2 replies to this topic

[MikeinFolsom]

Bought a Centex home in the Parkways 13 years ago.  AC has always marginally worked, but never over the top.  2 story house and upstairs it never gets below 78 on the very hot days.  76 on the ground floor.  Had a technician come out last year and told me a 2725sqft house needs a 5.5 ton system.  Beutler built our house with a 3.5 ton system.  Technician said that since it is a "split" system, the rating only needs to cover one floor, not both.  Needless to say, when both thermostats are on, the house starts to feel somewhat humid.  Does anyone else in the Parkway Centex homes have this problem? 

[Sandman]

Pretty common with dual zone they go small on the unit. 5.5 ton sounds like overkill for the sq footage however. I have a 2500 sq/ft single story with dual zone. Original AC was 3.5 ton and struggled once temps get into the mid 90s. Had the unit replaced last year with a 4ton and you can hang meat in here now.

[The Average Joe]

It really depends. Usually, when the home is built, they use complex formulas that take into account the amount and type of glass, amount and type of insulation, home siting, wall composition, etc, etc.

 

There really isn't one "right" size based on sq ft.  You don't want one too big or too small. Best left to the pros to figure out. get multiple estimates. they should all be similar.  I would toss any outlier unless they can justify their difference.