Ques: Air Condition - Model, Size and Price

[hola2005]

I am about to move to a new constructed house and need to get central air conditioner installed before moving in.

House Info:
Size: 1750 sq ft
3 Bedrooms
2 floors plus finished basement.

The builder has two options for me:
1.5 Ton Lennox 13ACD Feon for 2700
or
1.5 Ton Lennox HSX12 Puron Enviro Refrigerant for 3250

what do you think about this?

I am not experienced with air conditioning. How many tons do I need for my house (considering the size)?

Any info would help.

Thanks.

[john_ertw]

1.5 tons should be fine. Maybe even larger than necessary since its a new house with (assuming) good insulation levels and air sealing.

As for price, you would find better pricing if you got your own contractor in after moving in. Of course then the builder will not back the a/c, but the installer and manufacturer should have warranties.

Is the HSX12 a 12 SEER? From my understanding they are not allowed to sell anything below 13 SEER.

[TCWeasel]

Ultimately it is best to have an assessment done. There are many factors which can effect the size. House layout, number of windows, which way those windows face, age of house...etc.

Does your square footage include the basement? Many times it will not.

The general rule would suggest that 1.5 tonne might be too small for 1,750 square feet.

It's roughly 400 square feet per tonne, this might be about 2 1/2 tonne. In your case since it's a new house it would decrease the tonnage needed and 2 might work. 1.5 is possible. You want to make sure that you get the right size, otherwise you'll be wasting money and comfort.

The higher seer ratings, the more efficient and the more expensive. If you plan on living there 5+ years, you'll probably see a return on the investment of a higher seer AC. Especially in Ontario, where the current 5% tax on electricity will go to 13% under the HST. According to one electric executive, the effective tax rate will be more around 16%.

[TCWeasel]

That was pure math suckage.

3 1/2 tonne for 1,750 square feet generally speaking.

Specifically speaking, you'd need an estimate.

1 tonne (ton) = 12,000 BTU.

[hola2005]

I can't really tell what SEER these A/C. I will have to speak to their Design Center and figure this out.

Ultimately, I may do an estimate; that way I am safe.

Thanks all.

[john_ertw]

That was pure math suckage.

3 1/2 tonne for 1,750 square feet generally speaking.

Specifically speaking, you'd need an estimate.

1 tonne (ton) = 12,000 BTU.

Where do you live? In Toronto the general rule of thumb is .5 ton for every 500 sq. ft. However it usually leads to oversizing unless the insulation is poor or the house has many drafts.

Ottawa will probably need less cooling capacity than Toronto.

[TCWeasel]

Where do you live? In Toronto the general rule of thumb is .5 ton for every 500 sq. ft. However it usually leads to oversizing unless the insulation is poor or the house has many drafts.

Ottawa will probably need less cooling capacity than Toronto.

See. Told you my math sucks.


I'm not sure you'd get by with 1.5 tonne in Ottawa, nevermind Toronto. I failed to take Ottawa into consideration. Probably about 2-2 1/2. Again, 1.5 might be possible, there are too many variables to say for certain.

[john_ertw]

I'm not sure you'd get by with 1.5 tonne in Ottawa, nevermind Toronto. I failed to take Ottawa into consideration. Probably about 2-2 1/2. Again, 1.5 might be possible, there are too many variables to say for certain.

I really think 2 to 2.5 will be way too large. I am in Markham (just north of Toronto) and have a 2.5 ton for my 2800 sq. ft. home (not including the basement).

[TCWeasel]

I really think 2 to 2.5 will be way too large. I am in Markham (just north of Toronto) and have a 2.5 ton for my 2800 sq. ft. home (not including the basement).

Hard to say. It's based on information from an Ottawa area AC vendor. I did my research a few years ago, so it's based on what I've read (I tend to research things to death), so it's nothing more than that. I'm not an expert, but from what I know it would tend to move towards a 2. Others sizes will obviously, but they may not be as efficient.

[john_ertw]

Hard to say.

I think we both agree on this point. We only know house size and location. We know nothing about insulation levels, number of windows, type of windows, etc. These items are as important as size and location when sizing equipment.

[Keigotw]

I am about to move to a new constructed house and need to get central air conditioner installed before moving in.

House Info:
Size: 1750 sq ft
3 Bedrooms
2 floors plus finished basement.

The builder has two options for me:
1.5 Ton Lennox 13ACD Feon for 2700
or
1.5 Ton Lennox HSX12 Puron Enviro Refrigerant for 3250

what do you think about this?

I am not experienced with air conditioning. How many tons do I need for my house (considering the size)?

Any info would help.

Thanks.

too much, call other places and get a quote

I had mine installed last year
a Carrier Performance series
15 Seer
2 Ton
Puron® Refrigerant = R-410A
for $3050 tax in

for 1800 Sq. Ft. house

[Unnatural]

That's an amazing price. Can I ask you where you bought it ?

too much, call other places and get a quote

I had mine installed last year
a Carrier Performance series
15 Seer
2 Ton
Puron® Refrigerant = R-410A
for $3050 tax in

for 1800 Sq. Ft. house