Space details
Building type

Commercial spaces use a higher base load (25 BTU/SF vs 20 BTU/SF).

Square footage 1,500 sq ft
10010,000 sq ft
Or enter exact square footage
Ceiling height
Climate & exposure
Climate zone

Moderate summers and winters. Balanced cooling & heating load.

Sun exposure / window area
Insulation quality
Number of stories

Multi-story homes gain efficiency — upper floors retain heat, lower floors stay cooler.

Occupants

Each person adds ~400 BTU/hr to cooling load.

Heat-generating equipment
Required capacity
— BTU/hr = — tons
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Base BTU
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Climate factor
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Other loads
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Ceiling adj.
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Insulation adj.
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Sun / windows
The BTU/tonnage result above applies to all system types — the load is the same regardless of what equipment you choose. System type affects cost, efficiency, and installation, not how many BTUs you need.
System type
🏠
Central split system
Outdoor condenser + air handler
📦
Mini-split / ductless
No ductwork required
🪟
Window unit(s)
Multiple units for large spaces
⚙️
Package system
All-in-one rooftop or ground unit
Heat pump technology
Adds heating capability — replaces or supplements furnace
Heat pump type

Cold-climate models are recommended for Zone 5+ (Chicago and north). Dual fuel pairs an HP with an existing gas furnace as backup.

HP cost premium ($ vs AC-only)

Auto-set by type selection. Standard: ~$600 · Dual-fuel: ~$950 · Cold-climate: ~$1,400. Adjust if you have a specific quote.

Heat pump sizing note: In cold climates, heating load may exceed cooling load. The larger of the two determines the required tonnage. This calculator sizes for cooling — if heating is your primary concern, increase tonnage by the factor shown in your climate zone.
Efficiency rating (SEER2)
SEER2 rating

Higher SEER2 = lower operating cost and higher upfront price. The cost multiplier below is applied to the base equipment cost automatically.

Est. annual cooling hours

Very hot climates: ~2,500–3,500 hrs · Mixed: ~1,000–1,500 · Cool: ~400–800 hrs/year.

Replacement labor
Swapping existing equipment only — assumes existing line set, electrical, and infrastructure are reused
Labor rate ($)

Central split replacement: ~$800–$1,500. Includes disconnect, set unit, reconnect refrigerant, startup. Mini-split swap: ~$600–$1,200.

Refrigerant recharge

Most packaged/mini-split units arrive pre-charged. Central split systems need field charging.

Haul-away of old unit
Refrigerant recovery, disposal, and recycling fee
Haul-away & disposal ($)

Typical: $100–$200. Includes EPA-required refrigerant recovery.

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BTU/hr required
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Tons (size up to)
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Equipment cost
—
Est. total
Cost breakdown
Equipment—
Total estimate—
Annual operating cost estimate
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Est. kWh / year
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Annual energy cost
$0.15
$/kWh (edit)

BTU load based on ACCA Manual J methodology · Climate zone multipliers per IECC · Sizing result is a calculated estimate — a full Manual J calculation by a licensed HVAC contractor is recommended before purchasing equipment