"The old one was 3 tons, so put in a 3-ton" is how a lot of systems get sized. It's often wrong. The old one may have been the wrong size from the start, and homes change: new windows, insulation, an addition.
How it should be sized
A proper sizing uses a load calculation (the industry's method is called Manual J). It looks at the home itself: square footage, insulation, windows and which way they face, air leaks, ductwork and the local climate. From that comes how much heating and cooling the house actually needs.
Too big
- Short cycles: it reaches temperature fast, shuts off, and starts again
- Uneven temperatures and a clammy feel, because it doesn't run long enough to remove humidity
- More wear on parts, and a higher price for equipment you didn't need
Too small
- Runs constantly on the hottest and coldest days and still can't keep up
- Higher bills and more wear from never resting
The ducts matter too
The right-size equipment on ducts that are too small, leaky or poorly laid out still won't perform. A good quote looks at both.
Quotes on new and replacement equipment are free. Send us a message or call 805-965-6326.
Related
More tips on costs & permits.