A 3-ton heat pump is one of the most searched sizes in the Triad. But the right size for your house comes from a load calculation, not a rule of thumb.
What tons mean
One ton of capacity equals 12,000 BTU per hour. A 3-ton unit is about 36,000 BTU per hour. The tonnage is usually coded in the model number; our data label guide shows how to find it.
Why square footage is not enough
Insulation, windows, sun exposure, ceiling height, duct condition, and air leaks all change the load. Two houses of the same size can need different sizes.
Problems with oversizing
An oversized heat pump short cycles, leaves humidity behind in summer, and wears out faster. In humid North Carolina summers that matters.
Problems with undersizing
An undersized unit runs nonstop and leans on backup heat in winter.
A practical starting point
Start with the size of your current system and whether it kept up. If it did, the same size or close to it is often right, confirmed with a Manual J load calculation.
FAQ
Can I go up a size to be safe?
Usually not. Oversizing causes its own problems.
Does the air handler have to match?
Yes. Match the air handler or coil to the outdoor unit.
Get your system replaced.
Tell us a little about your home and what you're replacing. A specialist will call you to work out exactly what you need, go over the price, and get it replaced. No obligation.