[writealways]

Okay, I need help. I have a carrier unit that is a one ton but that's all I know right now other than it is over 14 years old. We've had it serviced several times and it gets washed out every year at least once. No leaks and nothing else shows up when they check.

It doesn't cool our house. the house is about 24 hundred square feet. It has had the ducts all checked as we are off the ground (conventional?) and they are fine. So, I'm thinking the house is too spread out and needs a second unit but maybe just getting a 2 ton would be better?

Also, would it just be better to get a different brand as in the above? I live in the norther part of Mississippi if this helps due to humidity and such factors.

[Werecow]

According to a couple of A/C sizing charts and calculators, your 1-ton unit -may- be undersized:

Air Conditioning -- Mechanotherm Expert HVAC Service -- Premier HVAC Contractor in Greater Richmond, Virginia

HVAC OpCost

As you can see, up to a 5-ton unit may be more appropriate, BUT..have a licensed HVAC contractor do what's called a "Manual J load calculation" for your specific situation. An oversized unit will be much less efficient, cycling more often (and costing much more to run) and not removing as much humidity as one that is properly sized. And of course, an undersized unit won't cool your house. When properly sized, the unit should keep your home comfortable while running almost all the time on the hottest days.

For more info, read Bigger is not Better