVAC instructors. That said, if you have found an inaccuracy or error, we'd love for you to contact us so that we may fix it. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2022-10-18, version 4.0.32* Since the update a few days ago, cannot access the login on the professional side. Not happy with the money spent and the app not working. **Developer response:** Contacting Cengage Support at +1 (800) 354-9706 or https://support.cengage.com/ will get you a response in minutes as opposed to posting a review here - which may take months to be noticed. This issue has been noted and is now in the queue to be fixed. [Edit]: This issue was fixed 2022-11-29 15:30 EDT. Maybe you'll consider giving the app a better review. ### 1/5 — This app totally shouldn’t be used by schools. *2022-09-30, version 4.0.30* Hello, I’m a student at SJVC and this application totally isn’t user friendly. It is hard to maneuver and complicated. ### 1/5 — Can’t even use app *2021-12-24, version 4.0.7* I keep trying to sing in but when I put my info in and hit “log in”, the app just shuts down… very disappointing **Developer response:** Apple has changed something and now this version doesn't work. I've got an update in the works that should be release mid-January. ### 2/5 — Idea is there but... *2021-02-27, version 4.0.7* The idea is there, but if you ask me you shouldn’t need to create a account and or shouldn’t need to subscribe to a subscription to use. Just make a free version no account not subscription and just puta few adds in, there’s your money. **Developer response:** Cengage policy is to not allow ads in any application. ### 1/5 — Unable to access! So frustrating! *2020-08-13, version 4.0.7* Purchased the 24 mo option! Paid $54 and I’m unable to even access to my account. Every time I try to login I got stuck because they ask for a code I was never provided and then the app freezes!! When can I get my money back? Need help please!!!! ### 2/5 — Dreams *2020-02-10, version 4.0.0* It would be the exact kind of thing you need to practice, but the bugs make it impossible to troubleshoot - certain tools, tracking, components don’t work correctly. If you try to troubleshoot, you’ll see things like a fan not working so you’ll follow that path to get it to run again, and you’ll hit a dead end. When you follow the guide it will say the fan is on.. you can see how this is a problem. You can only work with what information you’re Electronics component is alright, teaches you pathways and schematic reading. Hope they fix this, it’s really a great concept. ## Frequently asked questions about DOTS ### What is DOTS: HVAC? DOTS: HVAC is a 3D simulation designed to help users master diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for seven different types of HVAC equipment. It offers a realistic field performance experience. ### What HVAC equipment is covered in DOTS: HVAC? DOTS: HVAC covers Gas Furnace, Oil Furnace, Gas Boiler, Split Residential A/C, Commercial A/C, Heat Pumps, and Commercial Walk-in Freezers. This comprehensive coverage ensures a wide range of learning opportunities. ### How many scenarios are available in DOTS: HVAC? The simulation offers approximately 200 scenarios to challenge learners and build their diagnostic and critical thinking skills. These scenarios are designed to mimic real-world problems. ### What are the learning modes in DOTS: HVAC? DOTS: HVAC features two modes: Training Mode, with fixed scenarios for familiarization, and Challenge Mode, which offers randomized scenarios across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels for progressive learning. ### Does DOTS: HVAC track costs? Yes, both Training Mode and Challenge Mode require learners to diagnose faults and perform repairs while tracking materials and labor costs. This adds a practical financial element to the training. ### What devices is DOTS: HVAC compatible with? DOTS: HVAC is supported on iPads. A tablet is required to run the simulation and access its full features. ### What is the user rating for DOTS: HVAC? DOTS: HVAC has a user rating of 2.1 stars based on 12 ratings. This indicates a mixed reception from users regarding their experience with the app. ### How often is DOTS: HVAC updated? The latest version of DOTS: HVAC is 4.0.41, which was last updated on July 30, 2023. This suggests the app receives periodic updates to maintain functionality and potentially add new content. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.0.41 — 2023-07-30 Fixes an issue with content loading. ### 4.0.40 — 2023-07-18 Fixes bugs editing or deleting classrooms. ### 4.0.39 — 2023-07-13 This release includes a fix for mobile web browser purchase links. Mobile web browsers now also support launching and processing the LTI launch URL. HVAC has been updated to Unity 2021 as well. ### 4.0.38 — 2023-05-05 Bug fixes. ### 4.0.36 — 2023-05-02 Support for deep (universal) links. Bug fixes. ## Apps similar to DOTS | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Goodman Business Toolbox](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goodman-business-toolbox/id1529859909) | — | Free | Education | | [HVAC practice test](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hvac-practice-test/id1125272284) | 4.6 (418) | Free | Education | | [EPA 608 Practice Test 2026](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epa-608-practice-test-2026/id1528925410) | 4.9 (2,499) | Free | Education | | [Virtual Growth Platform](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-growth-platform/id1500615548) | — | Free | Education | | [HVAC School](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hvac-school/id1436085954) | 4.8 (81) | Free | Education | | [ITI - Skilled Trades](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iti-skilled-trades/id1508169669) | — | Free | Education | ## More apps by Cengage Learning, Inc. - [NG Word Builder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ng-word-builder/id499124695) - [Ready Set STAAR Test Practice App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ready-set-staar-test-practice-app/id510328979) - [ALGEBOATS Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algeboats-lite/id567761060) - [Access My Library®](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/access-my-library/id920817861) - [NGL eReader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ngl-ereader/id1015373772) All apps by Cengage Learning, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/371168145 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*