Confused with Central AC

[destiny826]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

13.5 is weak. 16 was common in FL a few years back. 3.5 ton sounds in the range. Again, you are not providing enough info for anyone to say anything but generalities.

What other info do I need to provide? The house is a 2 story coloniel (2400 sq. ft) with attic and finished basement. I will not install AC in the basement.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by destiny826

What other info do I need to provide? The house is a 2 story coloniel (2400 sq. ft) with attic and finished basement. I will not install AC in the basement.

Fact is the manual/j calculations look at the kind of construction details that make a BIG difference -- windows, doors, overhang, shade , sun, insulation, appliances, ceiling height, air patterns in stairways, and a dozen other things will have an impact onnwhat size unit(s) make sense and what will work best.

Ideally EVERY HVAC contractor would want to install total system with the highest efficenty and comfort and do so AFTER thoroughly measuring all factors that contribute to sensible energy use and weatherization but there are FEW truly do...

Honestly the BEST way to do this is not even to start with an HVAC firm, but with a qualified energy audit, ideally done by a firm with the tools to perform blower door test and thermal imagining and NO incentive to over sell or under size a system. Then you address the insulation / air sealing issues, then you shop for best HVAC...

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by destiny826

What other info do I need to provide?

not information so much as deciding which side of the interior renovation fence you're on.
Because that is the real issue here not the equipment per se.

The house is a 2 story coloniel (2400 sq. ft) with attic and finished basement.

Having two separate ways of distributing the tempered air (most commonly by duct work but also a split system could work)
will (should) allow a lot less interior demo and repair work vs one monolithic system.
But two sets of ducts means two separate sets of HVAC equipment.

This is the choice you need to make.
The specific equipment types are almost meaningless until you make that choice.

I will not install AC in the basement.

Huh?
Er... I really do think that you will.

[harry chickpea]

chet is right. Get the energy audit first. If practical, get a breakout of the requirements of individual rooms or areas. You may find that based on the results one system will be a better fit than others.

Really, what you are asking here is the equivalent of saying "I want a big blue car. What brand should I get and what size engine?" The best we can do is head you towards the info that will allow you to make a better informed decision.