Had an hvac specialist size up my home which was built in 95 for central AC. He said 3 tons would be plenty. It's a colonial with 1450 sq ft. this was not including the basement, stays cool enough down stairs. Duct work is insulated. We have 2 returns one on 1st and 2nd fl., which I understand is ok for heat, but a/c should really have a return in each room. There's thermal pane windows, an a high r value of insulation. They told me I can save $300 on installation if I do the wiring, the price was $2400., that's the condensor, A-coil and AC lines.
They told me a house like mine is basically 1 ton per 500 sq ft of floor space.
[This message has been edited by Wirenuttt (edited 01-01-2003).]