Why the internet still says 5 tons
The old 400-square-feet-per-ton shortcut is 5 tons for this house. That number was never written for Florida humidity. A 5-ton box on a 2,000 sq ft average house often short-cycles: cold supply air, sticky rooms, extra compressor wear.
What moves this house a half-ton
- Shaded lot: closer to 3 tons.
- Full sun or a big west wall plus a leaky envelope: about 4.5 tons. Do not jump to 5 on a hunch.
- Newer tight construction: nearer 3.
- Vaulted ceilings add volume. Two-story slightly reduces roof load per square foot.
Window area, attic ducts, occupancy, and roof color are why Manual J still wins. This page is the same 22 BTU starting point as the homepage tool.
Between 3 and 3.5? Read 3 ton versus 3.5 ton in Florida humidity.
Common questions
What size AC for a 2,000 sq ft house in Florida?
On this site’s formula, a mixed-sun, average-envelope, 8-foot, one-story 2,000 sq ft house lands around 3.5 tons. Confirm with Manual J before you shop.
How is that number calculated?
2,000 × 22 BTU/sq ft = 44,000 BTU/hr, which is 3.67 tons before rounding. Nearest half-ton is 3.5.
Why do some sites say 5 tons?
The old 400-square-feet-per-ton shortcut gives 5 tons, but it was never written for Florida humidity. A 5-ton box on an average 2,000 sq ft house often short-cycles.
What moves the size up or down?
A shaded lot or newer tight construction comes in nearer 3 tons. Full sun or a big west wall plus a leaky envelope can reach about 4.5 tons.