autocad versions and energy efficiency calculations

[jamos]

Good day. I'm not sur where to post this but I need to ask the following:

1. I'm using autocad 2012 student version and want to buy my own software. I never used the LT versions before and would like to know if it will suffice for my needs. I mostly do 2d drafting, commersial house plans. Why is is so much cheaper than the full version?

2. I need to learn to do ennergy efficiency calculations on newly designed buildings for council submission dwgs. Is there an add-on that I can buy to use with wich ever version of software I'm going to purchase?

I would appreciate any good proffesional advice, because I want to buy the right software from beginning

[ReMark]

It doesn't get any cheaper than free. Find and download Draftsight by dessault systemes along with the free "Getting Started with Draftsight" guide. It is a 2D AutoCAD clone that reads and writes to the 2010 file format.

 

http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight/download-draftsight/

 

I can't help you with energy efficiency calculation add-ons.

 

Where exactly are you located?

 

Got lucky and found this at AutoDesk. Not sure if it is a standalone product or what.

 

http://usa.autodesk.com/ecotect-analysis/

[jamos]

Thanx, I will definitely check out that draftsight issue.

I'm located in south africa. This fenestration calculations is relatively new here but the authorities are starting now to require it with each new proposal. Caddie has a build in function for this.

I'll also check out that other link you've send me. Blessings