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The summer season in recent years is getting hotter and hotter. Air conditioning can save you when the outside temperature becomes unbearable. There are many deciding factors you need to consider between a 3 ton AC and a 4 ton AC.
A 3-ton air conditioner may be too small for many homes, while a 4-ton or larger air conditioner may be overkill.
So what is the right choice between3 x 3.5 ton x 4 ton air conditioners?
Between a 3, 3.5 and 4 ton air conditioner, a 3 ton air conditioner removes 36,000 BTUs of air per hour. It is suitable for houses with an area of \u200b\u200b1800 square meters. A 3.5-ton air conditioner has 42,000 BTU/hr and is ideal for an area of 2,100 square feet. A 4-ton air conditioner has 48,000 BTUs per hour. An area of 2400 square feet would be perfect for a 4 ton air conditioner.
Are you curious to find out more? Enjoy my guide and post your questions at the end of the comments section.
Quick comparison: 3 vs 3.5 tonnes vs 4 tonnes air conditioning
Before moving on to the main discussion, take a look at the table below. Here, we describe some important differences between air conditioners.
| aspect | 3 tons of AC power | 3.5 tons AC | 4 tons of alternating current |
| BTU unit | 36.000 BTU | 42.000 BTU | 48.000 BTU |
| Colder weather coverage (square feet) | 1,800 square meters | 2,100 square meters | 2,400 square meters |
| Moderate weather coverage (square feet) | 1,400 square meters | 1,680 square meters | 1,920 square meters |
| Warmer weather coverage (square meters) | 1,200 square meters | 1,400 square meters | 1,600 square meters |
| Cost | ACCESSIBLE | Moderate | Caro |
| recommended model | Goodman AC 3 Ton 14 SEER | Goodman 3,5 ton 16 SEER AC GSX160421 | Cooper & Hunter 60.000 BTU |
Need an explanation? Then we invite you to our next section.
Detailed comparison: 3 vs 3.5 tonnes vs 4 tonnes air conditioning
An air conditioner is a basic requirement for a home's HVAC system. But choosing one for your home is no easy task. Unless you use thosecorrect AC size.
Choosing the right size air conditioner for your home depends on a few conditions. Before you saw the brief comparison between 3, 3.5 and 4 ton air conditioners.
Now let's try to understand the details of these differences.
CA size difference
Air conditioner sizes are listed by tonnage. When we hear ton, we immediately think it's the CA's weight. Butair conditioning tonnagerefers to size not weight.
also refers tohow hot air conditioningremoved from a specific room. The default amount is calculated in BTUs per hour. The larger the air conditioner, the more heat is dissipated.
In general, a 1-ton air conditioner can remove 12,000 BTUs of air per hour. A 3-ton air conditioner can remove (3 × 12,000) = 36,000 BTUs of air per hour.
Likewise, the 3.5 ton (3.5×12,000) air conditioner removes 42,000 BTUs of air per hour. Finally, 4 ton (4 × 12,000) air conditioners = 48,000 BTUs of air can be removed per hour.
So if you compare these three air conditioner sizes, a 4-ton air conditioner removes most of the heat. And a 3-ton air conditioner removes the least. Your sequential order would be 4 tons > 3.5 tons > 3 tons of air conditioning.
Summary:4 tons is the largest AC, followed by 3.5 tons and 3 tons.
AC Capacity Options
The ability of oneair conditioningIt is directly related to its size. The larger the size, the more capacity it has to cool your home. But bigger doesn't always mean better.
In the case of air conditioning systems, their dimensioning must be as rigorously respected as it is important to knowthe oven fan motor size you need.
How do we know?What size air conditioner to buy?? We calculate with the area of your house. A 1 ton air conditioner can cool (1 ton/0.0016 tons per square foot) = 625 square feet.
Likewise, a 3-ton air conditioner can cool (3/0.0016) = 1875 square feet of area. Finally, a 4-ton air conditioner cools (4/0.0016) = 2,500 square feet of area.
If your home is between nearly 1,800 square feet, you need a 3-ton air conditioner. If you're close to 2100 square feet, you'll need a 3.5 ton air conditioner. For an area approaching 2,400 square feet, a 4-ton air conditioner will suffice.
Now you can see many people giving different answers. This calculation refers to the climate zone in which you live. Depending on the climate of the area, you will need different sized air conditioners.
For example, in warmer climates, the requirement would be 30 BTUs per square foot. If the temperature is moderate, the requirement is 25 BTUs per square foot.
