Is the air handler and duct work for the second floor system all located in the attic? How well did the second floor AC work on a 95 degree day? I think 2 tons for 1963 sq. feet for the second floor with duct work in the attic is undersized. I think you need at least 2.5 tons.

On the other hand I 3 tons is over sized for the first floor and basement. You currently have a 2 ton condenser with a 80K BTU furnace. I suggest you stay at 2 tons and reduce the furnace to a 60K BTU at 95%+ efficiency. Your basement is mostly underground. Therefore it requires no coolng and very little heating. You should not be increasing the sizes in order to heat and cool a future finished basement. You could add a zone for the basement, if you want better temperature control.

Hi Mike_Home,

Thank you for your suggestions for my new HVAC system in Zone 4 (VA). The Attic Air Handler (Down Flow) and outside Heat Pump is allocated only for the Second floor (1963 Sq. ft) and your advice to choose 2.5 Ton from 2.0 Ton is justified.

The Old Carrier Furnace (UP Flow) in the basement with 80K BTU, 90% AFUE, and 2 Ton AC outside serves for First Floor (1545 Sq. ft) and Unfinished basement 1500 Sq. ft. I plan on adding a finished basement later with a small bedroom. What is your advice to pick a furnace and AC for First Floor and Basement.

Appreciate all your help!

I agree with Mike‘s suggestions specifically about 2 1/2 Ton HP for upstairs and going to a 60 K furnace for downstairs. I would want a filter media cabinet for downstairs system. If you are thinking about finishing off basement area,I would discuss with dealer and make some preliminary plans. Is basement below grade? I probably would opt for zoning control and might consider a 2 stage AC condenser for downstairs system.

TD

A 2-stage AC for the first floor would also be might first choice especially if you are going to stay at 3 tons. The prices you are being quoted seem high considering this is single stage equipment. Have you gotten any other quotes for similar equipment? Can you wait until the fall when prices are a little better and rebates may be available?

Thank you Tigerdunes and Mike_Home for your inputs.

Can you give some suggestions and cost involved for zoning control. Which Two stage Trane model will suit first floor and basement. Wish you safe your family and friends.

I would recommend the 3 Ton XR17 AC condenser but you will need to change the furnace to a two stage var speed model. There are several choices available. Discuss with your quoting dealer.

TD

It is difficult to say how much it will cost to add a zone for the basement. I would guess it is in the $1000-$2000 range. I am not sure it is worth the additional money. The basement is unlikely to ever call for cooling unless you have a cool to dehumidify thermostat. In the winter there may be time the sun is warming up the first floor and the basement may be a degree or two colder. I don't have a separate zone for my finished basement. Once in the while in the winter I will use an electric heater to warm up the finished area which is about 550 sq. feet. It does not much heat to raise the temperature two degrees.

Wouldnt hurt to get a ManualJ done to confirm the sizing, or at least give you a baseline.

It looks like you have gas? So these should not be heat pumps?

for weed,

it‘s not unusual to put a HP in for a second floor install...nat gas furnace for main floor...

TD