One air conditioning contractor says I need a 5-ton unit; another says 2.5 tons. Why so different?
The size of your heating and cooling system is based on several variables. The square footage of your home, the number of windows, its orientation on the lot, and even the number of people living in the home factor in. To determine the most appropriate size, your contractor should apply a procedure required by code called “Manual J.” This is a standardized form available to all contractors from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America . Ask your contractor to use this method when he or she sizes your unit and ask for a copy as well. More information on getting the correctly sized air conditioners is available in our Cooling Systems (pdf) Factsheet.
Related Questions
- Is it OK to mix and match air conditioning components of different efficiencies? Just because my outside condensor unit is on its way out, does it mean I have to replace my indoor unit as well?
- One air conditioning contractor says I need a 5-ton unit; another says 2.5 tons. Why so different?
- How do I select a Dayton heating contractor or air conditioning contractor?
