Find the right AC tonnage for your home based on square footage, climate, insulation, and sun exposure.
As a rule of thumb, homes need about 1 ton of cooling capacity per 400-600 square feet, adjusted for ceiling height, climate, insulation, and sun exposure. Use the calculator above for an estimate tailored to your home.
An oversized AC cools the air quickly but shuts off before it removes enough humidity, leading to a clammy feel, short-cycling, higher energy bills, and more wear on components.
An undersized AC will run constantly during peak heat and still struggle to reach your set temperature, leading to higher bills and premature wear.
No. This calculator uses simplified rule-of-thumb factors for a quick estimate. A licensed contractor performing a full Manual J load calculation will account for windows, orientation, and construction details in far more detail before final equipment sizing.
This calculator provides a rough estimate based on common industry rules of thumb. A licensed HVAC contractor should perform a full load calculation (Manual J) before you purchase equipment.