Question about new heat pump installation

I have a single family home in central Florida and am planning to replace my 10 year old heat pump system. The existing system has a 3.5 ton condenser and a 4 ton air handler. The house has 1697 sq ft under air with 8 ft ceilings and single pane glass throughout.

I would like to know if it is better to match the tonnage on the two units and if so, should I purchase a 3.5 ton or 4 ton system based on the size of the house.

I would also like to know if there is any advantage or disadvantage to using a 4 ton system if 3.5 ton will satisfy the design requirements.

Thanks in advance for any help with this matter....buzcar

 

Bigger is not better especially in a humid environment like Florida. Make sure a load calculation is done prior to ordering equipment. Your installer should be able to show you he paperwork indicating that the equipment is an approved match.
Sadly many houses are put up with inadequate duct and oversized equipment. I'd never automatically put in the same size that was there without seeing a manual j, manual s and manual d.

 

thanks for the quick response roughneck77. Can you tell me what a "manual j, s & d" are????

 

Load calculations for structure heat loss/gain, duct sizing and equipment selection.

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/...vac-brands.htm

 

http://efficientcomfort.net/document...ign_Issues.pdf

http://efficientcomfort.net/document...ty_Control.pdf

http://efficientcomfort.net/document...s_Properly.pdf

HVAC Load Calculation - Maunualj - Whole House Loadcalc

 

Thanks again roughneck77.....looks like I have a lot of studying to do.
I really appreciate your help....buzcar

 

Just remember, this isn't like buying an appliance. This is a system that comes in pieces that someone will put together on site. The installer is critical to getting a reliable, efficient, trouble free unit.

 

It would make sense that bigger is better but what happens is you get cooling faster but less dehumidification. That results in a cold and clammy atmosphere.

Roughneck has given you some good info to follow.