How Big??? (Heat Pump Size)
#1
08-02-06, 11:06 AM
How Big??? (Heat Pump Size)
I have a 15 year old 4.5 ton Trane Heat pump that is slowly dying. The house is 2700 sqft. 3 story. When I replace it does it have to be another 4.5 ton or can I go less since Heat Pumps are more efficient now? Is there a rule of thumb T/sqft?
#3
08-02-06, 01:00 PM
With Matt make sure they do a AC load and heat lose on the home.
Boy where are you 4.5 ton for a 2700sq ft thats a lot. 3 storys in the home . You will save money in fuel cost and be more happy with the job if you go with 2 unit to heat and cool the home. Thats about the only way we would bid the job Also go for the V/S blower in the units. the best buy with Trane right now .Is go for the XL15i condenser unit thats a SEER of 15.10on the AC and a HSPF 8.05 on the heatpump. Stay with the R22 it will be made till 2030. you can also get a 10 year warranty with it.
ED
Boy where are you 4.5 ton for a 2700sq ft thats a lot. 3 storys in the home . You will save money in fuel cost and be more happy with the job if you go with 2 unit to heat and cool the home. Thats about the only way we would bid the job Also go for the V/S blower in the units. the best buy with Trane right now .Is go for the XL15i condenser unit thats a SEER of 15.10on the AC and a HSPF 8.05 on the heatpump. Stay with the R22 it will be made till 2030. you can also get a 10 year warranty with it.
ED
#4
08-03-06, 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by HomeMD
When I replace it does it have to be another 4.5 ton or can I go less since Heat Pumps are more efficient now?
You are confused. there are two separate terms here. Size of a heat pump and efficiency of a heat pump.
Size refers to cooling output which is rated at tonnage.
Efficiency simply refers to the electrical usage for a given size system, SEER for Cooling and HSPF for heating.
Just because a new system is more efficient than an old system has little to do with the size required to heat or cool your home.
And only hacks use rule of thumb. This will only get you in trouble. Rely on the professional method of sizing new HVAC by having a dealer pro perform a Manual J heat/cool load calculation.
I don't think type of refrigerants are a big deal. My preference though is new equipment with R-410a as long as the dealer is not asking for a premium.
Units are not available in 4.5 ton size. The two stg models usually are available in full ton sizes only while the single stg models are available in 1/2 ton size increments up to 4 ton and then go to 5 ton.
My opinion.
