DIY66
Sep 22, 2009, 09:24 AM
I am currently reviewing estimates on replacing a split gas furnace and ac unit. The ac is a 3ton Tempstar, but was originally 2.5 ton (unknown brand/model). I replaced the ac last summer with a used 10SEER 3ton I found for sale locally online to get us through the year since I was contemplating additions to the house. The furnace is an 80% efficient 100,000 BTU natural gas. We never did add on to the house, but are ready now to replace the 20 yr old system since the tax credit and rebates seem to make it a good time.
The duct work is in good shape and does not need replacement, but we are considering a Bryant Evolution Hybrid system with the 16Seer Heat Pump and 95% gas furnace. ($8300-$9600) All of the contractors that have come to the house have given estimates for the same size unit as replacement. Some of them took measurements of each room, others just asked the square footage of the home while others just checked the size of the current system. It is around 1310 sq ft. All of the contractors quoted a 3 ton replacement as opposed to the original 2.5 ton size.
The 2.5 ton used to run a very long time, but did eventually shut off. The 3 ton runs a long time, but seems to get the job done a little bit faster.
My question (if your still reading my rambling) is that with the Evolution system with its humidity control and multi speed blower, two stage heat pump etc, is the sizing as important as it used to be now that the system is capable of controlling the humidity in other ways than just on/off?
Thanks
The duct work is in good shape and does not need replacement, but we are considering a Bryant Evolution Hybrid system with the 16Seer Heat Pump and 95% gas furnace. ($8300-$9600) All of the contractors that have come to the house have given estimates for the same size unit as replacement. Some of them took measurements of each room, others just asked the square footage of the home while others just checked the size of the current system. It is around 1310 sq ft. All of the contractors quoted a 3 ton replacement as opposed to the original 2.5 ton size.
The 2.5 ton used to run a very long time, but did eventually shut off. The 3 ton runs a long time, but seems to get the job done a little bit faster.
My question (if your still reading my rambling) is that with the Evolution system with its humidity control and multi speed blower, two stage heat pump etc, is the sizing as important as it used to be now that the system is capable of controlling the humidity in other ways than just on/off?
Thanks