Dual Stage & Tonnage Question

[rburditt]

This is a followup or related question to a recent post.

My HVAC contractor has done my manual J and it is 3.5 ton system. A few days later he called to recommend a 4 ton dual stage Rheem. He indicated that they do not make a 3.5 ton Rheem and that b/c it is dual stage it would be fine for this application.

Does this sound correct or will this cause a problem for me? any advice on this?

thanks!

[BamaCool]

As long as your ducts can handle the CFM required for 4 tons - no problem. The Rheem Prestige Series 2 stage equipment will run on stage 1 in milder temps, which is 66% full capacity, or for a 4 ton, that would be equivalent to 2.5 ton. In more extreme temps, it would run at 100%, which is why your ducts must be sized correctly.

[pstu]

Oops, thought I saw a math error but it was mine. I am a homeowner and have shopped 2-stage AC, and generally 1/2 ton increments are not available. As long as your duct capacity is good for 4 tons airflow, you are hearing a good proposal.

Regards -- Pstu