Best 3.5 Ton AC Unit Guide

When the weather starts to heat up, there’s nothing nicer than coming home to a nice, cool house, is there?

If your old AC unit isn’t cutting it anymore, it might be time to invest in a new one. But with so many different models on the market, which one should you buy? To help make your decision easier, I’ve put together a guide on the best 3.5-ton AC units available right now, in my opinion.

Throughout my years of working as a HVAC design engineer in New York City, its safe too say I’ve seen what works well, and what does not! Stay cool this summer with one of these units!

Bottom line:

Although a 3.5 ton air conditioner may seem like overkill for some homes, it is actually the perfect size for many families. Not only does it provide cool air during the hottest days of summer, but it also eliminates the need for a second smaller unit. This can save you money in the long run, as well as keep your home more comfortable.

The Goodman 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Air Conditioner Model: GSX160421 is my top pick for the best 3.5 ton AC unit. It is Energy Star certified and features a two-stage scroll compressor, which makes it very efficient. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year warranty on parts and labor, so you can be sure it will last for many years to come. 

Top Picks

• Goodman 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Air Conditioner Model: GSX160421 – Best Overall Option
• MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner – Best Budget Option
• Goodman 3.5 Ton 14 Seer 80,000 Btu 81% Afue Gas Package Air Conditioner GPG1442080M41 – Best Gas Option

What Size AC Unit Do I Need?

Air conditioner units are measured in tons. A “ton” is simply a unit of measurement that equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. The size of the AC unit you need is determined by a variety of factors, most notably the square footage of your home.

In general, a one-ton unit will cool about 400 square feet, so you can use this as a rough estimate when shopping for an air conditioner. However, there are other important factors to consider when choosing an AC unit, such as the climate you live in and the level of insulation in your home.

If you live in a hot climate or your home is not well insulated, you may need a larger AC unit to keep your home cool and comfortable.

When it comes to AC units, bigger is not always better. A larger AC unit will cool your home faster, but it will also use more energy and cost more to operate. That’s why it’s important to choose the right size air conditioner for your needs.

Continue reading related guides based on AC Unit Sizes:

• Best 1.5-Ton AC Units
• Best 4-Ton AC Units
• Best 5-Ton AC Units

How Are Air Conditioners Rated?

Most air conditioners are rated according to their cooling capacity, which is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or tons. The higher the BTU or ton rating, the larger the cooling capacity of the unit.

They are also rated by their SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a measure of how much cooling the unit produces for each unit of energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.

Cooling Capacity

There are a few things that affect an air conditioner’s cooling capacity, such as the size of the unit, the type of refrigerant it uses, and the ambient temperature. The most important factor, however, is the unit’s size. A larger unit will have a higher cooling capacity than a smaller one.

The type of refrigerant an air conditioner uses also affects its cooling capacity. Freon is a common type of refrigerant used in air conditioners. It is very efficient at cooling, but it is also expensive.

Finally, the ambient temperature also affects an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. The warmer it is outside, the harder it will be for the air conditioner to cool a room.

Keep these factors in mind when you are shopping for an air conditioner. Make sure to choose a unit that is the right size for your needs and that uses an efficient refrigerant. Also, keep in mind that the ambient temperature can affect an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. Choose a unit that is designed to work well in your climate.

SEER Rating

For central air conditioners, SEER is a valuable tool for comparing different models before you buy. All else being equal, a unit with a higher SEER rating will cost less to operate and could save you hundreds of dollars over its lifetime.

While SEER is important, it’s only one factor to consider when purchasing an air conditioner. Other important factors include:

• Size – An air conditioner that’s too small or too large for your home will be less efficient and won’t cool your home properly.
• Energy efficiency – In addition to SEER, look for an air conditioner with a high energy efficiency rating (EER). The EER is a measure of cooling efficiency at a single point in time, so it doesn’t take seasonal variation into account.
• Features – Some air conditioners come with features that can improve their efficiency, such as variable-speed fans and two-stage compressors.
• Installation – A poorly installed air conditioner will never operate as efficiently as it should. Make sure you hire a qualified contractor to do the job.

Estimate The Right-Size AC Unit For Your Square Footage

Sizing an AC unit is not a simple task. There are a lot of factors that go into it, and it’s important to get it right the first time. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting money on an AC unit that’s either too big or too small for your home. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true methods for sizing an AC unit.

