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Heat pumps are sized to the cooling load
A heat pump both cools and heats, but it is sized the same way an air conditioner is: to the cooling load. The rule of thumb is about one ton for every 500 to 600 sq ft in a moderate climate, where a ton equals 12,000 BTU. Here is the starting table:
| Home size | Tonnage | BTU |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 to 1,300 sq ft | 2 ton | 24,000 |
| 1,300 to 1,500 sq ft | 2.5 ton | 30,000 |
| 1,500 to 1,800 sq ft | 3 ton | 36,000 |
| 1,800 to 2,100 sq ft | 3.5 ton | 42,000 |
| 2,100 to 2,400 sq ft | 4 ton | 48,000 |
Once you have a working tonnage, you can browse heat pump systems and match the air handler.
Why climate matters more for a heat pump
Supplemental heat
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel, which is efficient until the outdoor temperature drops. In cold climates, the system adds supplemental heat, usually electric heat strips in the air handler, or a gas furnace in a dual-fuel setup, to cover the coldest days. Sizing to the cooling load and adding supplemental heat is the standard approach.
Cold-climate inverter models
Modern inverter-driven heat pumps hold more of their capacity in cold weather than older single-stage units, which reduces how often the supplemental heat runs.
SEER2 and HSPF2
SEER2 rates cooling efficiency and HSPF2 rates heating efficiency. Higher numbers mean lower running cost. Match the rating tier to your climate and how long your cooling and heating seasons run.
Heat Pump Sizing Calculator
Get your estimated cooling tonnage, then jump to matching heat pump systems.
Estimate only. In cold climates, confirm heating capacity and supplemental heat with a Manual J.
Shop matched heat pump systems
Inverter-driven heat pump systems for a typical home. Current pricing shows on each product page.
Common heat pump sizing questions
Do I size a heat pump for heating or cooling?
Do I need supplemental heat with a heat pump?
What size heat pump for 2,000 sq ft?
What is the difference between SEER2 and HSPF2?
25 years sizing and shipping HVAC systems to homeowners and contractors.