Carrier Air Conditioner Review & Buying Guide

This Carrier air conditioner review for 2023 will help you decide if this is the right brand and what model to buy.

We’ll tell you about Carrier as a company, review and compare their air conditioner models, go over their exclusive features, ask the experts what they think, talk about the company’s warranty coverage compared to other brands, ask you some questions to help you figure out if a Carrier air conditioner is the right fit, and tell you about how to save money with rebates.

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Considering a new Carrier air conditioner but not sure if you want to spend the money, or trying to figure out which model is best?

Read this guide to find out about the company, their air conditioner models, features, warranties, and more. We’ll talk to HVAC experts about what they think about Carrier air conditioners, give you some quizzes to help pair you with the right make and model, and answer common questions about Carrier and their products.

Bottom Line

With a proven history of success and innovation in the HVAC industry, Carrier is a premium brand that offers many high-efficiency air conditioners. Their InfinityⓇ Series models, especially when paired with GreenspeedⓇ Intelligence, represent a worthwhile investment for your home if you’re looking for quality and luxury.

However, Carrier’s Performance™ and Comfort™ Series air conditioners don’t have nearly as much to offer as their premium Infinity models. Although still efficient, they lack a lot of the additional features that make Carrier the force that it is.

Carrier Customer Reviews

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Model Breakdown and Comparison

What are Warranty and Overall Grades? These grades are calculated using FurnacePrices.ca's own proprietary algorithm which weighs a range of criteria to generate an easy-to-compare score.

Warranty Grades take into account several warranty terms & exclusions found in the fine print to make it easier for ordinary homeowners to compare warranty coverage without having to tediously dig through dense warranty documents.

Overall Grades weigh general factors like efficiency and features, as well as the warranty grade. Note that a model with a low grade is not necessarily a bad choice (more affordable models will usually always score lower). The grades are meant more to make it easier to compare the relative strength of different models. A high end model will score better but also cost a lot more and not necessarily be the ideal option for everyone, just like a sports car will score higher than a minivan in many aspects but isn't necessarily the ideal choice for the average family (despite what your significant other may try to argue!)

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Carrier A/C Model Overview

 

Infinity® 26 Series Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence 24VNA6

Read Full Infinity® 26 Series Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence 24VNA6 Review

This is by far the most sophisticated air conditioner Carrier has released yet, and it’s their only variable-speed model. It boasts a whopping 26 SEER rating, a variable-speed compressor that can operate between 25 and 100 percent capacity, ultra-quiet operation, precise temperature and humidity control, and the brand’s proprietary Greenspeed® Intelligence and Silencer System II design. Here are the specs for the Infinity 26 Series Greenspeed Intelligence 24VNA6:

• SEER: 26
• Sound: As low as 51 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Variable-speed
• ENERGY STAR® rated? Yes
• Tier: Premium

Ideal for: People who have a large budget for a new air conditioner and want some extras to come with it. With the SEER rating of 26, this model is better suited for climates with very hot or humid summers, like the Southern United States.

Infinity® 19VS Series Air Conditioner 24VNA9

Read Full Infinity® 19VS Series Air Conditioner 24VNA9 Review

The InfinityⓇ Series 24VNA9 has five stages of operation, so this air conditioner can provide Canadian homeowners with impressive flexibility in their comfort control. This model can accomplish great efficiency, humidity control, temperature consistency throughout the house, and quiet operation thanks in part to the Silencer System II design. Here are the specs for the Infinity 19VS Series 24VNA9:

• SEER: 19
• Sound: As low as 56 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Multi-stage
• ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
• Tier: Premium

Ideal for: Canadians living in areas with warmer and maybe more humid summers who expect excellent efficiency, quiet operation, and good humidity and temperature moderation from their A/C unit. Because this is a premium Carrier unit, you still need a decent budget to afford this model.

