The CoolCompare journal

Plan the whole project before you buy

US-focused guides for comparing installed scope, ownership cost, contractors, incentives and warranties.

US EDITIONHVAC + home energyOfficial sources · Project-first guidance

FEATURED PROJECTPlan whole-home comfortOpen the efficiency roadmap →

How Many BTUs Do I Need for an American Home?

Use room size, climate, insulation, windows and internal heat gains to frame cooling capacity before buying equipment.

Compare load calculation, matched equipment, duct condition, electrical work, commissioning and warranties before replacing central air.

Plan zones, indoor-unit locations, line sets, drainage, electrical capacity and cold-weather performance for a ductless project.

Compare a documented repair with installed replacement cost, remaining life, comfort, energy, warranty and financing.

Use diagnostics, climate zone, moisture control, ventilation and verified installation scope to compare envelope projects.

Compare storage, tankless and heat-pump water heaters by household demand, site conditions, installation and ownership cost.

Normalize system size, annual production, equipment, roof work, financing, utility assumptions and warranties across solar proposals.

Match charging power to daily driving, panel capacity, parking location, utility rates and future electrical loads.

Choose filtration around the pollutant, room, clean-air delivery, noise, replacement filters and safe operation.

Compare room coverage, window exhaust, indoor noise, installation, heating capability and ownership cost for American homes.

Understand why compressor air conditioners must reject heat outdoors and how to plan a safe removable exhaust setup.