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Can I Attach a 5-ton Condenser to a 3-ton Coil? - Ask the Expert Episode 270
Today's question comes from Darrel.
"Hey Dan, what would I have to do to make a 5-ton condenser work with a 3-ton coil?"
Air conditioning units are measured in tons. But that's not how much they weigh. One ton doesn't literally weigh 2,000 pounds. Generally, you want to match a 5-ton condenser with a 5-ton air handler or coil. There is some leeway, like a 3-ton condenser to a 3.5 air handler.
The short answer is, you can't. A good tech might be able to get it to work with like a TXV, but you are going to be bottle-necked at the 3-ton. There is no way you will get 5-ton capacity after that. It will mess up your warranty and your efficiency will be off.
My advice is don't mix and match equipment. I don't see any benefit to it.
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Hey Dan
Can you explain the practical difference between SEER and CEER. For Example, how much more efficient is a ductless mini split with a SEER rating of 20 than a window AC unit with a CEER of 15? What kind of energy savings are you looking at?
Throw in an explanation of HSPF if you want!
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CEER is for window units. SEER is for other stuff. CEER combines the efficiency while running and while on standby. SEER measures cooling efficiency over an entire season. It is generally recommended to combine SEER to SEER and CEER to CEER. So while you can't really compare the different ratings to one another, what you could look at is the AHRI estimated operating costs of two different units. HSPF is Heating Season Performance Factor. It's used to measure heat pump efficiency, and higher is better.
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Space is the only reason I would see someone down sizing a evap coil. I've also heard you can use a 5 ton Cond. and a 4 ton evapcoil...simply because the difference is the 4 and 5 ton evap are the same size. The only difference is blower speed between the 4 ton evap fan and the 5 ton fan.
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I have put a larger evap coil with a smaller condensing unit many times and the pressures are fine and works great.. The only reason i did that was because the larger coil matched my plenum better so I went with a larger size. The one thing you must do is put the matching piston in the evap coil to match the condenser, other wise your going to have upset home owners calling cause they say it's not cooling. Say you put a 5 ton evap coil with a 3 ton cond. your not trying to get 5 ton capacity, only 3 ton capacity, it does work and I have done it with no call backs.
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We just installed a new Carrier split system (replacing a Carrier Infinity gas pack that had many maintenance issues).
The new equipment arrived 2 days ago with a damaged evaporator coil. Our contract was for a 3 ton 2-stage condenser 17-SEER & 3 ton evaporator. A 3.5 evaporator coil was picked up and installed to replace the damaged coil.
Install has been performed by a certified carrier dealer.
Several questions
1) humidity on thermostat not going below 55-58% yet after running in auto mode for 12+ hours ( started at 59-61% humidity), air does not feel as “crisp” out of vents compared to old unit, speed of air coming out of vent is definitely lower too (they said new system was dialed in for ductwork and to save life on blower motor)
Air feels stagnant and I’m wondering if the mismatched coils is the reason
2) warranty - thoughts?
3) installers said “Carrier” told them to try and fix the damaged 3 ton coil first ( they couldn’t) before picking up the 3.5 ton replacement. This seems wrong on all fronts given we were / are paying for a brand new split unit.
I’ve read nothing positive about mismatched coils - I would like to know your thoughts on if this 3 ton /3.5 ton would be / should be considered mismatched to the industry and manufacturer.
Would love to hear your thoughts/ ideas thanks.
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It may have been an issue as simple as the high temperatures, although there may be issue with the system. Please contact your dealer regarding this issue if it persists. The warranty depends on the warranty of the product and the warranty given by the installer. A coil can be larger than the condenser, but not the other way around. However, if you are experiencing less-than-satisfactory comfort since this point, please give us a call at 270-575-9595, or contact your original dealer and installer.
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So I was given a 5 ton ac unit and instead of buying a 3 ton unit could I just swap the 3 ton with the 5 ton
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You likely could not. You would need to make sure that your units are sized appropriately for one another, so you would need to make sure that they're the same size.
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Dan, Replaced a FUSE in Trane Condenser; now AH won't work? WHY?
Love your "SHOW" You are too funny*** SMART** AND FUNNY*** Thanks, Brenda, Vetwife
Trying to breathe a little more from this unit until "prices" go down on NEW ???
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There are many things that could explain this, but we might require a little more context before we come to a conclusion. Please give us a call at 270-575-9595 so that our tech support team can assist you with this issue.
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dan what would happen if i replace a 3.5 r-22 system with a 3 ton used system 410-a...... its for my pastor
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It would likely not be sized correctly, if you are switching out a 3.5 ton unit that worked with a smaller unit. While the refrigerant type should not make a huge noticeable difference, switching out the size of the system may.
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