AC Load Calculator — Elite Desert HVAC

Find Your Exact AC Size
& Price Range

Answer 5 questions about your home and we'll calculate the exact tonnage your Phoenix home needs — based on Manual J methodology — then show you our installed prices.

1
Home
2
Size
3
Windows
4
Insulation
5
Details
Step 1 of 5
What type of home
are you cooling?
This adjusts the load calculation for your specific home structure and shared wall factors.
✓
🏠
Single-Family Home
Detached house, all four exterior walls
✓
🏘️
Condo / Townhome
Shared walls on sides or above/below
Home Age
✓
Built After 2000
Modern construction, better insulation standards
✓
Built Before 2000
Older construction, may have less insulation
Step 1 of 5
Step 2 of 5
Tell us about
your home's size.
Only include conditioned (cooled) space — not garages, uncovered patios, or storage rooms.
Conditioned Square Footage 1,800 sq ft
Average Phoenix home: 1,700–2,400 sq ft
Ceiling Height
✓
Standard — 8 ft
Most common in Phoenix homes
✓
9 ft Ceilings
Common in newer builds
✓
10 ft Ceilings
High ceilings, open floor plans
✓
12 ft+ / Vaulted
Cathedral or vaulted ceilings
Step 2 of 5
Step 3 of 5
Windows, doors
& glazing type.
In Phoenix, windows are the #1 source of heat gain. Glass type makes a major difference in your AC load.
Number of Windows
8
Exterior Doors
2
Window / Glass Type
✓
Single-Pane
Older windows — most heat gain
✓
Double-Pane
Standard modern windows
✓
Double-Pane Low-E
Best — blocks solar heat gain
Step 3 of 5
Step 4 of 5
Insulation &
sun exposure.
Attic insulation and roof exposure are two of the biggest drivers of AC load in the Phoenix desert climate.
Attic Insulation
✓
Poor (R-0 to R-11)
Older home, minimal insulation
✓
Average (R-19 to R-30)
Typical Phoenix standard
✓
Good (R-38+)
Well-insulated, newer build
✓
Not Sure
We'll use average as default
Sun Exposure / Roof
✓
☀️ Heavy Sun
Dark roof, no shade, south/west facing
✓
🌤 Moderate
Typical Phoenix, some shading
✓
🌥 Low / Shaded
Light roof, good shade, north facing
Step 4 of 5
Step 5 of 5
Last step —
occupants & system.
People generate heat that adds to your AC load. Your preferred system type determines which pricing we show you.
Number of People (typical occupancy)
4
Each person adds ~600 BTU/hr to your cooling load
System Type
✓
🌬️ Ducted Split System
Central AC with existing ductwork
✓
📦 Package Unit
All-in-one rooftop or ground unit
✓
🤔 Not Sure
Show me both options
Step 5 of 5
Your Results Are Ready
Your Recommended
Tonnage Is Calculated.
Enter your info below to see your exact system size recommendation and our installed pricing — all-in, no hidden fees.
Cooling Load
—
BTU/hr
Recommended
—
tons
BTU / Sq Ft
—
BTU/sq ft
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Your AC Load
Estimate
Manual J methodology · Phoenix, AZ · 115°F design temp
❄️
Total Cooling Load
—
BTU/hr
⚙️
Recommended Size
—
tons
🌡️
Load per Sq Ft
—
BTU/sq ft
⚙️ Recommended System Sizes
💡 Residential systems come in standard increments. In Phoenix's 115°F heat, we always recommend confirming with a professional load assessment before purchasing.
💰 Our Installed Pricing — All-In, No Hidden Fees
📊 Load Breakdown
Component Factor BTU/hr

Ready for an exact quote?

We'll verify this estimate with a free professional assessment at your home.

📞 (623) 456-5694 Get Free Quote
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for general planning purposes using simplified Manual J methodology adjusted for Phoenix, AZ (ASHRAE 115°F design temp, Climate Zone 2B). Results are not a substitute for a full Manual J assessment by a licensed HVAC professional. Actual loads may vary based on duct condition, building orientation, infiltration rates, and other factors. Elite Desert HVAC offers free professional assessments — call (623) 456-5694.
✅
You're All Set!
We got your request and will reach out within a few hours with a firm quote.
📞 (623) 456-5694
Mon–Fri 7am–7pm · Sat 8am–5pm · Sun Closed