***Models removed

Performance™ 16 Series Air Conditioner 24ACC6

Read Full Performance™ 16 Series Air Conditioner 24ACC6 Review

This model is comparable to the Infinity 16 Series 24ANB6 in terms of SEER rating and compressor style, so the Performance 16 Series 24ACC6 is better-suited to drier Canadian climates. It doesn’t have the Silencer System II™ design, so it’s a little noisier than the top-tier units, but it does have a compressor blanket that helps to dampen sound and vibrations. Moreover, this is a mid-tier unit, so it is more affordable than the Infinity models. Here are the specs for the Performance 16 Series 24ACC6:

• SEER: 17
• Sound: As low as 72 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Single-stage
• ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
• Tier: Mid

Ideal for: Homeowners who like the Carrier name and reputation, and who don’t mind paying a bit more for an air conditioner. Because of the basic compressor, this unit is also best for people dealing with summers that have dry heat.

Performance™ 14 Series Compact Central Air Conditioner 24AHA4

Read Full Performance™ 14 Series Compact Central Air Conditioner 24AHA4 Review

The Performance series is Carrier’s mid-tier offering, and this model is a single-stage unit with a SEER rating of 14 that will be more affordable than the Infinity series units. Although this A/C doesn’t come with a compressor sound blanket, it still boasts very quiet operation. It’s a compact unit that requires less clearance and can be installed very close to the wall, making it ideal for homes where space around the unit is at a minimum. Here are the specs for the Performance 14 Series Compact 24AHA4:

• SEER: 14
• Sound: As low as 66 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Single-stage
• ENERGY STAR rated? No
• Tier: Mid

Ideal for: People living in multi-family homes, in places where there's minimal outdoor space, in houses where the A/C unit is under a deck, and anywhere else that a compact air conditioner could be the solution to your home comfort needs.

***Model removed

Performance™ 16 Series Air Conditioner 24APB6

Read Full Performance™ 16 Series Air Conditioner 24APB6 Review

A more efficient single-stage air conditioner that also has ENERGY STAR certification, so it could be eligible for rebates that non-ENERGY STAR models don’t qualify for. It also promises quiet operation, a compressor sound blanket, and all the same features that ensure durability and longevity as Carrier’s other A/C units. Here are the specs for the Performance 16 Series 24APB6:

• SEER: 17
• Sound: As low as 68 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Single-stage
• ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
• Tier: Mid

Ideal for: Homeowners living in drier parts of Canada who don’t need great humidity control, but who still want to keep their homes cool while also saving money on energy costs.

Comfort™ 16 Series Air Conditioner 24ABC6

Read Full Comfort™ 16 Series Air Conditioner 24ABC6 Review

As Carrier’s only ENERGY STAR-certified economy-tier air conditioner, the Comfort™ Series 24ABC6 is an excellent option for consumers who are on a tight budget and want to cut energy costs. Its reliable single-stage operation will promise that your entire home remains cool and comfortable, but it doesn’t have the same humidity management as two-stage or variable-speed air conditioners. Here are the specs for the Comfort 16 Series 24ABC6:

• SEER: 17
• Sound: As low as 76 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Single-stage
• ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
• Tier: Low

Ideal for: Canadians on a budget who still want the prestige of the Carrier name, but who also want to cut energy bills and noise levels compared to older air conditioners that need upgrading.

Comfort™ 13 Series Air Conditioner 24ABB3

Read Full Comfort™ 13 Series Air Conditioner 24ABB3 Review

This is Carrier’s most basic air conditioner. It’s part of their entry-level Comfort series, and it has a single-stage compressor, SEER rating of 13, and no ENERGY STAR certification. Although you might save some on the purchase price with this unit, you won’t be eligible for any rebates, and you might not save too much on summer cooling costs. Here are the specs for the Comfort 13 Series 24ABB3:

• SEER: 13
• Sound: As low as 73 decibels
• Air conditioner type: Single-stage
• ENERGY STAR rated? No
• Tier: Low

Ideal for: Canadians in milder and drier climates who have only moderate cooling needs in the summer, as this unit isn't powerful enough and doesn’t have enough humidity control to contend with summers that are extremely hot and muggy.

