A proper load calculation is essential for ensuring an HVAC system is sized perfectly for a home - not too big, which causes short-cycling and poor dehumidification, and not too small, which leads to high energy bills and constant running.
SetSale’s Load Calculator analyzes factors like square footage, insulation quality, window types, and local climate to determine the precise heating and cooling needs (BTUs) for a building. This feature helps you provide a "Goldilocks" solution: a system that is just right for safety and optimal performance.
Enabling Load Calculations
The Load Calculator is an optional add-on subscription for your account.
Build a Quote: Click on Quotes in the left-hand menu, and select + New Quote
Type in Customer Address: Either search for a customer or manually add them to the system.
Enable the Feature: Find the Load Calcs section and run a load calc
Every Company gets three free load calcs included with their SetSale Subscription
When those free Load Calc are expired, users can choose to select a plan and sign up for a monthly load calc option.
Benefits: You get as many calculations as your plan allows, the ability to update details as often as needed, and all records are saved directly to the customer profile.
How to Generate a Load Calculation
Once enabled, the tool becomes available during the customer intake and quoting process.
1. Access the Calculator
When adding or editing a customer record, enter the customer’s address. A new section titled Load Calculator will appear. Click the Create a Load Calculation button to begin.
2. Choose Your Detail Level
Basic Calculation: By default, the system uses publicly sourced data for the home's square footage. If you only want a quick estimate, simply click Calculate.
Manual Entry: You can manually override the square footage if the public record is inaccurate.
3. Advanced Customization
For a more precise analysis, click Show Advanced Fields. This allows you to modify specific environmental and structural factors, including:
Structure: Ceiling height, wall area, and basement/foundation info.
Windows & Insulation: Insulation values, window solar heat gain factors, and shading percentages.
Internal Factors: Number of residents and baseboard length.
Systems: Duct system infiltration, ventilation, and unconditioned space info.
4. Calculate and Review Results
Click the blue Calculate button. The system will instantly generate:
Heating Load (in BTUs)
Cooling Load (in BTUs)
If you need to dive deeper, select Show More Details. If you realize a value was entered incorrectly, click Show Advanced Fields again, update the data, and hit Recalculate.
Load Calc Costs
The Load Calculator is available via a monthly subscription. Every company receives three free load calcs included with their base SetSale subscription to get started. Once those are used, you can choose from the following monthly plans:
Plan Size | Monthly Cost |
50 Load Calcs | $50 / month |
100 Load Calcs | $100 / month |
Note on Usage: Load calculations are based on the unique address. You can run or update multiple calculations for the same address as often as needed, and it will only count as one load calc against your monthly limit.
Applying Results to the Quote
Once you are satisfied with the numbers, select Save and Close.
The calculated load will now be visible while you are choosing the system size (tonnage and BTUs) for your proposal. This ensures the equipment you present in your Platinum, Gold, or Silver tiers perfectly matches the thermal demands of the home.
Tips for Success
Accuracy Matters: While public data is a great starting point, using the Advanced Fields to account for specific insulation or window upgrades can help you justify higher-efficiency systems to the homeowner.
Documentation: All calculations are saved to the customer record, providing a professional "paper trail" that proves why you recommended a specific system size.