View Full Version : Recommendation for a 3 ton AC??
CJJ25
Jun 29th, 2012, 08:13 PM
hey guys,
it's summer time, I don't think I can survive w/o AC....
2700 sized house, probably need a 3 ton AC unit.
Any recommendation on which model/brand to go with?? Feel free to throw in any good installers.
Cheers all
Maymybonneliveforever
Jun 29th, 2012, 10:05 PM
You will get lots of recomendations but I'd recomend:
American Standard
Lennox
Carrier
Trane
Try to get as much seer as you can afford and make sure they don't use the existing lines since some installers like to pocket the money on the new copper and reuse the old stuff, which also saves them labour.
I personally went with Lennox 16.4 seer 2.5 ton of which there are several models but would not hesitate in getting the others I've suggested. My previous was Trane and it still worked after 25 years but I still changed it since it was 8 seer and just used to much electricity. I changed everything including the sub breaker panel.
Have a happy cool summer.
Poulet
Jun 29th, 2012, 10:10 PM
+ 1 Carrier and Lennox
JWL
Jul 2nd, 2012, 05:52 PM
Get a real heat gain loss calc done. It will cost $100 or so but it is the only way to make sure you get the right size. There is a LOT more to it than sq ft. If you are around Kitchener I can give you a name.
Use this calculator from Lennox to get an idea of how much you will save by buying a higher SEER machine. http://www.lennox.com/resources/energycalculator.asp
You may be surprised how little difference it may make. For example, in Ontario going from 13 seer to 16 seer will save you $100 over 5 years or $20 per year. I expect the pay back period is a LONG time.
The higher SEER machines are built more for the southern US where cooling is much more intensive.
CJJ25
Jul 3rd, 2012, 11:22 PM
oh wow, thanks so much for the tips!
Just had a direct energy "consulting meeting" today. Totally an over priced sales pitch....didn't check my house at all.
Too bad I am in Markham.
JWL
Jul 4th, 2012, 09:22 AM
The other thing is to get a number of quotes. I got 5 for my furnace+AC. They only take you an hour or so and I saved about $1000 by finding someone who was hungrier than the rest (but still qualified and recommended). The first 3 were similar but on the 4th I hit paydirt.
Info on HVAC sizing: http://www.hvaccomputer.com/hvac/hlhg2.asp
AC sizing chart: http://www.hvaccomputer.com/hvac/sizer.asp :D