Help with replacement HP System

[eastman33]

Hello, I’m replacing an existing HP system that is approx 18 years old. The outside unit is a carrier 3 ton unit and the inside unit and thermostat is a RUUD. My home is approx 2,000 sq ft, 3 level including basement. The existing unit works well except during extreme conditions in summer and winter. The outside unit has a leak that has gotten worse over the years.

Replacement.
I was quoted a Carrier 25HPA542, 3.5 ton outside unit, with a FE4ANF005T unit on the inside. When I asked about a filter system they said the interior unit would need to go down one size to fit with the existing ductwork. The filter system, FNCCAB adds several additional inches to the height of the sytem.

My questions
Is the interior unit too large for the 3.5 ton outside unit, or is this a good match?

Should I scrap the additional filter and go with this setup and the standard filter system with the new unit?

They also said I could go with the EZ FLEX and keep the FE4ANF005T. Does the EZ FLEX reduce airflow more than the FNCCAB?

Thanks for all your help!

[motoguy128]

I think you need to get a couple more quotes.

First... why go up ot a 3.5 Ton unit? If the 3.0 Ton was adequate except on the hotest days AND was old and had performance issues, a new 3.0 Ton unit will likely far outperform the old unit. Additonally a 0.5 Ton larger unit needs 200 CFM mroe airflow. I doubt your ductwork can accomidate the higher airflow ratso your 3.5 Ton unit, will consume more electricity but not produce much more heat or cooling that a properly sized 3.0Ton unit... meaning it will be much less efficient. Does that make any sense???

Make sure you're getting a properly size and matched system. You shouldn't downsize a airhandler because they can't make it fit. It's not that expensive or difficult to modify a return or supply plenum for a new unit.

Unless you expanded your home, you probably don't need a larger unit. In fact, if you've added new windows doors and insulaton in the last 18 years, you current unit might even be oversized. A old work out, improperly installed 3.0 Ton unit can perform worse than a properly installed, new 2.5 Ton system. Just using air filter that's too restrictive or improper charge can reduce your capacity by 20%. The difference between a 3.0Ton and 3.5Ton is only 17%.

[beenthere]

Why the size increase.

[eastman33]

The interior unit is a RUUD UHQA-1215JBS, not sure if this is a 3 or 5 ton unit? The dealer also specified the infinity line, indoor, FEANFT and outdoor model, 25HNA9/24ANA1, this is a 3 ton system. He said the infinity/performance series described above would provide similar SEER and HSPF rating. He did state concern over going up to a 4 ton system and said my existing ductwork would accommodate 3.5 ton system. The infinity outdoor unit is also 2 stage

[beenthere]

Unless the old unt couldn't maintain temp. No reason to increase size.