Mini-Split HVAC System

[a2743]

My house is a two story English Tudor built around 1928. I estimate the duct work to be 50 t0 55 years old. We have central air conditioning and it does just fine for the first floor but does not cut it for the second floor. The air coming from the registers is cool enough but very weak unlike the first floor which is more than twice what comes out on the second floor. I have been told the problem is with the old duck work. I also was told maybe a mini-split hvac system could work. I now have two window units that I put in and take out each year I am 80 years old and it is becoming more difficult each year. Total square feet second floor about 1200 square feet, three rooms and a bath. As far as heating goes no problem, in the winter the whole house is warm. I am looking for thoughts and advice before calling someone in. Thanks.

[Sergroum]

50 yr ductwork is probably not great. Its designed for heat more than AC. If you'll check out new subdivision houses, you'll notice their ducts are significantly bigger than yours.

Bigger stronger blower fans and booster fans theoretically should help, but in my experience they dont do enough. And they bring their own set of problems.

You could do a reno and replace your ductwork, but I doubt you are looking for that.  Though maybe changing the return drop could help by a percentage. 

Usually, people just end up putting ductless systems into their badly cooled top floor rooms. That solves the problem without a major hassle. But it costs money.

[Admin]

What model of furnace do you have?  There may be an option to increase cooling airflow, as a first step.

[a2743]

The furnace is a Goodman model GMH950904cx installed December 2010

[Admin]

That model ships with high speed cooling so there are no other fan adjustments unfortunately.  A mini split system with 2 heads should solve the issue and prevent you from having to remove window units.