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The 3-Ton System Checklist: Samantha’s 20 Red Flags Hidden in Most Installation Quotes

By Samantha Reyes

Introduction — The Quote Is the Trap (If You Don’t Know What to Look For)

Every week, I see homeowners comparing AC installation quotes the same way:

price
brand
SEER2 rating
tonnage

And guess what?

None of those things tell you whether the installation will be good.

Every contractor can install the same 3-ton system—but the quality varies wildly.

Some quotes intentionally leave things out.
Some hide shortcuts in vague language.
Some skip materials that are absolutely necessary.
Some skip labor that prevents future breakdowns.
Some skip code-required upgrades.
Some leave “surprise costs” for install day.
And some skip airflow testing entirely.

After 14 years in the field, here is the truth:

Your installation quality—not your equipment—determines 80% of system performance.

If your quote hides the wrong thing, your comfort, noise, airflow, efficiency, humidity, and equipment life all suffer.

So today, I’m giving you:

Samantha’s 20-Point Red-Flag Checklist — every line item you MUST verify before saying yes to that quote.

Let’s protect your home and your wallet.

Section 1 — Red Flag #1: “Use Existing Line Set”

If your quote says:

“Reuse existing line set”
or
“Line set included—may reuse existing”

…that is a major red flag.

Why it matters:

Old line sets often contain oil from the previous refrigerant
Old line sets can leak
They may be kinked
They may not be properly insulated
They may be undersized

For R-32 and R-410A systems, line sets must match manufacturer specs.

EPA guidance on refrigerant contamination makes this a serious issue.

Your quote must include:

new line set
OR line-set flushing with a chemical flush kit
OR line-set replacement if accessible

If it doesn’t?
Run.

Section 2 — Red Flag #2: No Mention of Line-Set Length

Every AC system has a maximum line-set length allowed.

If your quote doesn’t clarify:

included length
additional cost per foot
whether your current length is within spec

…expect a surprise bill on installation day.

Section 3 — Red Flag #3: No Mention of Pad Leveling or Pad Replacement

Most installers reuse old condenser pads.
Big mistake.

A condenser sitting on a tilted pad will:

vibrate
be louder
wear the fan motor prematurely
disrupt refrigerant oil return
shift during storms

Quotes should include:

new pad or leveling
hurricane straps if required
or vibration isolation pads

If they don’t?
That’s a shortcut.

Section 4 — Red Flag #4: “Install New Disconnect (If Needed)”

This vague phrase leads to upcharges.

A proper quote must specify:

disconnect replacement
whip replacement
conduit
breakers
surge protection (if included)

NEC code requires proper disconnect sizing.

Section 5 — Red Flag #5: No Breaker Upgrade or Verification

A new 3-ton system often needs:

different breaker size
different wire gauge
updated disconnect
updated whip

If your quote doesn’t mention electrical changes, they will appear later — with a premium price tag.

Section 6 — Red Flag #6: No Mention of Thermostat Compatibility

Two-stage and variable-speed systems require:

multi-stage thermostats
updated thermostat wiring
possibly adding a “C-wire”

If your quote includes a two-stage system but lists a basic single-stage thermostat?

Your staging won’t work.

Section 7 — Red Flag #7: “Startup Only — No Commissioning”

This is my biggest pet peeve.

A quote that says “start up” means:

connect
turn on
make sure it blows cold
leave

A proper commissioning includes:

static pressure testing
CFM verification
charge verification
temperature split testing
blower speed tuning
TXV performance check
checking for duct leakage

If commissioning is missing, your system will never reach its full potential.

Section 8 — Red Flag #8: No Charge Verification Method Listed

3-ton systems REQUIRE:

subcooling tests
superheat tests
or manufacturer charge tables

If your quote includes language like:

“Charge refrigerant as needed”

…without specifying:

“charge per manufacturer specs”
“charge based on superheat/subcooling”

…it’s a shortcut that leads to:

poor performance
short cycling
coil freeze
high bills

EPA requires proper handling of refrigerants.

Section 9 — Red Flag #9: “Install Air Handler in Existing Position”

This hides problems.

