Hey everyone, Jake Lawson here. If you’ve been shopping around for cooling systems, you might be considering a Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle at The Furnace Outlet and wondering how it compares to mini splits. Specifically, you're probably thinking: "What size mini split should I get? Is it better than the Goodman system, or should I go with a larger, centralized air conditioning system for my home?" These are great questions, and in this blog, I’ll walk you through the mini split sizes and how they compare to the Goodman 3-Ton bundle.
Why Talk About “Mini Split Sizes”?
First off, when we’re talking about "mini split sizes" or "mini split AC sizes," we’re referring to the cooling capacity of mini split systems, usually measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or tons. The trend of switching from traditional ducted systems to ductless mini splits has been growing because of their flexibility, efficiency, and zoning capabilities. However, choosing the right size is crucial to get the best performance out of any system. The last thing you want is an undersized or oversized unit that doesn’t deliver adequate cooling or wastes energy.
When people ask, “What size mini split do I need?” they are essentially asking: “How much cooling capacity (BTUs/tons) do I need for my space?” We’ll break down how to size mini splits properly and how that stacks up against the Goodman 3-Ton bundle.
How Mini Split AC Sizes Are Determined
BTUs and Square Footage
Mini split systems are sized based on their cooling/heating output, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or tonnage (1 ton = 12,000 BTU). Generally, a 12,000 BTU mini split (roughly 1 ton) can cool an area of about 400-600 square feet in average conditions (Trane). Here’s a quick breakdown:
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6,000 BTU: ~200-300 sq. ft
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9,000 BTU: ~300-450 sq. ft
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12,000 BTU (~1 ton): ~400-600 sq. ft
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18,000 BTU (~1.5-2 tons): ~650-1,000 sq. ft
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24,000 BTU (~2 tons): ~1,000-1,500 sq. ft
But there are many factors that can impact this estimate. For example, the climate in your area, ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure all play a role in determining what size you need. As you can see, mini split sizing can vary based on these variables, which is why it's essential to get the right information before making a purchase.
For more accurate estimates, check out an in-depth guide on mini split sizing from Senville (Senville).
Factors That Affect Mini Split Size
While square footage is the most common factor in determining the size of your mini split, other variables can make a big difference:
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Ceiling Height: If your space has high ceilings, you’ll need more capacity. Higher ceilings mean more air volume to cool, so your cooling load increases.
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Insulation & Building Envelope: Poor insulation means heat can escape, causing the unit to work harder and requiring a larger size.
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Windows & Sun Exposure: A room with large windows, particularly facing the sun, will absorb more heat and require more cooling capacity.
For more details on what to consider when sizing your mini split, visit HVACDirect (HVACDirect).
Standard Mini Split Sizes
Now let’s dive into the different mini split AC sizes you’ll find on the market. Here’s a quick chart of common sizes for single-zone systems:
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6,000 BTU: ~200-300 sq. ft
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9,000 BTU: ~300-450 sq. ft
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12,000 BTU (~1 ton): ~400-600 sq. ft
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18,000 BTU (~1.5-2 tons): ~650-1,000 sq. ft
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24,000 BTU (~2 tons): ~1,000-1,500 sq. ft
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30,000-36,000 BTU: ~1,500-2,000 sq. ft
It’s essential to match the size of the mini split with the square footage and conditions of your home. For larger areas or homes with multiple rooms, a multi-zone mini split system can be a good option, where multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit.
Comparing Mini Split Sizes to the Goodman 3-Ton Bundle
So, how does the Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle compare? The Goodman system is designed to cool a whole home, and with 3 tons (36,000 BTUs) of capacity, it’s a larger, more centralized system compared to a mini split. Typically, a 3-ton system is suitable for homes around 1,200 to 1,400 sq. ft, depending on insulation and other factors.
If you’re considering a mini split for the same size home, you might opt for a multi-zone mini split system that covers the entire house or install a single-zone mini split of similar capacity. The main difference here is that Goodman’s 3-Ton bundle uses ducts and is a central system, while a mini split operates without ducts, offering more flexibility and zone control. However, the central system may be a better choice if you need uniform cooling across multiple rooms or prefer a system that integrates seamlessly with your home’s existing ducts.
Why You Might Choose the Goodman 3-Ton Bundle Over Mini Splits
If you live in a home of average size with a good amount of insulation and existing ducts, then the Goodman 3-Ton system might be the right fit. Here are a few reasons why:
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Whole-home cooling: A central system like Goodman’s 3-Ton bundle is ideal for homes that need consistent cooling throughout. It’s a good option if you have a lot of rooms to cool and want a simpler system with one thermostat and centralized control.
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Larger cooling capacity: With 36,000 BTUs of cooling power, this system is a solid option for homes with more square footage or larger rooms.
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Better for existing ductwork: If your home already has ducts, you can save on installation costs by opting for a central air system like the Goodman 3-Ton bundle.
When a Mini Split Might Be the Better Option
On the other hand, mini split systems shine in certain situations, especially if you don’t want to install ductwork or need more flexibility. Here's when you might want to consider mini splits instead:
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No ducts? No problem: If your home doesn’t have ducts (perhaps an older home or a modern, open layout), mini splits offer a more convenient, cost-effective solution.
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Zoning control: Mini splits allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones. This is a great feature if different rooms have different cooling needs or if you want to save energy by cooling only the rooms you use.
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Easier installation: Mini splits are easier and less invasive to install than traditional ducted systems, making them a good option for retrofits or small spaces.
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Efficient for smaller spaces: If you have a smaller home or just need to cool specific rooms, mini splits are a great option since they’re available in a variety of sizes (6,000 BTU, 9,000 BTU, etc.).
For more on why mini splits could be a better fit for your needs, visit Trane’s guide on mini split sizing (Trane).
Final Thoughts
So, to sum it up:
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Mini split sizes depend on factors like room size, insulation, and other variables. It’s essential to choose the right capacity (BTUs) for your space to avoid over- or under-sizing.
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The Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle is a powerful central system suitable for medium to large homes, while mini splits are a great option for smaller spaces, retrofits, or those without ductwork.
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If you need whole-home cooling, the Goodman system is likely your best bet, but if you want zoning flexibility or don’t have existing ducts, a mini split system could be the better choice.
The key is to match the system’s cooling capacity to your needs, and you’ll be good to go. If you're still unsure, consider consulting a professional to get a detailed load calculation for your home.
Let me know if you need more advice on choosing the right cooling system or would like more info on mini split sizing!