Recently Discontinued Carrier Air Conditioners

Discontinued models are ones that the manufacturer is no longer making. However, they may still be available from your local HVAC dealers.

Infinity® 21 Series Air Conditioner 24ANB1

SEER: 19
Sound: As low as 65 decibels
Air conditioner type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier: Premium
Ideal for: Homeowners with a decent budget who want an efficient and quiet air conditioner, but who don’t want to pay top dollar for the top-of-the-line luxury unit. This model is also more appropriate for Canadian summers because of its lower SEER rating and great humidity control.

Infinity® 17 Series Air Conditioner 24ANB7

SEER: 17
Sound: As low as 70 decibels
Air conditioner type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier: Premium
Ideal for: People who want a better balance between efficiency and cost. This two-stage unit uses less energy than many A/Cs and manages humidity well, and the SEER rating is in the ideal range for Canadian summers.

Infinity® 17 Series Coastal Air Conditioner 24ANB7**C

SEER: 17
Sound: As low as 67 decibels
Air conditioner type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier: Premium

Ideal for: Canadians living in the country’s coastal regions who need more rigorous equipment that’s built to withstand the harsh environmental conditions created by salty sea air. This model is also perfect for environmentally conscious consumers who want a unit that’s efficient, quiet, and reliable.

Infinity® 16 Series Air Conditioner 24ANB6

SEER: 17
Sound: As low as 66 decibels
Air conditioner type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier: Premium
Ideal for: Homeowners in Canadian cities that have drier summers, and who are looking for a high-quality premium air conditioner that offers good efficiency, quiet operation, and reliable, lasting performance.

Performance™ 13 Series Air Conditioner 24ACB3

SEER: 13
Sound: As low as 74 decibels
Air conditioner type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier: Mid
Ideal for: Consumers on a slightly lower budget, who aren't as concerned about energy-efficiency and cost-savings, or who live in milder areas of the country and don’t need a powerful air conditioner to keep the home cool and comfortable in the summer.

Carrier’s Quietest A/C Units

Along with being less efficient than their modern counterparts, older air conditioners tend to be a lot noisier as well. For people who love their summer relaxation, this can be problematic and disruptive.

Most air conditioner manufacturers are aware of this problem, and that’s why many of them tell you upfront the decibel ratings of their various models.

Carrier is tackling noise and vibration issues in a few ways, and they're actually doing a great job.

Many of their units come standard with a compressor sound blanket that’s fairly common among other brands, but it’s the Silencer System II design that really puts a damper on noise. Unfortunately, it’s only available with their top-tier Infinity models. Here are the quietest air conditioners Carrier has:

1. Infinity® 26 Series Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence 24VNA6: Operates as low as 51 decibels
2. Infinity® 19VS Series Air Conditioner 24VNA9: Operates as low as 56 decibels

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Exclusive Features from Carrier

 

GreenspeedⓇ Intelligence

What Carrier says it is: Cruise control for your comfort that promises steady and consistent temperatures and industry-leading humidity control.

What that really means: Greenspeed Intelligence is simply a combination of technologies: the variable-speed compressor inside the air conditioner plus the Infinity® System Control, Carrier’s smart thermostat.

Is it more than just hype? The name Greenspeed Intelligence might be somewhat misleading because there are plenty of brands that have variable-speed air conditioners that can be controlled with proprietary smart thermostats for similar results, including:

• York
• Armstrong
• Bryant
• Comfortmaker
• Luxaire
• Tempstar
• Heil
• KeepRite

That being said, variable-speed compressors are extremely quiet, efficient, and great at keeping temperatures consistent and humidity under control. And when paired with a smart thermostat, these cooling system setups can indeed optimize comfort and convenience while minimizing energy costs.

