re: New Construction HVAC question

quote:

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This is true when talking about replacements, but a modern home with quality insulation, radiant barrier, high quality windows and good weather sealing should not be anywhere near 400 sq ft per ton.

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My house was built to be highly energy efficient, and the original owner that built it put a 5 ton AC unit on a 2500SQft house. The system hardly ran, the house was always damp, shower walls, and hanging towels would never dry. After two years we had someone who knew what they were doing evaluate the heat load of the house. They recommended going to a smaller 4 ton unit. We got the new unit, the bills stayed about the same, but the house is comfortable and dry.