We are looking at purchasing a new home. Is a single system enough to cool a 2900 sq ft 2 story home? It looks like it is a newer (and large) 13 seer unit. Is it possible to convert an older home (20+ years) to zoned?

Thank you!

Al

There is much more than square footage that determines the cooling load of a structure. Residential a/c units are available with capacity up to 5 tons (60,000 BTUH). Virtually any existing structure can be zoned - it is only a matter of how much (if any) demolition is required to access the duct system, and the willingness of the property owner to make the investment.

We never install 1 system on a two story house over 2000 sf always 2 units.

we never install 1 system on a two story house over 2000 sf always 2 units.
This is actually pretty smart. Not only does it give you some degree of zoning, but you aren't "putting all your eggs in one basket". Should one system fail, you can retreat to the comfortable portion of the home until the problem is corrected. Ideally, a separate system for each floor.

Thank you for your answers. I'm not sure why a 2900 sq ft house isn't zoned. Could you give a very rough ballpark as to the possible cost of converting a 23 yr old house to zone (you know like $5k-$30k or whatever the range might be)? Thanks.

No way to tell, it would all depend on how the duct work was done. Some may be able to be used , or it could all be worthless. Plus you have to figure into how many walls and celings will need to come down.

The only true way to find out cost and best for your home is to see the link below and get estimates from local contractors.