Silencer System II™ Design

What Carrier says it is: A technology that promises quiet operation thanks to maximized airflow and minimized vibrations.

What that really means: The Silencer System II is a combination of components that reduces sound and vibrations, such as a special fan blade and motor design, a compressor plate, a special top that muffles noise, and the like.

Is it more than just hype? Carrier’s Infinity air conditioners are the only ones with the Silencer System II design, and they are among the quietest units on the market, especially the Infinity® 26 with Greenspeed® Intelligence 24VNA6. With a decibel rating of 51, this unit is quieter than a normal conversation, which is around 60 decibels. The next quietest air conditioner on the market is from Luxaire, and it has a decibel rating of 53. There are also a handful of units on the market from brands like Daikin, Heil, Goodman, and KeepRite that have quiet units in the 55 to 56 decibel range.

WeatherArmor™ Protection

What Carrier says it is: Exceptional protection against weather, the elements, and dents and dings that the outdoor unit might incur.

What that really means: WeatherArmor™ Protection is another combination of components. It includes a sturdy cabinet made of galvanized steel, a special guard to protect the coils, and a powder paint finish that prevents rust and corrosion.

Is it more than just hype? This is another example of Carrier dressing up a fairly common feature with a cool-sounding name. While it is important to have effective protection against wear, tear, and the elements, Carrier isn't the only brand offering this. For example, American Standard, Daikin, and Bryant all have rust-resistant paints that they use for their cabinets. Similarly, American Standard, Lennox, Payne, and Trane all have similar guards in place to protect the coils.

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Analysis of Carrier’s Warranty

 

The warranty terms

Carrier’s warranty is the same for almost every air conditioner. They offer a 10-year parts warranty that includes the compressor, condenser, and other major components.

The one exception is their top-of-the-line Infinity 26 24VNA6 air conditioner. For this model, Carrier has recently introduced an additional 10-year unit replacement warranty on top of the parts warranty.

With a unit replacement warranty, Carrier will provide you with a brand new air conditioner if the compressor on the Infinity 26 fails during the 10-year warranty period.

Registration is required

To be eligible for this warranty, you must register the unit within 90 days of installation. If you don’t register within that three-month period, then your purchase will only be covered for five years.

Conditions and restrictions

Moreover, there are conditions you should be aware of, in particular the things that can void your warranty. To keep your warranty valid, you must have the unit installed by a licensed HVAC contractor, and you have to service and maintain the unit as per the instructions in the owner’s manual.

How the Carrier warranty measures up to the competition

Considering Carrier is a high-end brand that charges a premium for their products, you might expect the best warranty. But that’s not the case.

Carrier’s warranty is standard for the industry: a five-year base warranty and a 10-year parts warranty is the absolute minimum offered by every manufacturer. However, there are brands that offer superior warranties.

For example, select Goodman and York models have a lifetime compressor warranty. Trane and American Standard both have 12-year compressor warranties, and Daikin has a 12-year parts warranty that includes the compressor.

And then there are the brands that offer unit replacement warranties for multiple models or for longer periods. Goodman, KeepRite, Amana, Luxaire, Daikin, and Rheem all have unit replacement warranties ranging from 10 years to the lifetime of the unit.

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Is a Carrier Air Conditioner Right for Me?

 

Is your budget big enough?

One of the most important things you'll have to ask yourself before buying a Carrier air conditioner is “Do I have the budget?”

Carrier products come at a higher price point than many competitor models, even with the entry-level units, so you have to be willing to spend a little extra on your new A/C. This is especially true if you want something that’s two-stage or variable-speed, as these compressor types are only available in Carrier’s most expensive Infinity series.

When you don’t have the budget, there are plenty of options for reliable, efficient, and high-quality air conditioners that are more affordable because they don’t carry a prestigious brand name like Carrier. For example, the same company that owns and makes Carrier A/C units also makes more budget-friendly brands like Bryant, KeepRite, and Tempstar.