For the coldest climate zone, that's 20 BTUs per square foot. This is a big difference when calculating the total area of the house. Therefore, you should calculate your AC unit size based on these factors.
However, covering a room with just air conditioning adds to the total cost. To avoid this, you should invest in some programmable thermostats.
Programmable thermostats maintain an overall temperature. So your air conditioner doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting.
Here are some thermostats I've personally tested and loved:
| thermostats | price range | where can you get |
| Honeywell Home RTH2300B 5-2 Day Barer Programmable Barr Thermostat | Accessible | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Lux Products TX9600TS Programmable Heating and Cooling Thermostat | rated as moderate | Check it out on Amazon! |
| Intelligentes Ecobee-Thermostatwith voice control | Caro | Check it out on Amazon! |
So it's time to invest in high quality thermostats.
Conclusion: mustIt may seem obvious, but a 3.5 ton air conditioner can cover a larger area than 3 tons. And a 4 ton air conditioner can even cover more than a 3.5 ton air conditioner. Even using a new thermostat you will get great results no matter what size you choose.
AC size cost
The price of air conditioners varies according to size, type and brandSEER rating. Let's take a look at the pricing table below:
| AC unit size | AC custo and coil | AC and coil installation costs |
| 3 tons | 1,970 a 2,250 $ | US$ 3.690 a US$ 3.800 |
| 3.5 tons | US$ 2.380 a US$ 2.550 | US$ 3.750 a US$ 4.000 |
| 4 tons | 2,560 a 2,700 $ | US$ 3.950 a US$ 4.200 |
The cost of an air conditioner comes with the cost of installing it. But that is not all. You may also have to pay other costs. For example-
- air vents
- channels
- together
- Permission
- Isolation
- Fan
- ventilation filter
A 3.5 ton air conditioner costs more than a 3 ton air conditioner. Similarly, a 4 ton air conditioner costs more than a 3.5 ton air conditioner. The table above shows an estimated cost range for air conditioning.
However, the price varies depending on the brand of air conditioner you choose. This also applies to the type of air conditioner. For example, a 4 ton unit from Bosch typically costs more than a 4 ton unit from Goodman.
Another expense you may face is additional utility bills. Clogged air filters complicate the work of your air conditioning system. As a result, your AC draws a lot of current.
To avoid these extra costs, change your air filters from time to time. Always check whether your air conditioner filters are clogged or not.
You can mainly clean clogged filters. However, if the filter is clogged and cannot be recovered, purchase new filters. Filters are relatively inexpensive.
You can also find quality air conditioning filters on Amazon. Here are some that I've used and loved:
| air filter | where can you get |
| AC Filtrete oven air filter | Attack now on Amazon! |
| buy filter air filterMERV 11 | Attack now on Amazon! |
See how you can easily lower the cost of utility bills by taking care of clogged air filters.
Final verdict: 3 against 3.5 tons against 4 tons of air conditioners
The final decision on the right air conditioner depends on your preferences. With that in mind, here's a table for you that sums up the entire debate:
| air conditioning | Characteristics |
| 3 tons | Affordable and perfect for smaller spaces. |
| 3.5 tons | The perfect in-between size that works well in medium-sized rooms |
| 4 tons | Expensive but ideal for larger spaces. |
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So which of these air conditioner sizes is the best? Are there additional benefits to these sizes? There's a Bigger air conditioners cool your home faster.
So should we buy bigger air conditioners? Not just for that. Buying a larger AC unit causes a lot of problems as seen in this video.
Air conditioning price and installation cost would be high. Especially when the cost of3.5, 4, 5 ton AC return lineIt will be added. The electricity bill would be higher and the air quality might not be what you want.
Even more important is themoisturein your house will go up. This can spoil the mold on the walls and wooden furniture.
Likewise, you cannot get an undersized AC unit. Some brands may try to sell downsized AC units at a lower price to get a sale. But reduced air conditioning will not keep your home cool.
You have to run it continuously, resulting in high electricity bills. The service life of the air conditioner will also be shorter.
So there is no winner here. For homes of approximately (1,550-1,800) square feet, a 3 ton air conditioner is usually used. For (1,850-2,100) square feet, 3.5 tons of AC is sufficient. A 4-ton air conditioner is perfect for homes measuring (2,150-2,400) square feet.
Be sure to take into account your climate zone. it is significant.
common questions
What is the difference between split and window air conditioning?
