HVAC
Average Cost: $3,000 - $15,001
Carrier, a century-old leader in HVAC, offers air conditioners renowned for durability, energy efficiency, and advanced cooling technology. Their range of AC units, from basic to premium smart-home-integrated models, promises reliable performance and comfort for homeowners, backed by solid warranties.
Founded in 1915, Carrier has a reputation dating back more than a century of providing top-tier heating and cooling products that are built for lasting performance. Carrier is also known for standing behind their air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps with an excellent warranty.
Carrier is widely regarded as one of the most reputable names in the HVAC industry along with other respected brands such as Trane, American Standard, and Rheem.
Carrier is named for founder Willis Carrier, who invented the modern air conditioning system in 1902. Carrier air conditioners don’t actually move cold air into homes; rather, they remove heat and humidity from inside and return it as cooled air. Air conditioning revolutionized modern life, from controlling the temperature of indoor shopping centers to the cooling systems that help keep the data centers that power the Information Age running at peak performance.
Carrier air conditioners have a number of industry-leading features that help make them among the best cooling systems for homes of all style and size.
All air conditioners are judged on energy performance through a system called seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This rating system was recently upgraded to SEER2. Think of these ratings like miles per gallon for vehicles — higher ratings mean better performance.
Most of the country has a minimum 14.3 Seer2 rating for new air conditioners that put out 45,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) or less. Carrier’s top-performing air conditioner has a Seer2 rating of 24.
Carrier is an industry leader in basic single-stage air conditioners, but its two-stage and premium variable speed central air conditioning units provide different cooling options for personalized comfort. Multiple stages allow precise and consistent temperature control throughout the home — no more cold/hot rooms. Additionally, Carrier’s residential cooling products feature Puron Advance, which replaces standard Puron in ducted and ductless HVAC equipment. Beginning in 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency will phase out high Global Warming Potential products, including Puron. Puron Advance offers a 75-percent reduction in GWP.
Carrier’s variable and multi-stage compressors operate much more quietly than single-stage air conditioning units. Some models include internal sound blankets and a proprietary silencing system that further reduces decibel levels.
The Carrier home app can be connected to a Carrier air monitor to track indoor/outdoor air quality, including temperature, humidity, and allergens.
Carrier is one of the most trusted brands in the HVAC industry. Carrier products combine industry-leading features with reliability and dependability. Carrier HVAC units will function as designed for years, provided they are properly maintained.
Carrier’s premium AC units also lead the industry in terms of energy efficiency. Its most advanced AC unit offers up to 24 SEER2, nearly double the minimum requirement established by the Department of Energy.
The cost of a new Carrier air conditioner depends on a range of factors, including cooling capacity (measured in BTU), features such as multi-stage cooling and variable-speed compressors, sound-dampening technology, and energy efficiency.
AC units with more features, technology, energy efficiency, and sound-reducing components will cost more than basic single-stage units. A professional HVAC installer can help you determine which unit best meets your needs while still fitting within your price range.
Carrier has three main product lines for its AC units:
The comfort series offers up to 16 SEER2 ratings. Performance models range from 16.5 to 17 SEER2. The top-of-the-line Infinity models have either 19 or 24 SEER2 ratings.
Carrier air conditioner prices depend on the square footage of your home and SEER2 rating. A 1,000 square-foot home only requires a 1.5-ton unit, while a 2,600 square-foot or larger home requires a 3- or 4-ton unit. The smaller home might cost around $5,000 for a Comfort series model, while a high-efficiency Infinity model could top $8,500 for the larger residence.
Carrier’s Comfort series models are great options for homeowners who need a reliable and budget-friendly central air conditioner. Costs range from $4,700 to $5,000.
Carrier’s Performance central air conditioners are compact, energy efficient models. These mid-priced units may cost between $5,300 and $5,600.
Premium Infinity AC units could cost between $5,400 to $8,400.
AC installation costs may be higher or lower depending on where you live, HVAC contractor labor rates, difficulty of installation, size of unit, and related factors.
Choosing the right air conditioner for your home involves a wide range of variables that will change with each residence.
Like most manufacturers, Carrier makes there different types of air conditioning units:
All three operate on the same principle of removing heat and humidity and returning cool air, and all three use refrigerant, a compressor, and condenser and evaporator coils. Yet there’s a tremendous range of factors to consider before purchasing a new Carrier air conditioner, including:
It’s a lot to take in, but a licensed HVAC contractor can assist homeowners with these other important considerations and help you choose and install the right AC unit that meets the unique demands of your home and budget.
Routine maintenance is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity for Carrier air conditioning units.
Outdoor AC units are exposed to sunlight, water, dust, dirt, and debris that can inhibit performance and potentially cause corrosion to critical components such as the condenser and evaporator coils. A licensed HVAC technician can address routine maintenance needs, as well as tune-up the unit to proactively prevent a breakdown.
Annual maintenance may also be required to adhere to the terms of your unit’s warranty. Service includes removing any accumulated debris, vacuuming and cleaning the coil fins, cleaning the coils, and changing the air filter.
Carrier air conditioning units come with comprehensive warranties that cover repairs to the compressor and accessory parts or full unit replacement for 10 years after the unit has been installed, provided homeowners have properly registered their products. If products aren’t registered, the warranty drops to five years.
Carrier has facilities all over the country that are stockpiled with key replacement parts for your central air conditioning unit, so it’s common for Carrier repairs to be completed the same day that you call a certified Carrier technician.
Carrier is widely regarded as a pioneer in the HVAC industry. Its founder, Willis Carrier, invented the air conditioning system that’s still used today.
Carrier has more than a century of experience providing reliable and leading-edge HVAC systems. Homeowners who choose Carrier products for their homes are buying high-quality air conditioners that are designed to function well and last for years when properly maintained.
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