Industry Load Method

Size Your HVAC System Right

Enter your space details and get an accurate BTU load and tonnage recommendation — no HVAC license required.

8Climate Zones
±10%Accuracy vs. Full Audit
FreeNo Sign-up
Good fit for this tool
  • Preliminary system sizing & budgeting
  • Comparing equipment options by tonnage
  • Checking a contractor’s recommendation
  • Residential new builds & replacements
  • Room-by-room load breakdown
Get a licensed engineer for
  • Permit applications & code compliance
  • Commercial or multi-unit buildings
  • Unusual construction (earthships, passive)
  • Geothermal or radiant system design
  • Any project requiring a stamped report
9 ft
Quick Start:
Results
Enter your space details above to see your load estimate

Educational estimate only. Results are estimates based on user inputs and simplified assumptions — not a certified engineering analysis. Local building codes and manufacturer specifications govern final equipment selection. No professional-client relationship is created by using this tool. For permit applications, commercial projects, or complex structures, consult a licensed HVAC engineer.

HVAC Tool Suite

More HVAC Tools

Start with your load result, then move into airflow, duct sizing, and comfort checks. Each tool is designed for fast residential planning with simple inputs and immediate outputs.

Typical path Load Airflow Duct Size Comfort Check
Available now

Airflow Calculator

Turn heating or cooling load into estimated airflow needed per room or zone.

  • Use after your BTU result.
  • Helpful for room-by-room planning.
  • Great bridge between load and duct decisions.
Available now

Duct Sizing

Convert airflow into approximate duct sizes using a simple equal-friction approach.

  • Built for quick residential planning.
  • Follows airflow, not guesswork.
  • Useful before detailed Manual D design.
Available now

Psychrometric Calculator

Enter dry bulb and relative humidity to read key comfort and air-state values.

Open tool
Quick tool

BTU ↔ Ton Converter

Convert cooling capacity fast for quotes, comparisons, and sanity checks.

Open tool
Available now

Static Pressure Helper

Understand the basics of airflow resistance and what it means for system performance.

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Available now

Ventilation / ACH Helper

Estimate air changes per hour and compare ventilation needs across spaces.

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How HVAC Sizing Works

What Is a BTU?

A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the energy needed to raise 1 lb of water by 1°F. HVAC systems are rated in BTU/hr — the higher your load, the larger your system needs to be.

Tons vs. BTU

One "ton" of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hr. It comes from the heat absorbed by melting 1 ton of ice per day. Residential systems typically range from 1 to 5 tons.

Why Not Bigger?

An oversized system short-cycles — it cools too fast, shuts off, and never runs long enough to dehumidify properly. This leads to a clammy, uncomfortable home and higher wear on the equipment.

Learn How HVAC Load Calculations Work →

Quick Answers

Common HVAC Sizing Questions

Everything homeowners and contractors ask most — answered in plain English.

How many BTUs do I need per square foot?
A general rule is 20–25 BTU per square foot for cooling in a temperate climate (Zone 4). Colder zones need less cooling; hotter zones need more. Always factor in ceiling height, insulation, window count, and sun exposure. Use the calculator above for a personalized result.
What's the difference between BTU and tonnage?
One ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/hr. A 2-ton AC delivers 24,000 BTU/hr. HVAC contractors quote in tons because it's simpler. Use our BTU-to-ton converter to switch between units instantly.
How do I size a heat pump?
Heat pump sizing requires calculating both peak cooling load (summer) and peak heating load (winter). In most climates cooling drives the size selection. In cold climates (Zone 5–7) the heating load may be larger. Our heat pump sizing calculator runs both and recommends the size that covers both loads.
What is CFM in HVAC?
CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute — it measures air volume flow rate. You typically need ~400 CFM per ton of AC capacity for cooling. Use our airflow calculator to get exact CFM from your BTU loads.
How do I know if my duct is the right size?
Duct sizing depends on CFM and friction rate (typically 0.08–0.12 in. WC/100 ft). Too small = velocity noise; too large = wasted money. Use our duct sizing calculator for round or rectangular duct dimensions.
Are these calculators accurate enough for a real project?
These tools are suitable for preliminary sizing, comparing options, and checking contractor quotes. For permit-required or commercial projects, a licensed HVAC engineer should perform a full Manual J load calculation. Think of these as a sanity-check, not a replacement for professional engineering.