Window air conditioners are for a small single room. It's portable and has all the elements in a single box. Split air conditioners are indicated for larger environments, as they have a high cooling capacity. It has two separate units. One is the indoor unit and the other is the outdoor unit.
What is the energy efficiency rate?
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) determines how much cooling power AC provides from electrical power. It is also called energy efficiency class and is calculated in BTU units. It works with the relationship between energy consumption and energy output.
What is a dual-fuel air conditioner?
Dual fuel air conditioners are very similar to central air conditioning. Use the coils inside the oven. The main difference is that it follows heat pump technology. That's why it costs less. It is more suitable for the cold climate zone.
Diploma
that's what it was about3 vs 3.5 tons vs 4 tons air conditioning. I hope that now it is clear to you which ones to choose. If still in doubt, talk to an HVAC professional first.
It is wiser to check before purchasing your air conditioner. Because air handling units are anything but cheap.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.
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FAQs
What is the most efficient HVAC system with the highest capacity? ›
Heat pumps (including reverse cycle air-conditioners) are the most energy-efficient combined heating and cooling system you can buy.
Is it better to undersize or oversize AC? ›While an AC's capacity typically matches its energy usage, an undersized air conditioner will use more power simply because it is likely to run continuously, barely stopping for breath.
Are bigger air conditioners more efficient? ›In other words, if you select an air conditioner that is too big for your home, you are not going to receive the benefits of an energy efficient unit. A bigger unit will not keep your home any cooler. The only thing it will do is result in a higher energy bill on a monthly basis.
Which AC uses the least electricity? ›...
The Best Energy- Efficient Air Conditioners
- Lennox SL28XCV Air Conditioner. ...
- Keystone Energy Star 5,000 BTU Air Conditioner. ...
- Amana AVXC20 Air Conditioner. ...
- LG 18,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner. ...
- Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner.
So, what is considered a high efficiency air conditioner? An air conditioner with a SEER rating of over 13 is generally regarded as high efficiency, but this depends on the size of the space you're cooling and your own personal cooling preferences.
What is highest SEER rating for air conditioners? ›SEER chart
The highest-SEER central AC currently available is rated 26. This is far more energy-efficient than most models on the market today. Carrier, Bryant, and Lennox make 26-SEER air conditioners. Mini splits are typically more energy efficient than even the best central ACs.
A good SEER rating is typically 14 or higher.
The average efficiency rating for a central air conditioner in operation today is 16 but high energy-efficient models can have ratings as high as 23.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio for High SEER AC Units
However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck in terms of efficiency, you'll want to look for high efficiency systems. These are units with SEER ratings over 16 SEER. The best options in terms of high efficiency extend up to about 26 SEER.
Air conditioners that are too big consume more energy, endure more wear and tear, and simply don't work as well or as long as an appropriately sized unit. This can cause higher utility bills, more repairs, and discomfort in your home.
What are the disadvantages of undersized air conditioner? ›Undersized Air Conditioner
Even though it works tirelessly, it will fail to deliver the right comfortable temperature. It means that you must keep it on all the time, yet the house will never feel cool enough. The cooling will also be uneven, with some parts of the house may feel cooler than others.
How many square feet does a 3 ton air conditioner cool? ›
Is a 3-ton air conditioner enough for my house? Apart from the capacity of the air conditioner, you also need to account for things like your climate, house size, and existing insulation. In general, a 3-ton air conditioner will work well in an area of around 1,200 square feet.
How many sq ft will a 4 ton AC unit cool? ›Air conditioning capacity is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you'll need approximately 20 BTU for every square foot of floor area.
Why are larger air conditioners less efficient? ›First, you need to ensure you choose the right size air conditioner. Too big and you could be using more electricity than you need because the unit may run frequent short cycles to achieve the target temperature. Too small and it will have to work too hard to cool your space.
What is the lowest temperature to use AC? ›HVAC manufacturers typically advise users not to run their units for extended periods if the temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to test your unit, you should do so after the weather has been risen to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three days.
What SEER is high efficiency? ›Efficiency is measured by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. When comparing air conditioners, the SEER rating will tell you how efficient one is compared to another. Higher SEER numbers indicate higher efficiency. The minimum SEER rating is 13, with a rating above 16 considered high efficiency.
Are high efficiency air conditioners worth the cost? ›While most high-efficiency air conditioners are more costly than regular ones, they actually help you cut down on costs and expenses. Choosing an energy-efficient unit is one of the best ways to save money on your AC.
