[miandsh2000]

ok, need some help here. apprarently the pros in this area can not agree on what i have or what i need.

the box outside is a rheem. the stuff inside is a snyder general. have heard that i have anywhere from a 3 to a 3.5 ton unit. no one seems to be able to tell me which.

the equipment is 29 years old so im on borrowed time at this point.

if i have a 3 ton, can i increase it to a 3.5 ton and if i have a 3.5 ton, can i increase it to a 4 ton - without having to change ducting in the house?

im sure im making it too simple.

i just want someone who knows what the hell they are talking about and can give me a straight answer - not "your house looks as big as my parents and i put a 4 ton in their house".

we have recently added sq footage onto the house and want to make sure that any investment i put into it is going to work like it is supposed to.

anyone in the VA area? would love to hear some recommendations for a good contractor.

 

[dash]

Load calculation,Manual J to size the system and determine the correct cfms for each room including the addition,then Manual S to select the equipment,then Manual D to check the duct sizes and resize if needed.All from http://www.accca.org

Testing the ESP(resistance to air flow) of the existing ducts would be a good idea too.

Check ACCA and www,natex.org for contractors to call,also some manufacturers websites.Tell them what you expect before making appointments.


Increasing the size without some duct modifications is unlikely,as they are seldom oversized.