I built my house back in 2014, and it originally had a 3-ton AC unit that was set up for three separate zones. I've recently upgraded to a 5-ton Lennox variable-speed system because I learned that my previous setup was undersized for my 2810 sq ft home. I'm wondering if I need to replace my ductwork with this new system, and if so, what might be the expected cost in Austin, Texas? I received a quote for about $9200.
3 Answers
Generally, a larger AC unit does require good airflow, which sometimes means you need bigger ducts. It might be worth checking with an HVAC tech to assess your current ducts' size and see if they’ll handle the new system.
I’d suggest waiting a bit to see how your system performs. If you start to notice problems with airflow or cooling efficiency, that might be the time to reconsider replacing the ductwork.
It sounds like your ductwork might still be fine, but it really depends on how the new system is performing. If you're not seeing any airflow issues or temperature inconsistencies, you might not need to change anything. Just keep an eye on it for now.