What is the best month to buy an air conditioner? ›If you're looking to buy an air conditioner for the summer, the best time to shop is now! It may seem counterintuitive, but the truth is this: buyers can find the best deals on new air conditioners (and HVAC services) from late February into late March.
What SEER rating qualifies for tax credit 2023? ›Central Air Conditioner
The cooling system must have been purchased and installed in 2023 or beyond to be eligible for the expanded tax credits. For split systems, a SEER2 rating of 16 or greater qualifies for a tax credit, and all Energy Star-certified packaged systems are also eligible.
Trane and Carrier are two of the top air conditioner brands in the United States, and both have earned excellent reputations throughout the years. Consumer Reports lists Trane at the top of their brand reliability rankings, scoring a perfect five out of five for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
What SEER rating is required for tax credit? ›
Please click on the Tax Credit Certificate below for additional information and to determine if your model qualifies. Heat Pump Split Systems when properly matched to achieve or exceed 15 SEER, 12.5 EER, and 8.5 HSPF. Equipment must be placed in service between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022 to qualify.
Are 13 SEER air conditioners being phased out? ›Beginning in 2023, Hanna Heating & Air, along with every heating and air conditioning company in the United States, can no longer install an air conditioning unit with a SEER rating of 13 or less. The new federal regulation means all ACs we install will be SEER 14 or higher.
Is SEER or BTU more important? ›BTU: British Thermal Units
This is probably the most important of the air conditioner ratings as this is what tells you how much space the unit can cool.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit will run, thus leading to lower energy bills. If you compare a 10 SEER AC unit to a 20 SEER AC system, the 20 SEER system will provide twice the efficiency.
Should I go with a 13 SEER or 16 SEER? ›Generally, the higher the SEER, the more efficient it is. If you are dealing with hot days and cool evenings you may want to consider a higher SEER amount. 13 SEER A/C units are single stage, which is cheaper initially but cost more to run in the same amount of time you'd be using the 16 SEER unit.
Is 15 SEER worth the money? ›For most homeowners, opting for a unit with a SEER between 15 and 18 is a good choice because it's a balance between the money you'll spend for the unit and the amount you'll save on utility costs.
Is it bad to have too many BTU air conditioner? ›If your air conditioner has a bigger BTU rating than the room size needs, it will cycle off too quickly, waste energy, and will not adequately dehumidify the space. So a higher BTU than needed is definitely not recommended.
What happens if you have too much BTU? ›A unit with too many BTU's, will cool the room fast, but leave the room humid. Too few BTU's will never cool the room down and the unit will run incessantly. To be sure you're making the right decision, call us to get answers about air conditioner sizes and efficiency.
What happens if you undersize an air conditioner? ›When your air conditioner is too small, it has to run longer than necessary to keep up, which makes it difficult to keep the air comfortably cool. Since an undersized unit has to work overtime, it's more prone to breaking down and may even void your manufacturer's warranty.
Can you have too big of an air conditioner? ›An oversized HVAC unit can make your home's inside temperature uncomfortable. An HVAC system with excess capacity can heat or cool your home faster, but that speed often results in a couple of other issues. First, your home won't benefit from gradual, even heating and cooling.
Is a 3 ton air conditioner enough? ›
1,201 to 1,500 square feet homes should use 2.5 tons. If your home size is higher than the number above but is less not more than 1,800 square feet, you can go for a three-ton A/C. Choose a unit that is 3.5 tons if your home measures more than 1,800 but not more than 2,100 square feet.
Do air conditioners get less efficient with age? ›The older your AC unit gets, the less efficient it can become. In fact, there is a measurement to help you gauge your lost efficiency called The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). Each year that passes, your AC unit can lose up to 9 percent efficiency.
How many square feet will a 3.5 ton cover? ›| ZONE 1 | ZONE 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Tons | 1501 - 1800 sf | 1501 - 1850 sf |
| 3.5 Tons | 1801 - 2100 sf | 1851 - 2150 sf |
| 4 Tons | 2101 - 2400 sf | 2151 - 2500 sf |
| 5 Tons | 2401 - 3000 sf | 2501 - 3100 sf |
If your home is 2000 square feet, you can calculate your HVAC needs the same as you would for a 1600 square foot home. Assuming one ton of cooling capacity can cool 400 square feet of your home, you'll need about 5.0 tons of air conditioning capacity. Multiply this by 12,000 BTUs, and you'll get 60,000 BTUs.
