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Free Load Calculator

Load Calculator

Estimate electrical service demand and HVAC heating and cooling loads with our free load calculators. Choose the electrical calculator to estimate residential service demand using the NEC 220.82 optional method, or the HVAC calculator to estimate heating and cooling loads using a simplified Manual J approach. Built by Arrivy for trade and service businesses, Arrivy helps teams connect estimates and calculations with scheduling, job execution, and overall operational performance.

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Enter the required information for the electrical or HVAC load calculation. Your estimated load updates in real time as you go. Review the results and adjust the inputs as needed.

The space

Simplified Manual J estimate for a single zone.

Area to condition

ft²

Ceiling height

Climate zone

Envelope

Insulation

Sun exposure

Windows

Exterior doors

Occupants

Kitchen

Recommended cooling size

0 tons

Cooling

Heating

Ft² / ton

Cooling load (BTU/hr)

Cooling load

Heating load

Cooling tons

Rounded size

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Estimates use your inputs — adjust to match your real costs. Benchmarks are starting points, not advice.

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The Number Behind Every Load Decision

Electrical load calculations estimate service demand, while HVAC load calculations estimate heating and cooling requirements. Understanding the applicable load helps you plan service capacity, evaluate equipment sizing, and make better decisions about the work.

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Load calculations are only one part of running field work. Arrivy helps trade and service businesses connect estimates and calculations with scheduling, job execution, customer communication, and overall operational performance.

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How to Calculate a Load

Use the appropriate load calculator above or follow these basic steps. Electrical and HVAC load calculations use different inputs and methods, so start with the type of load you need to estimate.

1. Choose the calculation. Select the electrical calculator for residential service demand or the HVAC calculator for heating and cooling requirements.
2. Enter the required inputs. Provide the applicable building area, electrical loads, climate, or building-envelope details depending on the calculator you use.
3. Apply the appropriate method. The electrical calculator uses the NEC 220.82 optional method. The HVAC calculator uses a simplified approach based on Manual J concepts.
4. Review the estimated load. Review the electrical demand in amps or the HVAC heating and cooling loads in BTU/hr and estimated tonnage.
5. Use the result as a planning reference. Treat the estimate as a starting point for service or equipment sizing. Have a qualified professional verify calculations required for permitted work.

Common Elements of a Load Calculation

A load calculation typically includes:

Building area

Living or conditioned area used in the applicable calculation.

Electrical loads

General lighting, appliances, and other applicable loads used to estimate residential service demand.

HVAC building details

Climate zone, insulation, windows, doors, sun exposure, and other building-envelope details used in the HVAC estimate.

Heating and cooling demand

Estimated heating and cooling loads expressed in BTU/hr, with approximate tonnage for preliminary sizing.

Electrical service demand

Estimated service demand expressed in amps and used as a preliminary reference for service sizing.

Calculation method

The applicable method used to estimate the load, such as the NEC 220.82 optional method for electrical service or a simplified approach based on Manual J concepts for HVAC.

Frequently Asked Questions

A load calculation estimates the electrical service demand or heating and cooling requirements of a building or space. Electrical and HVAC calculations use different inputs and methods because they answer different sizing questions.

Electrical load calculations estimate demand on an electrical service, while HVAC load calculations estimate the heating and cooling capacity a space requires. They use different inputs, calculations, and standards.

The calculator follows the NEC 220.82 optional method as a preliminary estimating tool. Its output is not a permit-ready calculation. A qualified electrician should verify the calculation and account for applicable local requirements before permitted work.

No. The HVAC Load Calculator uses a simplified approach based on Manual J concepts. It is intended as a preliminary sizing reference and does not replace a full professional Manual J calculation.

Use the calculators for planning and preliminary sizing only. Where a permit or professional calculation is required, have a qualified professional verify the results and complete the required documentation.

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