Heat Pump BTU Calculator — Find the Right Size for Your Vancouver Home
Published: July 21, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Quick Size Estimate
For Vancouver climate: small home under 1,000 sq ft — 12,000-18,000 BTU (1-1.5 ton). Medium 1,000-1,800 sq ft — 18,000-24,000 BTU (1.5-2 ton). Large 1,800-2,800 sq ft — 24,000-36,000 BTU (2-3 ton). Extra large over 2,800 sq ft — 36,000-48,000 BTU (3-4 ton). These are rough guides — actual sizing requires a Manual J calculation.
Adjustment Factors
Add 10% for poor insulation, add 10% for large windows (south or west facing), add 10% for high ceilings (over 10 ft), subtract 10% for excellent insulation. For north-facing rooms, add 5%. For rooms with lots of shade, subtract 10%. For rooms with direct sun exposure, add 10%.
Why Professional Sizing Matters
Oversized heat pumps short-cycle — running for 5-10 minutes, shutting off, and repeating. This wastes energy, fails to dehumidify, and wears out the compressor faster. Undersized heat pumps run continuously and cannot maintain comfort on cold or hot days. A Manual J load calculation by a qualified contractor ensures the correct size.