Will you be there long enough to enjoy it?

On a related note, if you plan to move in the next few years, then you have to ask yourself if it’s worth the investment of a Carrier if you aren't going to have long to reap the benefits of it.

Does Carrier have the SEER rating you want?

Something else to consider is energy-efficiency, ENERGY STAR, and rebates. About half of Carrier air conditioners are in the SEER sweet spot for Canada (typically between 16 and 18 SEER), and they all have ENERGY STAR certification, meaning they could be eligible for rebates.

If you're looking for something with a lower or higher SEER, then Carrier does have options for those as well.

Does the brand have your dream features?

Similarly, you should consider what kind of additional features and tech you want in your ideal air conditioner. Carrier is known for making high-quality air conditioners that are well-designed and long-lasting, but they don’t have some of the cool extras that other brands have.

For example, Goodman, Amana, and Rheem all have models that come with self-diagnostics systems that can make maintenance and repairs faster and easier.

Luxaire and Ruud are just a couple of the brands that have special components and design features that promise faster installation and maintenance, which can translate to cheaper labour costs for service.

Some Trane models are outfitted with a communicating technology that monitors the air conditioner and talks to the thermostat to make automatic adjustments that improve comfort and reduce energy costs.

In terms of quiet operation, there are plenty of other more affordable brands that also have special features to reduce noise levels. Carrier Infinity air conditioners are quiet, but they do come at a higher price.

Are you concerned with warranty coverage?

Carrier doesn’t stand out in the crowd when it comes to warranties, and most of their models come with the same terms. If the lack of coverage is a concern for you, then you might want to consider one of the brands we talked about that has better coverage. At the same time, any brand will have similar conditions that you'll have to meet to keep the warranty valid.

What's more important than brand?

One final thing to keep in mind is that no matter what air conditioner brand and model you buy, something that can be just as important is the contractor you buy it from and hire to install and maintain it.

The right contractor will be trained and qualified, help you finalize decisions, size your air conditioner properly, install it professionally and without voiding your warranty, and be around in the future when you need maintenance and service. In other words, having a reliable contractor can be just as important as the air conditioner itself.

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Carrier Thermostats, Extras, and Add-ons

Thermostats

 

Infinity® System Control

This is Carrier’s premium smart thermostat: a programmable thermostat with Wi-Fi capabilities that allows you to program heating and cooling schedules and monitor and control the temperature, humidity levels, ventilation, and airflow. Plus, you can stay connected to your system and make changes on the fly from anywhere using your mobile device.

Smart thermostats can save you money on both heating and cooling costs, so they're ideal for anyone looking to reduce energy use and save on annual bills.

While this thermostat can potentially be a good option, it’s only compatible with Carrier Infinity heating and cooling systems. As an alternative for homeowners who don’t have Infinity furnaces and air conditioners, there are more sophisticated smart thermostats from brands like ecobee and Nest that are compatible with more systems.

Comfort Series Three-Zone System

Another smart thermostat option from Carrier, the Comfort Series Three-Zone System thermostat is ideal for homeowners who have zoned heating and cooling systems, but it’s only compatible with furnaces and air conditioners from Carrier’s Performance and Comfort series.

Performance Series Programmable Thermostats

Carrier has several models of programmable thermostats that aren't Wi-Fi connected. These are still more advanced than traditional thermostats because you can program schedules and manage temperature, humidity, airflow, air quality, and ventilation. Again, these are only compatible with products from Carrier’s Performance and Comfort Series.

Comfort™ Series Programmable and Traditional Thermostats

There are both traditional (not smart and not programmable) and programmable thermostats in the Comfort series, and they're all fairly basic in terms of capabilities and options.

Indoor Air Quality Devices

Infinity® Air Purifier and Infinity® Return Air Purifier

Both of these are electrically charged whole-home air purifiers that capture and kill up to 99 percent of certain pathogens (like viruses and bacteria) and 95 percent of particles between 1 and 3 microns. Such products are ideal for Canadians who have pets, who suffer from allergies, who live with breathing issues like asthma, who live in dusty homes or on dirt roads, and anybody else who is generally concerned with indoor air quality.

