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Calculate your home's heating and cooling load using Manual J methodology
Nebraska is in Climate Zone 5, which is heating-dominant. Average electricity rates are $0.11/kWh.
Climate Zone
5
Electricity
$0.11/kWh
Labor Costs
85% avg
Calculate the right HVAC size for your home in your area.
Design temperatures: 95°F summer / 20°F winter
Total conditioned living space
Cooling Load
48,763
BTU/hr
Heating Load
143,319
BTU/hr
Recommended Size
5 Ton
System Capacity
Est. Monthly Savings
$18
High-efficiency upgrade
Estimated System Cost
Equipment + professional installation
$15,750 - $29,250
Before rebates and incentives
This is a simplified estimate based on Manual J principles. An on-site assessment by a licensed HVAC contractor is required for accurate sizing. Factors like ductwork condition, air sealing, and specific window types affect the final recommendation.
By using this tool or submitting your information, you consent to be connected to a vetted local professional in our network. You may receive calls or texts at the number provided. Standard message and data rates may apply.
Nebraska is in Climate Zone 5 - Cool-Humid/Cold (significant heating, moderate cooling). Homes here typically have higher heating demands than cooling.
A proper Manual J calculation considers your home as a complete system, not just empty rooms. Here's what goes into it:
Our calculator is great for estimates, but some situations require a full professional Manual J calculation:
A BTU calculator typically uses just square footage and a few basic factors. Manual J is a comprehensive methodology that considers your home's construction, orientation, climate, insulation, windows, and much more. It's the difference between a rough estimate and an engineering calculation.
Online calculators like ours can get you within 10-15% of a professional calculation for typical homes. For complex homes or when precise sizing is critical, a professional calculation with actual measurements is recommended.
Good ones do. Unfortunately, many contractors still use rules of thumb or just match what the previous system was. If a contractor can't explain how they sized your system, that's a red flag.
The methodology is sound, but garbage in equals garbage out. If the inputs are wrong—incorrect insulation levels, missed windows, wrong square footage—the output will be off. That's why accurate home details are so important.