The first thing you need to do is measure the square footage of the area you want to cool. This is important because it will give you a baseline for choosing the right-size AC unit. Once you have the square footage, you need to take into account the following factors:

• The climate in your area: If you live in a hot and humid climate, you’ll need a larger AC unit than if you live in a cooler climate.
• The amount of sun exposure: If your home gets a lot of sunlight, it will be harder to keep cool than if it doesn’t get much sun exposure.
• The number of people in your household: The more people there are in your household, the more heat they will generate.
• The type of insulation in your home: If you have good insulation, it will be easier to keep your home cool than if you have poor insulation.
• The type of windows in your home: If you have double-paned windows, they will help to keep the heat out better than single-paned windows.

Once you’ve taken all of these factors into account, you can then use a sizing chart to estimate the right-size AC unit for your square footage, these charts are available online!

AC Unit Size Load Calculation

If you want your air conditioner to work properly and efficiently, it’s important to have a professional load calculation done before you make your purchase.

So, what is a load calculation? Simply put, this type of calculation takes into account the specific cooling needs of your home in order to determine the best size air conditioner for the job. A professional load calculation looks at a variety of factors, such as:

• The square footage of your home
• The number of windows and doors in your home
• The type of insulation you have
• The climate you live in
• The orientation of your home (north, south, east, west)

All of these factors play a role in how much heat enters your home on a daily basis, which in turn affects the size air conditioner you need. For example, a home in the southern part of the United States will require a different size unit than a home in the northern part of the country.

A professional load calculation is the best way to ensure that you purchase the right size air conditioner for your home. Not only will this help to keep your energy bills down, but it will also prolong the life of your unit.

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, be sure to have a professional load calculation done before making your purchase. It could end up saving you money and headaches down the road!

Best 3.5 Ton AC Units on The Market Right Now

3.5 ton air conditioners are some of the most popular units on the market. They offer a perfect balance between power and efficiency and can easily cool a large space.

There are many different 3.5 ton AC units on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. To help you make your decision, I’ve put together a list of the best 3.5 ton AC units on the market right now.

Selection Criteria

To create this list of the best 3.5 ton AC units on the market, there were a number of criteria that I considered to ensure that I selected the best units possible.

Some of the key criteria that I looked at included:

• The unit’s energy efficiency: Another important criterion to consider when selecting an AC unit is its energy efficiency. A more energy-efficient unit will cost less to operate and will help to reduce your carbon footprint.
• The unit’s features: When selecting an AC unit, you should also consider the features that it offers. Some units come with special features like air filtration or noise reduction, which can be beneficial.
• The unit’s price: Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the AC unit when making your selection. units with a higher price tag tend to offer more features and better performance, but you’ll want to strike a balance between price and quality to get the best value for your money.

With all of these factors in mind, I believe that the units on this list are the best 3.5 ton AC units on the market right now.

Goodman 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Air Conditioner Model: GSX160421

The Goodman GSX160421 air conditioner is one of the most popular and best-selling 3.5 ton AC units on the market right now. There are many reasons why this unit is so popular, but the main reason is because it is an extremely efficient and powerful air conditioner that can cool down a large space very quickly.

This unit has a 16 SEER rating, which means that it is one of the most energy efficient AC units on the market. It uses less energy to cool down your home, which will save you money on your energy bills each month. In addition, this unit is also very quiet, so you won’t have to worry about it disturbing your peace and quiet.

Another reason why the Goodman GSX160421 is so popular is because it comes with a very good warranty. The unit has a 10-year warranty on parts and labor, which is much longer than most other AC units on the market. This means that you can rest assured knowing that your investment is protected in case something goes wrong with the unit.

Overall, the Goodman GSX160421 is one of the best 3.5-ton AC units on the market right now. It is an extremely efficient and powerful air conditioner that is also very quiet and comes with a great warranty. If you are looking for a reliable AC unit that can cool down your home quickly and efficiently, then this is the unit for you.

PROS

• Energy efficient – The Goodman 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Air Conditioner is one of the most energy efficient models on the market.
• Quiet operation – This air conditioner model features quiet operation, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid any unwanted noise.
• Durable construction – With its durable construction, this unit is built to last and provide years of reliable cooling performance.

CONS

• Higher price tag – While the Goodman 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Air Conditioner is a high-quality unit, it does come with a higher price tag than some other models on the market.
• Installation – This unit may require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost of the unit.

MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner

The MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner is one of the most powerful units in its class, but it’s also very efficient thanks to its 14 SEER rating. This means that you’ll be able to cool your home quickly and efficiently, without having to worry about sky-high energy bills.

This AC unit is designed for durability, with a corrosion-resistant condenser coil and heavy-duty construction throughout. This means that it should be able to withstand the elements and keep on running for many years to come.

When you choose the MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner, you’ll also get a fantastic 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

Given all of the features and benefits that come with the MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner, it’s an extremely good value for the money. When you compare it to other units in its class, you’ll see that it offers a lot of bang for your buck.

If you’re looking for a top-quality and affordable 3.5 ton air conditioner unit, the MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner should definitely be at the top of your list.

Pros

• The MRCOOL Pro Direct Residential 3.5-Ton 42000-BTU 14-Seer Central Air Conditioner is very efficient. It will save you money on your energy bills each month.
• This unit is also very durable. It is built to last for many years without any problems.
• The unit is also very easy to install. You will not have to hire a professional to do it for you.

Cons

• This unit has been said to be loud. Some people have complained that it is too loud for their homes.
• The unit is also very large. It may not fit in your home if you do not have a lot of space.

Goodman 3.5 Ton 14 Seer 80,000 Btu 81% Afue Gas Package Air Conditioner GPG1442080M41

The Goodman 3.5 Ton 14 Seer 80,000 Btu 81% Afue Gas Package Air Conditioner GPG1442080M41 is one of the best options on the market right now, and here’s why:

The Goodman GPG1442080M41 has an 80,000 BTU capacity, which makes it powerful enough to cool even the largest rooms.

This AC unit also features an 81% AFUE rating, meaning that it is one of the most efficient gas package air conditioners on the market.

This AC unit has a 14 SEER rating, which means it is highly energy efficient and will help you save money on your energy bills.

The Goodman GPG1442080M41 also comes with a 10-year warranty, which is double the industry standard. This shows that Goodman stands behind their product and ensures that it will last for many years to come.

Overall, the Goodman GPG1442080M41 is one of the best gas 3.5-ton air conditioners on the market right now. It is energy efficient, powerful, and comes with a great warranty. If you are in the market for a new AC unit, this is one that you should definitely consider.

Pros

• The Goodman 3.5 Ton 14 Seer air conditioner is one of the most energy efficient models on the market
• This air conditioner also features a two-stage cooling system
• The Goodman 3.5 Ton 14 Seer air conditioner also features a ten-year warranty

Cons

• This unit is a bit more expensive than most of the other air conditioners on the market.
• This air conditioner is not available in all areas, so you may not be able to find it if you live in a remote location.

3.5 Ton 16 Seer Direct Comfort Heat Pump Condenser

If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient 3.5 ton AC unit, the Direct Comfort 16 Seer Heat Pump Condenser is a great option. It’s one of the most popular models on the market right now, and for good reason – it’s packed with features that make it a top performer.

Here’s a look at some of the things that make the Direct Comfort 16 Seer Heat Pump Condenser stand out:

• Outstanding Efficiency Rating: This unit has a 16 SEER rating, which makes it one of the most efficient 3.5 ton AC units on the market. This high efficiency rating means that you’ll save money on your energy bills each month, and it also helps the unit to cool your home more effectively.
• Powerful Compressor: The compressor in this unit is designed to provide powerful and efficient cooling, making it a great option for larger homes or homes that experience hot weather conditions.
• Durable Construction: The Direct Comfort 16 Seer Heat Pump Condenser is built to last, with a durable design that can withstand the elements. This unit is also backed by a 10-year warranty, so you can be confident in its quality and performance.
• Easy Installation: This unit is designed for easy installation, and comes with everything you need for a quick and simple setup process.

Pros

• Energy Star qualified
• High SEER rating
• Offers a variety of features including multi-speed fans and compressors, programmable thermostats, and more
• Backed by a good warranty

Cons

• Some have found that the unit is noisy
• The compressor may not last as long as some other brands
• The price may be higher than some other brands

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Ryan Clancy

Ryan joined the HVAC career when he took a position as a mechanical design engineer in NYC. He loved helping customers find the right system for their homes, along with being able to see some of the most beautiful penthouses and apartments in Manhattan.

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