Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - "Two cycle", or not two cycle?

I have removed my old gas furnace/AC and am buying a heat pump. My heating/cooling requirements are southeast (Alabama) for 2,300. I pulled out a 3.5 Ton unit, but my space was 1,600 at that time. Gas is gone, I pulled the meter. We live near a Hydro-electric dam and get real good rates on electricity. Heat pump is my choice.

Vendors say I need around 4.3 ton.

My choices are a single cycle 4 ton or go with a 2 cycle 5 ton. I don't mind the extra cost for the 5 ton, but I want to put in the most efficient system.

Will the 4 ton consume more electricity than a 5 ton running most of time on the low cycle?

Depending on your home I would install a 4ton. In Alabama you will be dealing with high humid in the summer months. This will allow the system to have long enough run times to remove moisture. If you have Adequate insulation a four ton should do the job. The five ton on a hot summer day will cycle back and forth from low to high speed.. I used to be in H'ville.

Depending on your home I would install a 4ton.

It is impossible and irresponsible for anyone here to tell you the exact size system you need. The proper way is for a contractor to do a Manual J (aka load calc). It is an industry standard that takes all sorts of unique features of your home into account when determining your heating and cooling needs. Do not accept a quote without one, and make sure you get multiple quotes for various models and brands, and ask to see their heat loss and heat gain numbers. It is imperative you check the heating/cooling BTUs of the proposed system as all units do not provide full BTUs as expected.

If your old system got the job done cooling wise then you have a significant data point that may tell you going any bigger may be over sized. The risk with an over sized system is short cycling that leads to poor humidity control and reduced longevity.

The proper term is 2 stage, not 2 cycle. And, yes, it can lead to a better fit. Typically most HPs do not match both the needed cooling/heating BTUs of your Manual J, so many units are wrong-sized for either need. A two-stage, which uses less power in first stage, can provide a better match, and consequently provide better comfort.

Let us know how you make out.

Vendors say I need around 4.3 ton.

My choices are a single cycle 4 ton or go with a 2 cycle 5 ton.

Based on the information that you gave us.. you have had a heat load preformed on the home. Since there is no 4.3 ton unit you must need about 52,000 btu's of cooling hence 4.3tons........

Sorry about the terminology guys. I stand corrected!

About the 3.5 ton air conditioner.

It ran all the time during the summer. After it cycled, it would only take a few minutes, and then start up again. I felt it was an over taxed unit.

We have a two story house and the bottom floor was a partial garage. I removed the doors and built a recreation room and another bedroom. Now that my total square footage has increased, I am “speculating” 4 – 5 ton.

I think a 4 ton unit would do well. My wish list would be a dual cycle 4 ton unit, but my budget limits me.

I will probably go with a SSZ Goodman compressor, with the MBE2000 variable speed blower and CAPF coil. Both the 4 and 5 ton units are sold with the MBE2000. These units seemed to be the best price break point versus quality I could find. I have several certified installers to choose from and they all seemed to be fine with me purchasing the unit myself.

Unless I hear from you, I’m going ahead with the 4 ton. It does get hot down here and I don’t want a humidity problem!

Thanks!