Does Size Matter?

[exploreparadise2]

Here's a photo of two new Bryant condensing units. The smaller unit on the left is rated at 4 tons and is charged with 7.95 lbs of R410A. The larger unit on the right is rated at 3 tons and is charged with 5.25 lbs of R410A. I double-checked the data plates. So why would the smaller unit have a higher rating? I couldn't visually discern a difference in the compressor sizes. Any explanations?

Yes, I will be commenting on the disconnect switches installed behind the units.

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[John Dirks Jr]

Could the smaller unit be an air conditioner only, and the larger unit be a heat pump which does both? I bet that's it. The function capability is mainly the reason for the size difference. i bet if you look down inside each you would see that the larger one has a reversing valve and the smaller one does not.

[exploreparadise2]

I looked for reversing valves and didn't see them. Each is connected to a gas furnace/evaporator unit, one in the garage and one in the attic.

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556.84 KB. Here are the data plates. They're readable if you double click on the photos to enlarge.

[John Dirks Jr]

Another thing to look at is the actual area of the core. The case of the larger unit may only be louvered on three sides where the case on the smaller one is open all the way around. It's possible for a smaller case to house a core with a larger surface area.

[JEuriech]

Are they both the same SEER rating?

Jeff Euriech

Peoria Arizona

[inspector57]

Physical size bears little relationship to cooling capacity.