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Can I Connect a 3.5 Ton Air Handler to a 2.5 Ton Condenser? - Ask the Expert Episode 234

Today's question comes from Tim. "I've got a 3.5 ton air handler. Can I match that up with a 2.5 ton condenser from the same brand? Both would use R-410A refrigerant." The first step is to match your 3.5 ton air handler with a condenser of the same brand, so you're good there. That's always a good step because you are increasing the chances of your HVAC equipment being compatible. So, if the evaporator coil in the 3.5 ton air handler has a thermal expansion valve (TXV) for metering, it will probably work. You would need to check that, but as long as it does, you're probably good to go. If it doesn't then move forward at your own peril. Keep in mind when pairing a condenser and air handler, it's okay for the air handler to be a bigger size than the condenser, but never the other way around. It is also always good to check equipment compatibility with the manufacturer and AHRI as well. In fact, we recommend you do that. We can never guarantee equipment will work correctly unless it has been properly tested by the manufacturer or AHRI. Got more questions? Just ask them in the comments below.

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Devin

Hello good morning my name is Devin question I have is can you replace a 3 ton condenser with a 5

Peter G.

I just purchased a Trane HVAC System. The HVAC Co. paired a Trane XR 15 3.0 Ton condensor with a Trane 2.5 Ton air handler....because a 3.0 ton air handler would not fit in the closet that the original handler was in...will this be okay for the long run??? Thank you!

Matt

Hello, I have 2 duel zone Mitsubishi mini split systems. I purchased them and had them installed in 2016. System 1 consists of 1 Mitsubishi 30,000 BTU HEAT PUMP CONDENSER Model MXZ-3C30NA connected to one Mitsubishi 24,000 BTU Model MSZ-GE24NA an one Mitsubishi 6,000 BTU Model MSZ-GE06NA. Equals 30K BTU OUTSIDE and 30K BTU INSIDE. System 1 the 24k air handler gets more use in the winter to heat the downstairs and upstairs. The 6K btu unit gets more use in the summer to cool the downstairs. System 2 consists of 1 Mitsubishi 20,000 BTU HEAT PUMP CONDENSER Model MXZ-2B20NA connected to one Mitsubishi 9,000 BTU Model MSZ-GE09NA an one Mitsubishi 9,000 BTU Model MSZ-GE09NA. Equals 20K BTU OUTSIDE and 18K BTU INSIDE. System 2 is rarely used. Only use one of the 9k btu units when it gets really hot upstairs. We are finishing our attic and would like to know if it’s possible to add additional air handlers on to either of these systems to cool and heat the attic. I would rather not use a window unit to cool and heat the rooms

Steve

Hi, I have an existing Carrier 4 ton R22 condenser with an air handler in the attic. The compressor died in the condenser. My neighbor is upgrading his AC and will give me his working pumped down Goodman 3 ton R22 condenser. Should it work?

MARCUS

Can I pair a Goodman 3.5 ton condenser with a 4 ton evaporator coil? Do I need to install a 3.5 ton piston in coil or a txv.?

Todd

I have a 3.5 ton Amana air handler with a 4 ton Amana condenser. You mentioned "it's okay for the air handler to be a bigger size than the condenser, but never the other way around". Why is this? And would this be the result of 2 bad evaporator coils, 2 bad capacitors and a bad fan motor in less than 11 years?

Nik

Technician recently helped me select Goodman units for new HVAC - 16 SEER heat pump, 3-ton condenser outside (GSZC160361) with 80K Btu gas furnace (GMCV96080604) and 3.5-ton evap coil inside (CAPFA4226C6). TXV for evap coil was sized as a 3.5-5 ton (TX5N4), and now another technician is telling me that the evap coil TXV is a problem causing pressures to not equalize. Can these units/TXV be adjusted to work together? Or do I need to select a different TXV or evap coil?

manny

Can you have a 3 ton unit and install a 2 ton evaporator ? if not why?

John

Can the same size, make, and model mrcool DIY 3rd gen condenser be used to replace a 2nd gen DIY series condenser?

Mike

Can I use a york YHJD30S41S4A with a Trane tem6a0b30h21saa air handler? Thank you

Mike Gruener

Hello- I have the open attachment conversion serviced with an Ingram Mr 1.5 but the the 2.5 Downstairs doesn’t quite do the job. It’s an old New Orleans shotgun with 15 ceiling . The two bedrooms heat/ cool well, but the the big room (3 vents) can’t keep up. Could I hope for an appreciable improvement by installing a same brand 3 ton air handler ?

Jeffery G.

Want to run a Goodman 5 ton 410a/r22 piston valve air handler to replace my leaky Acoil in my r22 system. I figured I would replace half my system. I have a Goodman 4 ton scroll r22 outside 15 years old but still purrs along. Would this be a better combo than going with a 4 ton air handler. I’m thinking I would have more air flow or efficientcy. I m trying to put off going to the higher pressure 410a.

David

Good evening, The A/C company I used put a 2 ton Goodman condenser outside with a 3 ton Coleman air handler inside. Over the weeks of my home not cooling properly (in Arizona), they think the TXV is the issue; that the air handler/electric furnace is too big for the condenser. Will messing with the TXV like they intend to actually help the system cool correctly? Thank you so much for this video and what you do!

Kevin Moore

My home builder installed a 3.5 ton Lennox evaporator coil with a 4 ton Lennox condensing unit. Is this equipment compatible to be installed together?

Darryl

What would i have to do to make a 5 condenser work with a 3 ton coil??

Todd

Can I use a 2 ton mr. Cool universal with a luxair air handler? If so will the mr. Cool 2 ton still be covered by you warranty?

mark

I have a 410 system. a carrier 2 1/2 ton handler model ffienp031. 2013. can I match with a ameristar 3 ton condenser m4ac5036ei00a. or a reem 2ton ra18az24ajvca. I cannot find a 2.5 would these work and if yes would one perform better or have less risk of problems. I'm in Florida. thanks mark

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Can I Connect a 3.5 Ton Air Handler to a 2.5 Ton Condenser? - Ask the Expert Episode 234