BTU SizerWhich quote is actually cheaper?
The cheapest quote and the cheapest system are rarely the same thing, and the gap is usually a decade of electricity.
One comfort check a month
MonthlyOne thing a month worth measuring, cleaning or switching over before the weather turns — the maintenance side of sizing, in two sentences. No product pitches.
Free to use — Pro is for keeping it
This tool, like every other one here, is free and needs no account. A free account keeps three setups and three email alerts. Pro takes the ads off every site we run and lifts that to 200 setups and 50 alerts, adds a public page for any result and lets you embed the tool without our badge.
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How this works
What a quote should tell you
The four lines that make two quotes comparable, and what a missing one usually means.
| Line | Why it matters | If it is missing |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity in BTU or tons | Decides whether it fits the house | Ask — nothing else can be judged without it |
| Efficiency rating | Decides the running cost for a decade | Usually the entry-level model |
| Load calculation | Shows the size was measured, not guessed | Sized by floor area and habit |
| Ductwork and installation scope | Where quotes really differ | Expect change orders later |
A quote without a stated capacity cannot be compared with anything. Ask for it before you compare prices.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get the yearly running cost?
From the equipment efficiency and your own electricity price. A rough method: take the annual hours you expect it to run, multiply by the electrical draw in kilowatts, and multiply by your price per kWh. Quotes for very different efficiency ratings are exactly the case this tool exists for.
Why ten years?
Because that is a conservative service life for residential equipment — most systems last twelve to twenty. Using ten keeps the comparison honest without flattering the efficient option.
Should I compare on price at all?
On price plus scope. A quote that includes duct sealing and a load calculation is not competing with one that is a like-for-like swap, even at the same number. Put the difference in the extras column so the totals mean something.