Air condtioners sizing

[Kris Moon]

Would someone please teach me how to determine the size of air conditioner which I need? None of the contractors did the load calculation. Some said I needed a 2-ton and others recommended 2.5-ton. So, I need the help from the experts here.

[coolwhip]

You can download the trial version by clicking on the tab at the top of the page and do your own load calc for your home.

[beenthere]

HVAC Calc (http://hvaccomputer.com/talkref.asp)

[Kris Moon]

I did do some calculation using the trail version. Unfortunately, I did not get the answer. It must be I input the wrong figures.

Finally, I had a contractor said that he would do manual J load calculation. I was happy to learn that. But, when he came to my house, he sounded like Mike Holmes. He told me the duct work was wrong. In fact, almost everything was wrong. He did eventually do the measurement. He would come back to do the presentation. I am not sure if what he said is true or he just want to tear everything down or replace my HRV and other units. What is the function of HRV? Can the house do without HRV? He said that my HRV was doing nothing because the fan was not kicked in. What is that meant? My humidifier controller was installed in the wrong place. It should be 6" above the humidifier. I have a terrible headache now. Confused and more confused than ever.

[Mustang894me]

I did do some calculation using the trail version. Unfortunately, I did not get the answer. It must be I input the wrong figures.

Finally, I had a contractor said that he would do manual J load calculation. I was happy to learn that. But, when he came to my house, he sounded like Mike Holmes. He told me the duct work was wrong. In fact, almost everything was wrong. He did eventually do the measurement. He would come back to do the presentation. I am not sure if what he said is true or he just want to tear everything down or replace my HRV and other units. What is the function of HRV? Can the house do without HRV? He said that my HRV was doing nothing because the fan was not kicked in. What is that meant? My humidifier controller was installed in the wrong place. It should be 6" above the humidifier. I have a terrible headache now. Confused and more confused than ever.

Sound like this is gunna get to be a high pressured sale... do you have a direct shot or a bypass humidifyer.... is it in the supply or return

[Kris Moon]

Sound like this is gunna get to be a high pressured sale... do you have a direct shot or a bypass humidifyer.... is it in the supply or return

I have an Aprilaire 600A. I think it is a bypass.

[beenthere]

I did do some calculation using the trail version. Unfortunately, I did not get the answer. It must be I input the wrong figures.




Did you pay the 49 dollar fee?

[Kris Moon]

Did you pay the 49 dollar fee?

No, I am using free trial version.

Well, that is my secondary worry. It seems that I am living in a "dangerous" place. Everything sounds so wrong. Of course, I don't believe 100%.

[beenthere]

No, I am using free trial version.

Well, that is my secondary worry. It seems that I am living in a "dangerous" place. Everything sounds so wrong. Of course, I don't believe 100%.

Pay the fee. And you can do what ifs.

What if you increase insulation.
Or replace windows. Etc.

[Kris Moon]

Pay the fee. And you can do what ifs.

What if you increase insulation.
Or replace windows. Etc.

I will pay the fee when I go on again.

We are doing some renovation in our house. The renovator was amazed how well the house was insulated. Windows are tight and well framed. This house is only 11 year-old.

[sbuff007]

What is the length and width of your house in feet, home type(ranch, bi-level, etc), do you have a lot of windows and any skylights?

Scott;

[Kris Moon]

[QUOTE=sbuff007;6437412]What is the length and width of your house in feet, home type(ranch, bi-level, etc), do you have a lot of windows and any skylights?

Scott;

40 x 60 ft, 1.5 storey. Master bedroom on the main floor and other bedrooms on the 2nd floor. Nothing above the master bedroom and and the ensuite. Great room has 14 ft ceiling. Lots of big windows/patio door facing southwest and two big windows face northeast. No skylight.

[man from trane]

I would eat my underwear if anyone could tell the difference between a 2 Ton and a 2.5 Ton system in the same house.

[Mustang894me]

I would eat my underwear if anyone could tell the difference between a 2 Ton and a 2.5 Ton system in the same house.

SOME ONE DO IT I WANT PICTURES!

[IRONHILL24]

If I could show you the difference would you eat your underwear? I would go with a 2 1/2 ton variable speed indoor blower.

[Kris Moon]

If I could show you the difference would you eat your underwear? I would go with a 2 1/2 ton variable speed indoor blower.

What is variable speed indoor blower?

[Kris Moon]

In Ontario, is it true that the load calculation was done when the house was built?

[IRONHILL24]

A V S Motor is a DC motor that will reduce your electric bill and move air better. You must used a V S on higher seer units. As far as Ontario, I play ice hockey but live in Delaware so I dont know but I would say yes.

[Kris Moon]

A V S Motor is a DC motor that will reduce your electric bill and move air better. You must used a V S on higher seer units. As far as Ontario, I play ice hockey but live in Delaware so I dont know but I would say yes.

I will install either a 13 or 14 seer. I am counting on my luck when come to the installer. So far I only met one who was willing to spend time to take measurements. But, he was also very keen to change everything I have now (duct work, HRV, humidifier......). I may end up choose the brand over the installer since I can't find one whom I am comfortable with.

[Mustang894me]

I will install either a 13 or 14 seer. I am counting on my luck when come to the installer. So far I only met one who was willing to spend time to take measurements. But, he was also very keen to change everything I have now (duct work, HRV, humidifier......). I may end up choose the brand over the installer since I can't find one whom I am comfortable with.

