2026 Pricing Guide

How Much Does a Manual J Calculation Cost?

Typical cost: $79-500 per calculation

Or get your first one completely FREE with AutoHVAC

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Manual J Pricing Comparison 2026

Compare all your options for getting a Manual J calculation—from free to $500+

AutoHVACBest Value
Cost
FREE (first), then $27
Speed
60 seconds
  • AI blueprint analysis
  • No learning curve
  • Room-by-room loads
  • Equipment sizing
ManualJs.com
Cost
$79/report
Speed
24-48 hours
  • Human review
  • ACCA compliant
  • Email delivery
CoolCalc
Cost
$5-15/report
Speed
30+ minutes
  • DIY software
  • Manual data entry
  • Learning required
Wrightsoft
Cost
$200+/month
Speed
Manual entry
  • Industry standard
  • Training required
  • Desktop software
Local Contractor
Cost
$150-500
Speed
2-5 days
  • On-site visit
  • Local expertise
  • Variable quality

Manual J Cost by Service Type

DIY Software

$0-200/month

  • Control over the process
  • Unlimited calculations (subscription)
  • Steep learning curve
  • 30+ minutes per calculation

Examples: Wrightsoft, CoolCalc, Right-J

Professional Services

$79-500/report

  • Expert verification
  • No software to learn
  • 24-48 hour+ turnaround
  • High per-report cost

Examples: ManualJs.com, local contractors

BEST VALUE

AutoHVAC

FREE first report

  • AI reads your blueprint
  • 60-second results
  • Permit-ready PDF output
  • No learning curve
Try Free →

Factors That Impact Manual J Pricing

Why do prices vary so much? Here's what affects how much you'll pay.

Home Size

Larger homes have more rooms, windows, and surfaces to analyze. Some providers charge more for homes over 3,000 sq ft.

Number of Zones

Multi-zone systems require separate calculations for each zone, increasing complexity and cost.

Turnaround Time

Rush jobs cost more. Standard 24-48 hour turnaround is cheaper than same-day service.

Report Detail Level

Block load calculations are cheaper than full room-by-room analysis with duct design.

Provider Type

Online services are cheaper than local contractors who may include on-site visits.

Geographic Location

Costs vary by region. Major metros often have higher rates than rural areas.

Is a Manual J Worth the Cost?

The ROI of proper HVAC sizing is enormous

$1,000+
Avoided by not oversizing equipment
15-30%
Energy savings with right-sized system
$0
Permit delays with proper documentation
Zero
Callbacks from comfort complaints

A $79-500 Manual J can save you $1,000+ in equipment costs and prevent expensive callbacks

Get Your First One Free

Manual J Cost FAQ

How much does a professional Manual J cost?

Professional Manual J calculations typically cost $79-500 depending on home size and provider. Online services like ManualJs.com charge $79, while local contractors charge $150-500. AutoHVAC offers your first calculation FREE.

Is there a free Manual J calculator?

Yes. AutoHVAC offers your first Manual J calculation completely free. Simply upload your blueprint and get a permit-ready report in 60 seconds with no credit card required.

Why do Manual J calculations cost so much?

Traditional Manual J requires 2-4 hours of manual data entry by trained professionals using expensive software. AutoHVAC's AI reduces this to 60 seconds, allowing us to offer free first reports and $27/report pricing.

Can I do my own Manual J calculation?

Yes, but DIY software like Wrightsoft ($200+/month) has a steep learning curve and requires accurate data entry. Mistakes lead to wrong-sized equipment. AutoHVAC's AI reads your blueprint directly for accuracy without the learning curve.

How much does CoolCalc cost?

CoolCalc charges $5-15 per report depending on volume. They offer discount packs for multiple calculations. However, it requires manual data entry which takes 30+ minutes per calculation.

How much does Wrightsoft cost?

Wrightsoft starts around $200/month for their HVAC design software suite. They're the industry standard for large firms but require significant training to use effectively.

Get Your First Manual J FREE

Why pay $79-500 when you can get your first permit-ready Manual J report completely free? Upload your blueprint and see results in 60 seconds.

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No credit card required • No software to install • Results in 60 seconds