Enter your zip to
find local pros.
Please enter a valid 5 digit zip code

HVAC

Carrier Furnace Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 4.5/5

Average Cost: $2,635 - $8,250

Carrier furnaces offer reliable, energy-efficient heating solutions with models ranging from basic to high-end options. Their costs range from $2,635 to $8,250 depending on the model and installation requirements. Carrier stands out for its strong reputation, excellent warranty coverage, and broad range of affordable to premium options.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Carrier Furnace Review

Carrier is a highly respected brand in the HVAC industry, offering a wide range of heating and cooling solutions. With over 100 years of expertise, Carrier has earned a strong reputation for providing reliable and high-quality furnaces. In this Carrier furnace review, we will highlight their diverse product line, which includes energy-efficient models with varying efficiency ratings. These models ensure there are options for all home sizes and climates. Furthermore, Carrier competes with other leading brands like Trane, American Standard, and Lennox, maintaining a prominent presence in the home heating market.

carrier best air conditioner brands

carrier gas furnace

Pros and Cons: Carrier Furnace Review

Before selecting a Carrier furnace, it’s important to carefully weigh both the benefits and potential downsides. In this Carrier furnace review, we will therefore outline the key pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision based on your home’s specific needs and budget.

  • Pros

    • Repitable brand
    • Energy efficency
    • Reliable warranties
  • Cons

    • High initial cost
    • Energy efficency
    • Reliable warranties

Pros

  • Reputable Brand: Carrier has been a trusted name in home heating and cooling for over 100 years. The brand is known for its reliability and innovation. Homeowners consistently turn to Carrier for dependable HVAC solutions.
  • Energy Efficiency: Carrier offers furnaces with AFUE ratings ranging from 80% to 96.7%. These models provide energy-saving options tailored to different needs. High-efficiency units also help reduce utility bills, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
  • Reliable Warranties: The brand backs its products with some of the best warranties available. These include 10-year parts coverage and a 20-year heat exchanger warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind. With such extensive protection, Carrier ensures your investment is well-supported.

Cons

  • High Initial Cost: Carrier’s high-efficiency models often come with a higher upfront price. Installation can also increase the total cost, making it important to plan your budget carefully.
  • Installation Costs Vary: Costs for installation depend on location and the specific services required. For example, homes needing ductwork replacement may face additional expenses. These variations make it crucial to get a detailed estimate beforehand.
  • Complexity of Models: Carrier offers several series, including Comfort, Performance, and Infinity. Each has unique features and efficiency levels. Choosing the right model can feel overwhelming, so professional advice may be necessary.

Carrier Furnace Series

Three other furnace series that Carrier offers are each designed to meet different needs in terms of efficiency, comfort, and budget.

  • Comfort Series Gas Furnace: As the most affordable option, it offers energy efficiency ranging from 80% to 96.5% AFUE. Additionally, it includes a fixed-speed blower motor and a 10-year parts warranty.
  • Performance Series Gas Furnace: This mid-tier option comes with enhanced features, such as a variable-speed blower, Performance Edge humidity control, and two-stage gas valve technology, offering more flexibility.
  • Infinity Series Gas Furnace: The premium choice, featuring Greenspeed Intelligence, variable-speed, two-stage models, and high-efficiency ratings of up to 96.7% AFUE, is perfect for high-humidity environments and those seeking top-tier performance.

Cost Ranges

The cost of a Carrier furnace can vary depending on the model and installation. For instance, the Comfort Series Furnace starts at $1,252 for the unit, with installation ranging from $2,635 to $3,000. In comparison, the Performance Series Furnace is typically priced between $1,644 and $3,600, which includes installation. On the other hand, the Infinity Series Furnace can exceed $8,250, depending on the model and efficiency, including installation costs.

