Buying guide · Glossary · Brand comparison
The HVAC buying guide: how to size, match and choose a system
A plain-English guide to buying a central air conditioner or heat pump the right way, from sizing and efficiency to refrigerant and brand choice. Written by the team at Best AC & Wholesale, where you can buy Goodman, Amana and Daikin equipment at true wholesale pricing with same-day pickup in Fort Myers, FL.
How to choose the right system in four steps
- Size the system with a load calculation. Bigger is not better. An oversized air conditioner short-cycles, wastes energy and leaves your home humid. As a rough Florida starting point, plan on 400 to 600 square feet per ton, then confirm with a Manual J load calculation that factors in insulation, ceiling height, windows, orientation and sun exposure.
- Match the indoor and outdoor units. A central system is two halves: an outdoor condenser or heat pump and an indoor air handler or evaporator coil. They must be the same tonnage and rated together as a matched pair to reach the published efficiency and keep the manufacturer warranty valid.
- Pick an efficiency level. Higher SEER2 lowers your power bill but costs more upfront. Florida requires at least 14.3 SEER2 on new single-stage systems; 14.3 to 16 SEER2 is the value sweet spot for most homes. Two-stage and variable-speed systems add better humidity control and quieter operation.
- Confirm the refrigerant and warranty. New equipment uses low-GWP R-32 refrigerant, which replaced R-410A. Register the system after install to unlock the full parts warranty, which generally requires a licensed installer.
What size AC do I need? Tonnage and coverage
Cooling capacity is measured in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU per hour). This table is a Florida starting point only; always confirm with a Manual J calculation before buying.
| System size | Cooling capacity | Approx. home size (FL) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | 24,000 BTU | 900 to 1,200 sq ft |
| 2.5 ton | 30,000 BTU | 1,200 to 1,500 sq ft |
| 3 ton | 36,000 BTU | 1,500 to 1,800 sq ft |
| 3.5 ton | 42,000 BTU | 1,800 to 2,100 sq ft |
| 4 ton | 48,000 BTU | 2,100 to 2,400 sq ft |
| 5 ton | 60,000 BTU | 2,400 to 3,000 sq ft |
HVAC glossary: the terms that matter
- SEER2
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, the current federal test standard for cooling efficiency. Higher is more efficient. Florida requires a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 (about 15 SEER) on new single-stage central systems.
- HSPF2
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2, the efficiency rating for a heat pump in heating mode. Higher means lower heating costs.
- Ton / BTU
- A ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour of heat removal. A 3-ton system moves 36,000 BTU per hour. Tonnage is how HVAC capacity is sized, not the physical weight.
- R-32
- The current low global-warming-potential refrigerant used in new residential systems. It is more efficient and has a far lower GWP than the R-410A it replaced.
- R-410A
- The previous-generation refrigerant, being phased out on new equipment. Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced.
- Condenser
- The outdoor unit of a split system. It contains the compressor and rejects heat outside. It must be matched to an indoor coil or air handler.
- Air handler
- The indoor unit that moves conditioned air through your ducts. It houses the blower and evaporator coil and pairs with the outdoor condenser or heat pump.
- Heat pump
- An outdoor unit that both cools and heats by reversing refrigerant flow. Ideal for Florida, where it handles cooling all summer and efficient heating on cool nights.
- Matched system
- An outdoor and indoor unit of the same tonnage that are rated together (AHRI matched). Only matched systems hit their published SEER2 and keep the full warranty.
- Single, two-stage and variable-speed
- Compressor types. Single-stage runs full blast or off. Two-stage adds a lower gear for milder days. Variable-speed modulates continuously for the best comfort, humidity control and efficiency.
- Manual J
- The industry-standard load calculation that determines exactly how much heating and cooling a specific home needs, so the system is sized correctly rather than by rule of thumb.
- AFUE
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, the rating for gas furnaces. A 96% AFUE furnace turns 96% of its fuel into usable heat.
Goodman vs Amana vs Daikin: which brand is right for you?
All three brands are built by Daikin, the world's largest HVAC manufacturer, and share core engineering. The difference is tier, warranty and price. Here is how they compare.
| Brand | Position | Warranty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | Best value | 10-year parts limited (with registration) | Buyers who want reliable, no-frills comfort at the lowest price |
| Amana | Premium, American-built | Up to lifetime unit replacement on select models | Buyers who want the strongest warranty and premium build |
| Daikin | Premium efficiency | Up to 12-year parts limited | Buyers who want the world's number one AC brand and top efficiency |
Not sure which fits? Get a free wholesale quote and our team will spec a matched system for your home and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size AC I need?
As a rough Florida guideline, plan on 400 to 600 square feet per ton, so a 2.5-ton system suits roughly 1,200 to 1,500 sq ft. Always confirm with a Manual J load calculation, since insulation, ceiling height, windows and sun exposure change the answer. Oversizing hurts humidity control.
Do the indoor and outdoor units have to match?
Yes. The outdoor condenser or heat pump and the indoor air handler or coil must be the same tonnage and rated together as a matched pair. Mismatched equipment loses efficiency and can void the manufacturer warranty.
What SEER2 rating do I need in Florida?
Florida requires at least 14.3 SEER2 (about 15 SEER) on new single-stage central systems. For most homes, 14.3 to 16 SEER2 is the value sweet spot; higher ratings cut power bills but cost more upfront.
Is R-32 better than R-410A?
R-32 is the newer refrigerant on all new systems. It is more energy efficient and has a much lower global-warming potential than R-410A. Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced.
Should I buy a heat pump or an air conditioner in Florida?
For most Florida homes a heat pump is the better choice. It cools all summer just like an AC and also provides efficient heating on cool nights, usually for a small price difference.
Can I pick up equipment in Fort Myers?
Yes. In-stock units are available for same-day pickup at our Fort Myers, FL warehouse, with no shipping wait or freight cost. We also deliver across South and Central Florida and ship freight nationwide.