2.5 ton air handler?

[row1]

i have gotten two estimates/proposals for new heat pump system in ersidential home 1 story 1600sqft. I am replacing 25-year-old GE 2.5 ton system.

I think I want to stick with 2.5 ton: has been doing job so far. But one rep told me that I might as well go for 3ton, since I will have to go with a 3ton air handler anyway/there is no 2.5ton air handler. He prefers to use Rheem.

Does this sound right?

[t527ed]

no, house should have heat load done. other companies make 2.5 ton blower coils.

[BaldLoonie]

The Rheem air handlers have 2 speed motors. High would be approx 1200 CFM for a 3 ton and low slows it down close to 1000 for 2.5 ton. Sad that he isn't smart enough to figure that out :( Of course, from what we see, few bother to set blower speeds when they install equipment. :(

[row1]

so, same air handler would serve as either 2.5 ton or 3ton depending upon what speed it is set at? in that case, it seems i would be spending same amt of $ for air handler, thus that gives weight to his idea that i might as well go with 3ton cuz there is no 2.5ton air handler: either way i am getting a 3ton.

[BaldLoonie]

But the 3 ton outdoor unit will cost more and for comfort & efficiency's sake, bigger isn't better.