Does a 2 ton ducted mini split for 850sqf sounds right?

[ColdNewbie]

Hi everyone,

Recently I have received a quote from an HVAC company suggesting a Carrier mini split (ducted) (36MARBQ24AA3) with an air handler (40MBAA) to replace my 25+ years HP and oil fernane (which they are working just fine).

My concern is about the size of the suggested HP and the fact that it's a mini split, would it be enough from y 850sqf home with a basement? what happened to the big vertical unit, why my HVAC company says it's new technology and there is no need for big units any more?

As a homeowner who is non-experienced in the HVAC systems, I'm seeking you professional opinion.

Thank you!

[Sergroum]

Mmm. Theoretically you could've had 1.5ton and it would still be enough. 

What area are you in? If you are getting regular temp of below -8, the unit will steal heat, but not as efficiency.  In this case, you might consider duel fuel.  If that's not the case, then that HP is actually pretty good.

The price difference between 1.5t and 2t is negligible, so going for 2ton is a good idea. In my opinion.  But yeah. Definitely big enough for your house. 

In comparison, I'm seeing these things installed into 2200 sq. Feet.

[ColdNewbie]

Mmm. Theoretically you could've had 1.5ton and it would still be enough. 

What area are you in? If you are getting regular temp of below -8, the unit will steal heat, but not as efficiency.  In this case, you might consider duel fuel.  If that's not the case, then that HP is actually pretty good.

The price difference between 1.5t and 2t is negligible, so going for 2ton is a good idea. In my opinion.  But yeah. Definitely big enough for your house. 

In comparison, I'm seeing these things installed into 2200 sq. Feet.

Even though the total living space is around 1700sqf (main floor:850 + Basmenet:850=1700sqf)?

[tenletters]

Mmm. Theoretically you could've had 1.5ton and it would still be enough. 

What area are you in? If you are getting regular temp of below -8, the unit will steal heat, but not as efficiency.  In this case, you might consider duel fuel.  If that's not the case, then that HP is actually pretty good.

The price difference between 1.5t and 2t is negligible, so going for 2ton is a good idea. In my opinion.  But yeah. Definitely big enough for your house. 

In comparison, I'm seeing these things installed into 2200 sq. Feet.

Even though the total living space is around 1700sqf (main floor:850 + Basmenet:850=1700sqf)?

Yes probably. Or no or maybe. a living space is around 1700sqf with 6 windows 10 years old facing one way and no updated insulation is completely different than another house with a total living space is around 1700sqf with new windows and spray foam facing another direction.

[Sergroum]

Can you come up with a house with enough heat gain that a 2 ton can't handle 1700 residential?

[tenletters]

Yes. We have even smaller drafty houses with 2.5-ton units. Most of our installs have heat loads done.

[Sergroum]

Damn.  But I guess it depends on region. 

In my experience, we've had 50yr old houses that have newspaper for insulation. And they still border between 1.5-2ton

[tenletters]

Where are you located? In Ontario, we have very very wet summers.