Free, honest tools and guides that make air conditioning simple to understand, so you can size, run and maintain your AC with confidence.
CalcArcond is an independent website built to answer one deceptively simple question: what air conditioner do you actually need, and what will it cost to run?
Choosing and living with an AC is full of confusing numbers. Tons, BTUs, star ratings, watts and electricity tariffs all matter, but the information is usually scattered, overly technical, or locked behind a salesperson with something to sell. We pull it together into free calculators and plain-language guides that give you a clear answer in seconds, then explain the reasoning so you can trust it.
We are not a manufacturer, a retailer or a dealer. We do not sell air conditioners. That independence lets us focus entirely on giving you the most useful answer, not the most profitable one.
Professional HVAC sizing tools and consultations are often expensive or hard to access. Our mission is to put that same decision-making power in everyone's hands, for free. Whether you are a homeowner sizing a bedroom unit, a renter trying to cut a summer electricity bill, or a buyer comparing two models, you should be able to get an accurate, unbiased answer without paying for software or guessing.
Founder & Editor, CalcArcond
CalcArcond is built and run by Shahzad Arsi. After repeatedly running into vague, contradictory advice while trying to size and budget for air conditioning, he started CalcArcond to turn that research into clear, reusable tools that anyone could benefit from.
To be upfront: Shahzad is not a licensed HVAC engineer. He is a researcher and writer who builds the site's calculators and guides by working from published engineering standards, manufacturer specifications and trusted energy sources, and by explaining them in plain language. Where a question calls for certified expertise, the guides say so and point you to a professional. Feedback from readers and HVAC professionals is genuinely welcome and shapes how the tools improve.
Every calculator and guide follows the same process, designed to keep the information accurate and genuinely useful.
We start with recognised references such as government energy bodies, manufacturer specifications and established HVAC engineering principles, rather than copying other websites.
Our calculators use widely accepted formulas, for example that one ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour, and cooling-load rules of thumb adjusted for climate, ceiling height, sun and occupancy.
We translate technical concepts into simple steps, so you do not need an engineering background to follow them.
We test calculator outputs against published examples and sanity-check results against realistic rooms and climates before anything goes live.
We state assumptions and limitations clearly, and we revisit guides and data as products, prices and standards change. We also use modern tools, including AI, to help research and draft, and we review and edit everything for accuracy before publishing.
Our calculators are designed to give reliable estimates for everyday decisions. They are not a replacement for a professional, on-site load calculation by a qualified technician, and we say so wherever it matters. For larger or unusual spaces, a professional Manual J style assessment is always the gold standard.
The references and standards we build on include:
BTU and tonnage sizing, room size, electricity cost, inverter savings and more.
Explore tools →Plain-language articles on sizing, costs, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Read the blog →Honest comparisons to help you choose the right AC for your needs and budget.
See guides →Running-cost estimates using local electricity tariffs across many countries.
Check your country →We use industry-standard formulas and show the reasoning, not just a number.
We do not sell ACs. Recommendations are on merit, and affiliate links never change our advice.
Free to use, paid for by clearly disclosed ads and affiliate links.
No registration, no paywalls and no usage limits on our core tools.
HVAC explained simply, for normal people and not just engineers.
We revisit guides and data as products, prices and standards change.
CalcArcond is free to use and is funded in two honest ways. We show display advertising through Google AdSense, and some of our buying guides include affiliate links, where we may earn a small commission if you buy through them at no extra cost to you.
This income is what keeps the calculators and guides free for everyone. It does not influence our sizing advice or which products we recommend. When a page contains affiliate links, we disclose it clearly on that page.
We care about getting the numbers right. If you spot an error or think a guide could be clearer, please let us know and we will review and fix it. Reach us any time at contact@calcarcond.com or through our contact page.
Get an accurate recommendation in seconds with our free calculators, then read the guides to understand the why.
Try the BTU CalculatorDisclaimer: CalcArcond provides general estimates and educational information. Our calculators are not a substitute for a professional, on-site assessment by a qualified HVAC technician. Always confirm critical decisions with a licensed professional.