How many tons of air conditioning do I need?
Tiffany McCarter
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
Related Discussions
How much return air do I need?
Comments (3)As someone in the business for 20 years and growing up in a HVAC family I would say your idea to consult a professional is the right thing to do and an estimate on new equipment should be free. A few things I have noticed. First your heater is probably too small to move enough air for the size of your house. This can affect the AC as well. Undersized systems usually affect the place farthest from the indoor equipment. Second the noise is not because of high efficiency. To the contrary it may indicate a problem with the blower system. Third never block air ducts or return air ducts as this reduces the efficiency of your unit and can cause damage. If you are adding onto your house you will need another or a larger system so perhaps adding a second system would be the best bet. My advice get a professional. The money you save in energy costs will be worth it in the long run. Good luck with it. Here is a link that might be useful: Ra-Jac Air Conditioners and Heaters Texas City TX...See MoreHelp needed-Arizona air conditioning replacement
Comments (3)My inclination would be to go with the second company who took the time to do load calculations. I would never do business with an HVAC contractor who didn't or wouldn't perform this all-important step. The next thing you need to do is check references. Does company no. 2 have a long list of satisfied customers? Do they have complaints lodged against them with the Better Business Bureau? Are they willing to stand behind their calculations, and guarantee that your cooling needs are met? There's a good chance that your existing AC unit is over-sized. It's a very common practice to install bigger units than are needed, especially of the original installation was chosen using "rules of thumb", instead of with proper load calculations. If your current system cycles on and off during the hottest part of the day, it's a sure sign that it's over-sized. A properly sized system may cycle on and off during the early part of the day and during the evening, but it will run steadily (which is more efficient) during the hottest part of the day while maintaining interior temperatures at your desired setting. You might also want to ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations on HVAC contractors and seek a few more estimates. Referrals from satisfied customers (especially if they're your friends), can be one of your most reliable resources....See MoreNeed new central air conditioning system
Comments (4)Thanks, Ryan. I forgot to mention that my house, which is rectangular, is situated so the the garage corners face SE and SW and the bedroom corners face NE and NW. Helps with the sun. Except for one spot the sun never directly comes into the house due to those wide overhangs. Prior to the leak, the current system kept the house cool unless we topped 100 which happens during the summer. This summer is shaping up to be very hot and dry. I am on an averaging billing system for my gas/electric from CPS, our local utility company. In the winter, they average around $90 and during very hot summers can go as high as $125.00 The Ruud consultant/contractor has given me three bids. Bid 1 is $6946 for a complete heating and AC 16 SEER 3 ton Ultra1 2 speed condenser, 4 ton evap. coil (RCFM Hm48), and 70,000 BTU furnace (Model UGPRO7E) with a new thermostat as this unit won't work off the power company's. Bid 2 is $5206 for a complete system Ruud 14 SEER 3 ton system (don't this this has the 2 speed condenser though). Bid #3 is $4116 and is for a 14 SEER 3 ton condenser/coil and keep the present furnace which is still working. If the furnace goes out later, it can be replaced with new one. Both bids 3 & 3 leave the free power company thermostat in place. All bids include a new 3/4" plywood bas for the furnace, an E-Z filter bas , setting and leveling A/C pad, upgrade PUC Sch 40, inspection and resealing all existing air duct and adding an a AC grill & boot in my sewing/ironing room adjacent to the laundry room by tapping into the laundry room duct. I can get a Guardian Air filter with either system for an additional $626. Is it worth it? I passed on the UV light. Only the 16 SEER qualifies for the $375 Energy Star rebate from the electric company and he will match it. If I go the 14 SEER route, he has a $300 coupon in the yellow pages. Plus, he's offering zero financing for 12 months. I have the money in savings, but might just put it in a six months CD at higher interest and pay off everything on month 11. The Ruud guy said unfortunately, he finds the duct work in San Antonio to be of poor quality. So I will definitely have that checked. Are there companies that only evaluate this or should I trust the AC contractor's evaluation. The Lennox guy is coming next week. I'll call Trane and set up an appointment next week. My daughter-in-law's mother has had them for years and had very little problems....See MoreDo I need filter at return air vent if we have air cleaner in attic?
Comments (6)The only thing that I don't like is that the filter in the air cleaner is in the attic and not very accessible, so I don't do it myself. I would much rather be able to climb on a step ladder and unhook the ceiling grille to change the filter. Would it hurt if we put a filter there as well (like by restricting too much of the airflow) or help in any way? Would adding a filter there slow down the rate of how often we have to change the air cleaner one? (I think right now it is a once a year recommendation.)...See MoreTiffany McCarter
8 years ago
udarrell
8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
PROHVAC Consulting
8 years ago- PRO
HVAC Consulting
8 years ago 
PROAustin Air Companie
8 years ago
Related Stories
LIFE6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning
These methods can reduce temperatures in the home and save on energy bills
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDES12 Ways to Cool Your Home Without Air Conditioning
If your summer energy bill is leaving you hot under the collar, consider these savvy alternate strategies for cooling down
Full Story
HEALTHY HOMEA Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers
Get the lowdown on air filtration systems for your house and the important ratings to look out for
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDES10 Ways to Hide That Air Conditioner
Feeling boxed in designing around your mini-split air conditioner? Try one of these clever disguises and distractions
Full Story
MOST POPULAR5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard
Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind
Full Story
HEALTHY HOMEGet Cleaner Indoor Air Without Opening a Window
Mechanical ventilation can actually be better for your home than the natural kind. Find out the whys and hows here
Full Story
ARCHITECTURERoots of Style: Many Cultures Make Their Marks on Mediterranean Design
If you live in California, Florida or certain other parts of the U.S., your architecture may show distinct cultural influences
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: 10 Acres, 3 Generations and Many Animals in North Carolina
Check out a throwback-style cabin that celebrates simplicity, reclaimed materials and family
Full Story
GREEN BUILDINGGreen Grows Up: The Many Faces of Today's LEED Homes
While LEED-certified homes have some common characteristics, the rest is up to your imagination
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGot a Hot, Humid Landscape? Add Tropical Flair With Air Plants
Turn tree trunks and walls into lush canvases with plants adapted to the canopies of the rainforest
Full Story
mike_home