Mod: Good Srategy for Future Addition?

[champamp]

I'm in the unfortunate situation in having to do an immediate total replacement of my HVAC system for my current house footprint, while anticipating an addition in the next few years.
The current house has a total Loss of 36,726 BTUH, suggesting a 45k furnace and a total Gain of 16,000 BTUH, for a 1.5 ton AC.
The new layout with the addition would have a total Loss of 52,600 BTUH, suggesting a 60k furnace and a total Gain of 20,000 BTUH, for a 2 ton AC.
Using the Rheem specs, it looks like their 60k Mod output would range from 22,560 to 55,800.
Does this sound like the best way to cover both the current and future loads?
What about just a 60k 2 stage? At a low fire output of about 39,000 BTUH, that would cover it too.
Lastly, is a 2 ton AC too big an overkill for the current Gain of 16,000?
Thanks again

[docholiday]

Well, it's like this, and I speak from experience and probably on behalf of most of the HVAC guys in here. You may find some disagree but for the most part they will agree.

Future plans for an addition never seem to happen. Your case may be different but it would be the exception not the rule. Of course each customer we had a similar situation with was convinced it would happen in the next year or 2. I can tell you that only 1 of uncountable many have ever actually added on like they thought. It's not their fault generally, circumstances and plans change.

That said.... The mod would be about as good of a selction as you are going to find. It really likes firing at that 40%. I ran one the other day and decided to check the amps with the inducer and blower running and it pulled 1 whole amp. (actually less). As far as cooling goes, there is only a small difference in the 2 ton and a 1.5 ton so that will not be as much of a problem. But hey, while your at it, why dont you install the matching RARL-024 and get a two stage system?

I'm going to step off into a sales pitch here but you might want to consider this....

If you go with the Mod 60k and the RARL-024JEZ... here's what you get.

COOLING
*16.10 SEER.
*2 stages of cool
*On demand dehumidification.
*10 year all parts warranty, and if the compressor fails in that time, you get a new unit. This is a standard factory warranty, not a purchased warranty.

HEATING
*13+ stages of heat.
*I mentioned the electrical savings.
*You already know the 40% firing rate but it's difficult to express the lack of any noise that goes with it.
*Lifetime warranty on the HX...if it ever fails as long as you own the home, you get a new furnace, not just a replacement part. (also a standard factory warranty).

[champamp]

Thanks Doc, of course you're right as to the "future" additions. I'll probably drop dead from all the other projects I've got planned before any addition happens. But hey, I'll have me a real fancy furnace until then!

[docholiday]

indeed you will.