My home is 2200 sq ft. I am trying to decide between a 5 ton unit or two 3 ton units. It is two story. Which cools the house more efficiently?
2006-07-26 11:43:11 · 6 answers · asked by YahooGirl 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
It depends on how much you use the second floor. If it is used very little, then the two units is a very good idea. If both are going to be used all of the time then it becomes a matter of comfort.
With two units, you can set each thermostat to the temperature that will provide the best temperature for each level. If the second floor is only used for sleeping, then you can set the upstairs thermostat up a few degrees during the day and save some energy.
We have had two houses with two stories. One had a single AC and the current one has two. We really like the choice to turn the one upstair off or down to save energy.
The current minimum SEER rating is 13. All units sold starting the first of 2006 should have this as a minimum efficiency. You can get more efficient units and that is a matter of economics. Your AC contractor should provide you with the cost of each SEER rating and the estimated energy saving for each. That way you can see if a more efficient unit (higher SEER) is worth the investment.
2006-07-26 12:02:53 · answer #1 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2600 sq. ft. home and I use a single 5 ton unit made by Admiral. It depends somewhat upon what part of the US you live in. I live south of Houston, and the weather is warm almost all year round. If you don't need year round A/C, you might think about which rooms are occupied and see if you can split the A/C load between two machines, and use one a the primary and the other for rooms that are not occupied much.
But if you need to keep the entire house cool, I would recommend the single 5 ton unit.
2006-07-26 18:51:09 · answer #2 · answered by richard Alvarado 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would advise going with the two 3 ton units if you can afford them. Get several prices too. It is more efficient and more comfortable also. Another thing to remember is, all of these units are mechanical machines and prone to breaking down. What that means is, in the event of a breakdown, which they ALL will do someday, you can run the other unit and stay cool while you are waiting for the repairperson, parts, ect. to arrive to get the other unit going. I have two units, have been an A/C tech for 10+ years. One more thing, get the installer to install an "emergency drain pan" under the upstairs unit, so if the condensate drain ever leaks you will not ruin your downstairs ceiling. Hope this helps you with you decision.
2006-07-26 12:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by frictioncaller 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford it, you should always go for an AC unit for the first floor and one for the second...however, that is a lot more expensive to install. I think in the long run it will save you money. Be sure you get a good SEER rating on the unit. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. I think 12-14 is best. Check your bids for that information or ask your installer.
And you can still buy 12 seers where I live, its not up to 13 yet here.
2006-07-26 11:47:01 · answer #4 · answered by WiserAngel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you go with the 5 ton unit
2006-07-26 12:11:09 · answer #5 · answered by jodycat2@verizon.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the refrigerated air blown into the residing area is escaping out the open window. the unit can no longer attain the t-stat's set factor. the unit only keeps working and working and working whilst the electrical powered meter only keeps spinning and spinning and spinning. (no longer solid!)
2016-12-10 16:15:53 · answer #6 · answered by kemmer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