HVAC Tonnage & Cost Calculator
Get a rule-of-thumb cooling capacity in tons and a budget HVAC cost for your building type, climate, system type and region.
How the hvac tonnage & cost calculator works
The calculator uses typical square feet per ton for each building type, adjusted for climate, to give an approximate cooling capacity. This is a budgeting guide only; equipment must be sized by a mechanical engineer using a proper load calculation.
HVAC cost is based on typical installed cost per square foot for the building type, adjusted for the system type and U.S. region. VRF and central plant systems cost more than packaged rooftop units.
For a bid-ready number, our mechanical and HVAC estimating service takes off ductwork, equipment and piping from your mechanical drawings.
Need a bid-ready number?
Calculators are for budgeting. For bids, we measure your drawings and price every line item in Excel, with marked-up plans.
- All CSI trades
- Local labor and material pricing
- Single-trade estimates from $150
HVAC Tonnage & Cost Calculator: common questions
Can't find your answer? Call (850) 343-4090 or email info@premiumestimatings.com.
How many square feet per ton for an office?
A common rule of thumb is around 300 SF per ton, varying with climate and building design.
Is this a load calculation?
No. It is a rule-of-thumb budget figure, not a Manual J or engineered load calculation.
Can you estimate my mechanical drawings?
Yes. See our mechanical and HVAC estimating service.
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