Why "Standard" Math Fails in the City
Most online calculators are built for suburban homes. In NYC, two identical 500 sq. ft. apartments can have completely different cooling needs.
-
The Pre-War Factor: Manhattan’s historic brownstones feature thick plaster walls and 11-foot ceilings. While the brick provides some thermal mass, the extra vertical volume means you are cooling 25–30% more air than a modern "post-war" apartment with standard 8-foot ceilings.
-
The High-Rise "Glass Box": Modern condos in Long Island City or Hudson Yards often feature floor-to-ceiling glass. Without proper "Sunlight Multipliers," a standard AC will be overwhelmed by the greenhouse effect of a South-facing New York afternoon.
-
The Kitchen & Loft Reality: In many NYC studios, the "kitchen" is three feet from your bed. Our tool adds a dedicated 4,000 BTU buffer for kitchens to ensure your system can handle the heat of a stove without breaking a sweat.
Result will appear here:
NYC AC BTU Calculator: How Much Cooling Does Your Space Need?
A standard 500 sq. ft. NYC apartment typically requires between 10,000 and 12,000 BTUs. However, pre-war buildings with high ceilings or modern high-rises with floor-to-ceiling glass require up to 25% more cooling capacity to maintain comfort during New York summers.
HVAC BTU Calculator