What size AC do you need? Our calculator uses Manual J principles and Las Vegas climate data to recommend the right system size for your home.
Select your home's square footage from the dropdown. This is the primary factor in determining cooling capacity.
Choose the number of stories and when your home was built. Multi-story homes and older construction affect cooling loads.
Tell us about your insulation, windows, orientation, ceiling height, and sun exposure. These factors fine-tune the calculation.
Our calculator applies Las Vegas-specific factors to determine your recommended tonnage and BTU requirements.
Proper HVAC sizing is critical for comfort and efficiency, especially in Las Vegas where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees F. An undersized system will run constantly without adequately cooling your home, while an oversized system will short-cycle, wasting energy and causing temperature swings.
Our calculator uses a design temperature of 115 degrees F - the extreme Las Vegas summers require more cooling capacity than most U.S. regions. We use approximately 30 BTU per square foot as a baseline, compared to 20-25 BTU in milder climates.
While our online calculator provides a solid estimate, a professional Manual J calculation considers additional factors: ductwork losses, infiltration rates, exact window measurements, appliance heat loads, and occupancy patterns. The Cooling Company provides free professional load calculations with every installation quote.
Manual J is the industry-standard method for calculating heating and cooling loads. It considers factors like square footage, insulation, windows, orientation, and local climate to determine the right HVAC system size. Our online calculator provides a simplified estimate - a professional Manual J calculation considers even more factors.
An undersized system won't keep your home comfortable during Las Vegas summers when temperatures exceed 115 degrees F. An oversized system short-cycles, wasting energy and failing to remove humidity. Proper sizing ensures comfort, efficiency, and equipment longevity.
Most 2,000 sq ft Las Vegas homes need a 3.5-4 ton AC system, though this varies based on insulation, windows, and home orientation. West-facing homes with poor insulation may need more capacity. Use our calculator for a more accurate estimate.
Yes! While our calculator provides a good estimate, professional Manual J calculations consider factors like duct losses, infiltration rates, and specific construction details. The Cooling Company offers free professional load calculations with every installation quote.
Oversized ACs cool quickly but shut off before removing humidity, leaving your home clammy. They also short-cycle, which wastes energy, causes uneven temperatures, and shortens equipment life. In Las Vegas's dry climate, humidity is less of an issue, but short-cycling still reduces efficiency.
Las Vegas's extreme heat (design temp 115 degrees F) requires about 30 BTU per square foot - higher than most U.S. cities. West-facing homes get intense afternoon sun, requiring additional capacity. However, our low humidity means less latent cooling load.