Comfort™ EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter

This is a more affordable but less effective indoor air quality device. It’s a special filter that provides whole-home air purification, but it only captures 63 percent of particles, and it’s not effective against pathogens. It’s a great option for people with pets or allergies who want cleaner air.

Performance Series Heat Recovery Ventilators

Heat recovery ventilators take heat from the stale air inside your house, pass the heat to incoming outdoor air, and circulate that new air throughout your house, thereby keeping the air fresh and moving. These devices are ideal for homes that don’t have a lot of ventilation, and they're best for homes in cooler climates that don’t have a lot of excess indoor humidity and moisture. Carrier has several HRV models to choose from for homes of different sizes and configurations.

Performance and Comfort Series Energy Recovery Ventilators

Energy recovery ventilators are similar to HRVs, but they also retain some of the moisture from the outgoing stale air, so they're great for warmer and drier climates. Again, the main purpose of these devices is to keep fresh air flowing through your house. Moreover, HRVs and ERVs can keep your home warmer in winter and maintain cooler temperatures in summer, so they can reduce the strain on your HVAC system and reduce energy costs. Carrier has a few ERV models that are suitable for homes of all sizes.

Performance™ Series Ultraviolet Germicidal UV Lights

Carrier has both single-bulb and double-bulb germicidal UV light models that get installed on your air conditioner to prevent mold and bacteria from growing on the indoor coil. By keeping the coils clean, these devices can help keep your system working efficiently and improve the quality of the air you breathe, which is great for people with health issues, allergies, and indoor air quality concerns.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Performance Series Humidifiers

Carrier has several humidification devices in their Performance line. Their Steam Humidifier is best for dry climates or large homes, their Fan-Powered Humidifier is good for big homes that use heat pumps for heating and/or air conditioning system, and their Bypass Humidifier works best in small and medium sized spaces.

Performance™ Whole-Home Dehumidifier

On the other end of the climate spectrum, if you live in a humid climate or in a house that has moisture issues, you may need a dehumidifier, such as Carrier’s Performance™ Whole-Home Dehumidifier. It comes in two sizes to serve a variety of spaces, and they can reduce your summer cooling bills and mitigate moisture issues by removing excess humidity from the air.

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About the Company

Since its founding in 1902 by Willis Carrier, Carrier has continued to forge a proud history of genuine innovation in the world of heating and cooling. Committed to creating some of the most efficient units available on the market, Carrier implements many green-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental impact further.

Eager to learn more about Carrier air conditioners? Fill out an online quote request, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.

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Carrier FAQs

 

How long will my Carrier A/C last?

Carrier says their air conditioners are designed to last between 10 and 15 years, and the 10-year warranty backs up this assertion. However, it is possible to get more than 15 years from a Carrier air conditioner, especially if you have a higher-end Infinity model that’s sized properly for your house, installed professionally, maintained annually, repaired when needed, and run at optimal temperatures.

Is Carrier worth the cost?

Carrier has some of the most expensive air conditioners in Canada, so many homeowners wonder if their A/C units are worth the price. Knowing why Carrier products are more expensive can help you decide if they're worth it, so here are some reasons:

Quality is the first reason. Carrier uses quality components and great designs to build lasting air conditioners that don’t typically require a lot of repairs.

Name is another important factor. When you buy Carrier, part of what you're paying for is the name. It’s like the difference between buying brand name and off-brand shoes: they might be made in the same factory, so what you're really paying for is the reputation and prestige.

Where can I buy a Carrier A/C unit?

Carrier is one of the most popular and well-known air conditioner brands in Canada, so most HVAC dealers sell their products. If you're looking for a local HVAC company to sell you a Carrier A/C unit, you can find one through our independent contractor certification program.