Compact 5 ton AC for narrow outside area?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I'm in San Diego, CA

We generally don't need AC but these past few years, the weather has changed quite a bit. Since I'm getting solar soon, we are thinking to go central AC.

Turns out my side area is only 56" wide. My friend's 5 ton takes up 40" (36" wide condenser plus 4" wall space) but that will be too big for my area.

What options do I have? It seems like there are compact condensers but I don't know much about them. In general, how's the reliability and price compared to the standard box versions?

Do you folks think Rheem is ok for low yearly use? I think we'll use it a couple months night use per year. I've heard their reliability is so so. It appears the evaporator coils are aluminum but outside coils are copper. I know there were issues/lawsuits some 7 years ago, but not sure if things have changed.

I've heard good things about Carrier, but I hear they will be more expensive. I haven't started getting proposals, but I'm gearing up with some info first.

Thanks

Featured Answer

Elmer J Fudd

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Carrier/Bryant offers an outside condenser unit that's tall and wide rather than cube shaped that will fit your space. I had one installed (but smaller, 2 ton size) about two years ago and it's relatively quiet and works fine. It looks like this:

A quick note, the normal way it's installed has it blowing against the building, I had them turn it around so as to blow the warm air away from the building's exterior wall.

Edit for PS - this was installed in San Diego. Message me, I can recommend a great HVAC contractor.

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Comments (6)

mike_home
5 years ago
I highly doubt you need a 5 ton unit. How large is your house? How do you currently heat the house and does the house have duct work?

First thing you need to figure out is what type of cooling system can be retrofitted to your existing house. Installing a mini split with multiple heads may be a good option. The equipment has to be properly sized. For their the size of the foot print of the outside equipment can be determined.
Dan K thanked mike_home
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Dan K
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the input folks. I have a 2800+ sf home, 2 story, with half upstairs vaulted ceilings with a skylight. it's 30 years old plus so not the greatest insulation. A bunch of window face SW too and half are single pane so they do pickup heat in the afternoon on those crazy hot days.

My neighbors have the same floorplan, and were sized with a 5 ton however they have a 6' walkway on the side, whereas mine is 56".

Yeah...the compact unit someone pointed out looks good. I'm talking with a Carrier installer in a few weeks, so let's see but I'm hoping most brands have different options.
Dan K
Original Author
5 years ago
house has ducts and is preplumbed for AC. currently have a 30+ year old heater only.

I thought about the minisplits...however wife says no go with the bulky head units so central AC it is. Trying to maximize benefits since we are trying to go solar...but lots of logistics going(reroof, eve work, painting, etc).
Stax
5 years ago
May not be limiting, but some, if not all, "slim" units have different clearance requirements depending on which side faces wall.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
True stax. I don't have the specs but I know it can be about 6 inches from an exterior wall and blow against it in its normal configuration. How I asked to have it installed (and the contractor said fine, he did it in each direction about half the time), it's about six inches from the wall but it blows away from it. It's clear air in front of it but not behind as mine is oriented.

Any contractor will be able to let the OP know what pieces of equipment can go where to comply with the manufacturers specs and what may need to be done to meet his requirements. Of course an AC condenser doesn't need cool air to function, just air flow. If they needed cool air, they wouldn't work on hot days.