How do I calculate my electric load?

Calculate your electric load with the NEC Article 220 method. Start with general lighting at 3 VA per square foot, add 1,500 VA for each small-appliance and laundry circuit, then add nameplate values for fixed appliances: range, dryer, water heater, HVAC.

Demand factors then shrink the total, because nothing runs at once. The standard method discounts general loads past 3,000 VA; the optional method in 220.82 takes 100 percent of the first 10 kVA and 40 percent of everything after, plus the larger of heating or cooling.

Divide the final VA by 240 and you have the service amps the house actually needs.

A 2,000 square foot all-gas home often lands near 70 amps; electrify everything and it can double.

The load calculator walks the whole 220 method and shows each step's article.