Carrier Gas Furnace by Model
Carrier Gas Furnace ModelUnit PriceInstallation Cost
Performance 80$900 – $1,100 $2,200 – $2,500
Performance 90$1,150 – $1,350 $2,500 – $2,800
Performance Boost 80$1,300 – $1,500 $2,400 – $2,700
Infinity 80$1,400 – $1,600 $2,700 – $3,000
Performance Boost 90$1,500 – $1,650 $3,100 – $3,400
Performance 96$1,550 – $1,750$3,400 – $3,800
Infinity 96$1,650 – $1,850$3,900 – $4,400
Infinity 98 Green Speed Tech.$2,500 – $2,800$5,400 – $5,800

Factors Affecting Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of installing a Carrier furnace. First, the model and series you choose will influence the price—higher-efficiency models like those in the Infinity Series are typically more expensive. Additionally, the size of your home plays a key role; larger homes require more powerful furnaces, increasing the overall cost. Furthermore, the complexity of installation can raise costs, depending on local labor rates and additional services like ductwork replacement. Finally, location is important, as regional HVAC pricing can impact both installation and service costs. For a detailed breakdown, check out this Carrier furnace review.

Carrier Gas Furnace Cost by House Size
Home SizeCarrier Furnace Size NeededFurnace Installation Costs
600 to 1,000 sq. ft40,000 BTU$2,000 – $2,400
800 to 1,200 sq. ft50,000 BTU$2,400 – $2,800
1,000 to 1,400 sq. ft60,000 BTU$2,800 – $3,300
1,200 to 1,600 sq. ft70,000 BTU$3,000 – $3,500
1,400 to 1,800 sq. ft80,000 BTU$3,300 – $3,700
1,800 to 2,400 sq. ft100,000 BTU$3,800 – $4,200
2,400 to 3,000 sq. ft120,000 BTU$4,300 – $4,700

Benefits of Investing in Carrier

Investing in a Carrier furnace offers several key benefits. The brand is known for its proven reliability, backed by over a century of experience in the HVAC industry. Carrier furnaces are designed to be highly energy-efficient, helping homeowners reduce their long-term energy consumption and save money on heating bills. Additionally, Carrier offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry, providing extensive coverage for parts and heat exchangers, which adds peace of mind for homeowners looking for long-term value in their heating solution.

HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Take Me There

What Carrier Furnace Model is Most Cost Effective for Your Climate?

If you are trying to decide what AFUE rating you need for your new Carrier furnace, the first thing you should consider is the most cost-effective Carrier model for your home’s size and climate. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that a new furnace must meet the heating demands of your local climate, based on the average temperatures during the colder months. To further assist in your decision-making process, we have separated the 50 U.S. states into climate zones. This will provide a clearer idea of which furnace options are best suited for your specific needs and help ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

  • Zone 1, 2, 3: 80% AFUE
  • Zone 4: 90% to 93% AFUE
  • Zone 5: 93% to 95%+ AFUE

furnace installation heat map for climateFor instance, if you need a new Carrier furnace installed in Nebraska or perhaps another area in Zone 4, where the weather can get cold, it’s essential to choose the right model. In this case, if your home is 2,000 square feet, you would want to install a Carrier Performance Boost furnace with a 90% AFUE rating. Specifically, this option will cost around $1,644 for the furnace alone. When you factor in labor and installation, the total price will be approximately $3,600.

Carrier vs. Competitors

In this section of our Carrier furnace review, we’ll compare Carrier with other top furnace brands, including Trane, Lennox, and American Standard. We’ll look at efficiency, performance, and pricing to help you decide which brand best suits your needs.

Trane vs. Carrier

Both brands are known for reliability and energy efficiency. Carrier offers more energy ratings, with some models reaching 96.7% AFUE. Trane, however, is quieter and performs well in colder climates. While Trane tends to be pricier, its durability makes it a good long-term investment.

Lennox vs. Carrier

Lennox is renowned for its premium, high-efficiency furnaces, with some models exceeding 98% AFUE. While Carrier offers more mid-range options, Lennox excels in energy efficiency and innovative design. However, Lennox’s higher price and specialized maintenance may not appeal to those on a budget.

American Standard vs. Carrier

Both brands offer similar products and pricing, with American Standard known for quieter models. Carrier, however, provides more customizable features and a broader range. Additionally, Carrier’s Infinity Series includes advanced technology for better comfort and energy savings, setting it apart from American Standard’s basic options.

Is Carrier Furnace Right for Me?

Carrier is an excellent choice for homeowners who value reliability, efficiency, and long-term savings. The brand’s broad selection of models ensures that you can find the right fit for your home’s size, climate, and budget. However, if your priority is achieving the absolute highest efficiency or you’re seeking a quieter operation, it may be worth exploring options from brands like Lennox or Trane.

Compare top-rated HVAC pros in your area.

Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.