# DOTS: HVAC — user reviews > 18 indexed App Store user reviews of DOTS by Cengage Learning, Inc., rated 2.08/5 from 12 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-hvac/id1120177624/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-hvac/id1120177624.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 2 · 4★ 1 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 7 ## Newest reviews (3 of 18) ### 1/5 — Needs work *2017-07-29, version 3.02* Very useful app, but it's unstable, needs major updates ### 1/5 — Not free *2017-07-11, version 3.02* You have to pay like $50 a year for this crap. Not happening... ### 1/5 — Will not work till you buy it *2017-01-16, version 3.0* You have to register before anything will work. And then you have to navigate the web sight looking for who know what to get some kinda code t make the app even work. Waste of HUGE time. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 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+). ### 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. ### 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!!!! ### 1/5 — Server migration *2018-06-04, version 3.1* I love this simulation but I recently updated to 3.1 and my gauges stop working.. before I updated everything was perfect besides a few small issues ### 1/5 — Needs work *2018-02-10, version 3.03* Login screen black nothing comes up, needs work empty App ### 1/5 — Hmmm *2017-12-22, version 3.03* Can’t login can’t get refund ## Most praised reviews (5 highest-rated) ### 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. ### 3/5 — Bugs *2019-02-19, version 3.1.2* I really like the app, and whole concept of it, I know it will benefit many. But I do believe it needs some work for the iPad version, it’s come a long way. But things such as bringing up the chart with a double click, sometimes it comes up sometimes never, it’s very hit or miss. Work on things like that would very much be appreciated thank you **Developer response:** Try single click to open the chart - that shoudl work much better. ### 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. ### 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. ### 2/5 — Could be much better *2018-06-19, version 3.1* I really wish this app were not so buggy. The previous cengage PC version was unusable, and this one at least is better than that. Still, it gets hung up and won’t let you use or place tools, or hook up manifold hoses etc. the theory is good - i really wish it worked. --- *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.*