I've got a 2200 square foot ranch home, with a basement of the same size below (basement is underground, stays cool).

I've had 4 companies out, and all but one suggest 3.5 ton units (what is in place now), but one suggests a 3 ton unit.

My current unit is 15-20 years old, and the compressor fan took a dump. Figured now would be a good time to make the change. Like I said, it's an older unit, and on hot days (southern, lower michigan; upper 80's and up), the temperature creeps up throughout the day, despite running constantly. I know a new 3.5 ton unit would be able to keep up, as my dad just had his 3.5 replaced with a new 3.5 ton, roughly same size house/conditions, and his was doing the same thing; new one keeps up great.

Aside from making his bid cheaper, why would he want to do a 3 ton? Am I missing something? (carrier brand, btw) It is bothering me that he would downsize, and that maybe I'm missing something.

He started looking at the old Lennox compressor, then went to the basement and looked at the furnace/air handler. Checked out the duct work, electrical. Came up stairs to check out thermostat.

Why? :confused::confused:

I've got a 2200 square foot ranch home, with a basement of the same size below (basement is underground, stays cool).

I've had 4 companies out, and all but one suggest 3.5 ton units (what is in place now), but one suggests a 3 ton unit.

My current unit is 15-20 years old, and the compressor fan took a dump. Figured now would be a good time to make the change. Like I said, it's an older unit, and on hot days (southern, lower michigan; upper 80's and up), the temperature creeps up throughout the day, despite running constantly. I know a new 3.5 ton unit would be able to keep up, as my dad just had his 3.5 replaced with a new 3.5 ton, roughly same size house/conditions, and his was doing the same thing; new one keeps up great.

Aside from making his bid cheaper, why would he want to do a 3 ton?? Am I missing something?? (carrier brand, btw) It is bothering me that he would downsize, and that maybe I'm missing something.

He started out looking at the old Lennox compressor, then went to the basement and looked at the furnace/air handler. checked out the duct work, electrical. came up stairs to check out thermostat.

why?? :confused::confused:

How are we supposed to know why he quoted you a 3 ton unit instead of a 3.5 ton unit. A smart person would ask the person who gave you the quote.

Also see the item below

I will make some off the cuff asumptions

He has a 3 ton in stock he wants to move

His company gets better pricing on the three ton unit their manufactor produces. Perhaps he does not carry 3.5 ton only 3 and 4 ton from the company they sell for.

He figures everyone else was doing 3.5 ( maybe you said they were) and he knows by doing a 3 ton his qoute will be cheaper than the other people

How are we supposed to know why he quoted you a 3 ton unit instead of a 3.5 ton unit. A smart person would ask the person who gave you the quote.

Also see the item below


Okay, perhaps I should ask a little more clearly. I'm not asking you to quote my house having no idea what my house is.

What I AM asking is, are heat pumps designed in a way that you need a slightly smaller tonage than a non-heat pum, so they have to run more? Are some brands capable of cooling stronger than others? etc.

And, yes, I do plan on asking him. I have yet to be able to get a hold of him (due to him being busy and me being busy).

I understand, by your post count, that you probably answer a lot of questions, and you probably feel pretty cemented in your standing here. However, being smarmy to any lay person who may have not asked their question precisely, is in poor taste.

I will make some off the cuff asumptions

He has a 3 ton in stock he wants to move

His company gets better pricing on the three ton unit thier manufactor produces. Perhaps he does not carry 3.5 ton only 3 and 4 ton from the company they sell for.

He figures everyone else was doing 3.5 ( maybe you said they were) and he knows by doing a 3 ton his qoute will be cheaper than the other people


Thank you for your reply. This is what I was suspecting, but just wanted to have my ducks in a row for when I am able to get a hold of him. Didn't want to finally get him on the line and have no clue, and just get spoonfed his shtuff.

Thank you!

Did any of the 4 contractors do any calculations and figure out exactly what size unit you need?

Did you say this is a heat pump? Are you trying to cool and heat the basement? If so you are probably looking at a 4 ton. If just the upstairs only a 3 ton will most likely be enough.

Heat pump changes the rules. Get a bonified Manual J calculation for the space. You can do it yourself at HVAC Software, HVAC-Calc for Heat Loss, Heat Load Calculations (http://www.hvaccomputer.com).

Forget sizing a system without it.