What is the standard airflow in CFM per ton? ›350 to 400 CFM per ton of cooling is required for proper air conditioning system operation. For example, if you are checking a 3 ton system, the airflow required is between 1050 and 1200 CFM.
How long do 4 ton AC units last? ›Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.
How do I know if my AC unit is big enough? ›- Sign 1: Never the Right Temperature. Does your home always feel a little too warm in the summer and a little too cool in the winter? ...
- Sign 2: Inconsistent Temperatures. ...
- Sign 3: It Just Keeps Running. ...
- Sign 4: Your Energy Bills Are Sky-High.
| Room/Area Size | Recommended BTU | Tonnage |
|---|---|---|
| 1,900 sq ft | 39,000 BTU | 4 Ton |
| 2,000 sq ft | 42,000 BTU | 4 Ton |
| 2,100 sq ft | 44,000 BTU | 4.5 Ton |
| 2,200 sq ft | 46,000 BTU | 4.5 Ton |
You may have heard someone mention “the 20 degree rule” when it comes to your air conditioning unit. But what does that mean? Simply put, it means you should never set your thermostat for a temperature more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside air.
What is the thumb rule for AC design? ›The 1.7X rule
This rule of thumb states that the MAX heating capacity required for your comfort cooling application is 1.7 x the cooling load. For example, if the cooling required is 30 tons (360,000 btus), then the MAX heating capacity required would be 612,000 btus (1.7 x 360,000).
Is it better to get an oversized AC unit? ›
Oversized air conditioners usually short-cycle, meaning they power up and down throughout the day many more times than units that cycle properly. This needlessly uses up energy, resulting in high energy bills for you. Short AC lifespan – An oversized air conditioner is an overworked air conditioner.
Is a high SEER rating equal to a more efficient HVAC system? ›Higher SEER Equals Higher Efficiency
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it measures the annual energy consumption and efficiency of the unit's cooling ability in typical day-to-day use. The higher the SEER value, the less energy the unit will use.
As we mentioned above, high-efficiency air conditioners cost less to operate than lower efficiency systems. The amount of money that you'll save on your monthly energy bills throughout the lifetime of your system will offset the added upfront costs of the system, and will typically mean you spend less money overall.
Do modern furnaces achieve a maximum of 90% efficiency? ›Modern gas furnaces are all high efficiency requiring a minimum AFUE rating of 90 percent, meaning they convert about 90 percent of fuel into the energy that heats your home. Some high efficiency gas furnaces have AFUE ratings reaching as high as 98.5 percent.
Is high efficiency HVAC worth it? ›The Biggest Benefit of a High-Efficiency Furnace
You'll breathe better. Your energy bills will be lower. Those uneven temperatures that you've put up with will disappear. Your HVAC system will provide you with the comfort you deserve.
Efficiency is measured by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. When comparing air conditioners, the SEER rating will tell you how efficient one is compared to another. Higher SEER numbers indicate higher efficiency. The minimum SEER rating is 13, with a rating above 16 considered high efficiency.
What is the most expensive part of an HVAC system? ›One of the most expensive parts of your AC unit is the compressor. As the heart of your system, the compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system, which is responsible for cooling the air in your home.
What is the most expensive part in a HVAC unit? ›The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
What is the efficiency of a 20 year old furnace? ›The U.S. Department of Energy indicates that a 20-year-old furnace wastes at least 22 % of the energy it consumes. In other words, you lose more than 2 dollars from every ten that you spend on heating your home.
What's the difference between an 80% and 96% efficiency furnace? ›We are often asked what the differences in 80% and 96% efficient furnaces are. Obviously, the 96% efficient furnace will be more efficient using natural gas to heat your home. In fact, it is 16% more efficient. Both types of furnaces have single-stage or two-stage heating models.
What is the efficiency of a 30 year old furnace? ›
According to the Department of Energy, old gas furnace systems typically have an AFUE of 56% to 70%. In other words, an older system may waste between 30% to 44% of the fuel it consumes.
What is the least efficient HVAC? ›Oil: Oil furnaces run on oil to heat a home. These systems are the least energy-efficient, and oil delivery bills can run high during cold winter months.
Are newer HVAC more efficient? ›New models have much higher energy efficiency ratings than your 20-year-old system. If your current AC unit has a SEER rating of ten or lower, you're wasting money while cooling your home. Modern AC systems use significantly less electricity to cool your home.
What is the life expectancy of a residential furnace? ›A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.