You Will Se this posted everywhere ... the Brand is the Name thats all it is most AC units use the same parts contactor, compressor, capacitor, maby a PTC , board , ect mostly all universal. It is not the name on the unit!!! it is how it is installed that either makes it a good system or a great system. focus on the install not the name. is this somthign you need to rush? if not aks around.. neighbors , friends, co workers . BBB do you home work on the company. do it right the first time or you have a headache. if the company wont take the time to make sure you get the right system find one that will.

[IRONHILL24]

Higher the seer the better the unit.The installer can make or break the job. Installing a Goodman with a good install team is better than installing a Trane with a bad install team. If you know what equipment you would like than go to there web sit a find a dealer. As your boy would say(Mike Holmes) ask alot of questions and get a permit. Spend the time now and get all you options. To go from a 14 seer to a 15 seer could save you a lot and look at the savings over 10 year not what you are paying now.

[Kris Moon]

Higher the seer the better the unit.The installer can make or break the job. Installing a Goodman with a good install team is better than installing a Trane with a bad install team. If you know what equipment you would like than go to there web sit a find a dealer. As your boy would say(Mike Holmes) ask alot of questions and get a permit. Spend the time now and get all you options. To go from a 14 seer to a 15 seer could save you a lot and look at the savings over 10 year not what you are paying now.

I fully understand what you were saying. I have already had 4 different contractors came by. They just wanted to sell the products they carried. 3 of them took a brief look at my old unit and went straight to my basement to check the furnace. They followed by recommendations. The whole process was done within 30 minutes. The 4th one spent a few hours. He sounded just like Mike Holmes. I got the information of these contractors from the major brands' websites. I am not sure if I should meet with more dealers/contractors. It looks like it is a waste of everyone's time if they are not going to perform load calculations.

[surenuff]

it's all in the install!!!

[Kris Moon]

it's all in the install!!!

I know I have to choose the installer over brand. But, what if you cannot find one or don't know where to find one. That is what I am encountering now. Most companies sent one person to do the quote and another person to do the installation.

[man from trane]

I know I have to choose the installer over brand. But, what if you cannot find one or don't know where to find one. That is what I am encountering now. Most companies sent one person to do the quote and another person to do the installation.

Wow, where do you live that there are not a dozen A/C contractors every square mile? I'll move my business there! Where I used to live in Nebraska there were so many they would leave flyers on your door, ads every 10 minutes on tv, every other page of the newspaper, skywriting, etc.

[Kris Moon]

Wow, where do you live that there are not a dozen A/C contractors every square mile? I'll move my business there! Where I used to live in Nebraska there were so many they would leave flyers on your door, ads every 10 minutes on tv, every other page of the newspaper, skywriting, etc.

I live near London, Ontario. There are many heating and cooling contractors. Businesses probably are too good here and no one seems to care about customer services and doing it right. There are quite a number of them running in a big scale business. That's why they have sales team, installing team and call centre. I ever contacted a "family" contractor and he refused to come to meet me because he does not serviced my town. It only takes 40 minutes to drive to my house from where he is located. Another independent contractor sounded very promising over the phone but never showed up for the appointment.

[stinkmeaner]

I live near London, Ontario. There are many heating and cooling contractors. Businesses probably are too good here and no one seems to care about customer services and doing it right. There are quite a number of them running in a big scale business. That's why they have sales team, installing team and call centre. I ever contacted a "family" contractor and he refused to come to meet me because he does not serviced my town. It only takes 40 minutes to drive to my house from where he is located. Another independent contractor sounded very promising over the phone but never showed up for the appointment.

Bring someone in from Windsor. They'll take care of you.

[Kris Moon]

Bring someone in from Windsor. They'll take care of you.

Do you know anyone from there who is reliable? London is 2 hrs away from Windsor. I doubt anyone will come.

[surenuff]

I did not read back to see what brand you plan on buying, but most manufacturer's web sites have a dealor locator that will show you some to call based on your zip code or look at www.natex.org for some near you or I think HVAC Excellence also has a similair program... etc............ Hope this helps

[Kris Moon]

I did not read back to see what brand you plan on buying, but most manufacturer's web sites have a dealor locator that will show you some to call based on your zip code or look at www.natex.org for some near you or I think HVAC Excellence also has a similair program... etc............ Hope this helps

I lean towards American Standard, Amana or York. I did get the dealers' infomation from the manufacturers' websites.

[surenuff]

as a rheem dealer, that really hurts. I am not going to help you anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[beenthere]

sbuff007.

No posting of direct purchase websites.

I removed your links.

[Kris Moon]

A V S Motor is a DC motor that will reduce your electric bill and move air better. You must used a V S on higher seer units. As far as Ontario, I play ice hockey but live in Delaware so I dont know but I would say yes.

Finally, I had a contractor did the measurement and the load calculation. According to his record, the house needs a 2.5 ton. I am thinking of a 2.5 ton 14.5 seer unit. Can the variable speed indoor blower be used on 14 or 14.5 seer unit? Do I have to make a special request to install the V S upon purchasing?

Thank you for your advice.

[paul42]

A furnace model includes or does not include a variable speed blower.

A variable speed blower will typically add .5 SEER to any system.

A media air filter is a worthwhile addition.

Also consider getting a good thermostat as part of the package. I really like my Honeywell IAQ.