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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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Mac Taylor

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!

Rick Bell

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.

Bryan

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.

Michelle Erickson

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.

Anthony

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

Brenda Hayes

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 ???