Air handlers often require:

repositioning
raising
leveling
adjusting drain slope
adjusting return configuration

If the quote doesn’t include:

leveling
orientation
vibration isolation
float switch installation

…it’s a rushed job.

Section 10 — Red Flag #10: No Mention of Drain Safety Device

Every modern air handler should have:

a float switch
primary drain trap
secondary drain
or a pan sensor (for attic installs)

If your quote leaves this out, your ceiling is at risk.

Section 11 — Red Flag #11: “Reconnect to Existing Ductwork”

This phrase is dangerous.

Ductwork must be evaluated for:

static pressure
return size
supply size
leakage
insulation
plenum compatibility
airflow capacity

Most 3-ton systems deliver only 2.3–2.6 tons due to bad ductwork.

Your quote must include:

static pressure measurement
duct inspection
return sizing evaluation

If it doesn’t?
The new system can’t breathe.

Section 12 — Red Flag #12: Stamped Return Grilles (No Upgrade Listed)

Stamped grilles restrict airflow.

For a 3-ton system you need:

high-flow grilles
large return areas
possibly multiple returns

If the quote doesn’t include this?
Expect noise and poor airflow.

Section 13 — Red Flag #13: No Mention of Filter Type or Filter Rack

If your quote doesn’t specify:

filter size
filter type
filter rack upgrade
filter location

You may end up with:

hard to reach filters
wrong MERV level
airflow issues
unnecessary noise

ENERGY STAR warns about restrictive filters causing airflow issues.

Section 14 — Red Flag #14: No Surge Protection (But High-SEER Equipment)

High-efficiency systems (especially two-stage/variable) NEED surge protection.

Your quote should include:

whole-home surge protector
OR inline AC surge protector

If not, electronics inside the system are vulnerable.

Section 15 — Red Flag #15: Vague Warranty Language

Watch out for quotes that say:

“10-year warranty available”
“warranty registration by homeowner”
“parts warranty from manufacturer”

You MUST clarify:

labor warranty duration
parts warranty
compressor warranty
registration requirements
void conditions

Manufacturers often require registration to activate 10-year warranties.

Section 16 — Red Flag #16: No Mention of Refrigerant Line Insulation Upgrade

Old insulation degrades.

Quotes should include:

new insulation
UV-resistant insulation for outdoor lines
proper sealing

If they leave this out, performance suffers.

Section 17 — Red Flag #17: No Mention of Plenum Work

If your new air handler differs in size or shape, your plenum must be modified.

If the quote assumes compatibility…
…it’s hiding a surprise charge.

Section 18 — Red Flag #18: No Permits Listed

Any reputable contractor includes:

permit fees
code updates
inspection scheduling

If permits are missing, they may be cutting corners.

Section 19 — Red Flag #19: No Removal or Disposal Fee

Yes — many companies sneak this in later.

Your quote should include:

removal of old equipment
disposal of refrigerant
responsible environmental handling

Section 20 — Red Flag #20: No Mention of Airflow Testing

This is the BIG ONE.

If your quote says nothing about:

airflow
static pressure
CFM
duct evaluation
balancing
blower speed tuning

…your new system may perform exactly as poorly as your old one.

This is the #1 difference between a “box swapper” contractor and a real professional.

Final Samantha Verdict — The Price Doesn’t Matter If the Quote Is Wrong

Here’s what decades of field experience have taught me:

You don’t buy an AC system — you buy an installation.

A properly installed basic 14.3 SEER2 system can outperform a poorly installed 20 SEER2 one.

A properly installed single-stage system can outperform a poorly installed two-stage one.

A properly installed R-410A system can outperform a poorly installed R-32 system.

And yes — a properly installed 3 Ton Air Conditioner with Air Handler Systems will outperform almost any other setup if the ductwork, charge, airflow, and electrical components are correct.

Before you sign ANYTHING:

Go line-by-line through these 20 red flags.
Fix the quote.
Fix the install.
Fix the airflow.
And your home will finally feel the way you deserve.

Tags: Smart comfort by samantha