mel
smaller condensors could mean less capacity = 1.5 tons. carrier is good.

hill bill y
carrier has been making ac units along time 2,5 ton is going to be a small unit

Michael M
as they get newer less space HVAC person can best tell you

Sweeney
Carrier is a good brand and they have service centers nationwide with available parts. this is better than imported A/C's which might run out of spare parts and you have to wait for them to import it. the machine that goes to the outside of your house if you are installing a split type. It does depend on the tonnage of the A/C, 2.5tons is equivalent to 3horsepower. but since this is one of the smallest it comes in then the compressor should be smaller. you can check the manufacturer spec by going to the appliance store or have them fax the specs to you.

wwwstat
the more the tonnage the bigger the outside unit is normally but not always..... i have seen 2 ton units that were bigger than 3 ton units.. some coleman units are a lot smaller than other units.....Carrier is a very good relaible unit

Kevin D
The tonnage-12000 BTU = 1 ton and the SEER rating (seasonal energy efficiency rating will determine your condenser size. The more surface area the mor heat can be dissapated. A 13 SEER will be larger than the 10 SEER of many years ago even with the same tonnage.