I have a home that is 2600 square feet. How can I find out what size(ton) Central AC unit I have?

Question

I want to get a home warranty on my home. Warranty does not cover ac units over 5 tons. I cannot figure out what size my old unit is...My house is 2600 square feet. Unit is old and a lot of numbers have worn off..Thanks

Answer 1

the model mumbers on the condensing unit or air handler can provide you with this information as usually the last two or four numbers on either tell you the tonnage example...000003600 would be 36000 btus or three tons...000000036 would also be 36000 btus or three tons....36 equal three tons...48 equal four tons...60 equal five tons...one ton is equal to 12000 btu's....a home of 2600 sq ft divided by 500 to 750 sq ft per ton would get you some where in the 4 to 5 ton area....also the model numbers on your compressor in the condensing unit can tell you how many btu's the unit is....you have to go to a dealer with those numbers to find out the btu size of the compressor...i can provide u this information if you can send me all of the numbers on the plate on the top or side of the compressor..

Answer 2

If you can get the model number off of it, then you could look it up. With the size of your house, I doubt if you have a unit over 5 tons.

Answer 3

You could. I wouldn't recommend it though. Like said earlier, square footage, windows, doors, even the houses location will determine how big or small the system should be. Best bet is to call a Licensed HVAC salesperson to do the load calculation and duct work assessment, then go from there.

Answer 4

you need a 3 ton unit to cool your house,it also depends on whether your house is well insulated walls and attic, windows,doors.