Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6 Review

Carrier’s Comfort 24ABC6 is their only high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR® certified model in their entry-level tier, meaning you get an exceptional cooling system at a more affordable price compared to their mid- and premium-tier offerings.

Like all Carrier air conditioners, the Comfort 24ABC6 has been designed to provide you with years of reliable cooling comfort, optimized performance, and energy savings.

This model review of Carrier’s Comfort 16 24ABC6 will tell you all about the pros and cons of this air conditioner. It will cover average pricing in Canada, warranty information, and key features.

And just so you can see how this model stacks up against others in Carrier’s product line, the review will also compare the Comfort 16 24ABC6 to three other Carrier air conditioners.

About the Comfort 16 24ABC6

Average Price (with installation): $3,500 - $5,000

Top Features

• High-efficiency operation and ENERGY STAR® certification
• More affordable than many other Carrier cooling systems
• Built for durable, reliable, and lasting performance
• Compatible with smart thermostats
• Standard warranty protection

The Bottom Line

As an entry-level model, the Comfort 16 24ABC6 doesn’t have all the same advanced features and technologies as Carrier’s higher-level models, but it’s still a high-quality and dependable air conditioner that will keep your home cool and comfortable for many summers.

The single-stage compressor isn't as sophisticated as two-stage or variable-speed alternatives because it can only operate at 100 percent capacity when it’s running.

At the same time, this model is in the perfect efficiency range (16 to 18 SEER) for Canadian summers in most parts of the country, so it will still provide excellent energy savings compared to older and less efficient air conditioners.

In Depth Review

Comfort 16 24ABC6 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 76

Features Overview

Durable and long-lasting: Carrier is a premium brand, so their air conditioners are built to withstand the elements and regular use for many years. The 24ABC6 has many features and components that protect the unit, including a filter drier that prevents moisture damage, WeatherArmor Ultra protection from the elements, a scroll compressor that’s more durable than a standard compressor, a louvered steel coil guard, and a galvanized steel cabinet.

Energy savings: One of the best things about the 24ABC6 is its high-efficiency rating and energy saving capabilities. It delivers this thanks to the more efficient scroll compressor and a properly matched evaporator coil. And if you pair the 24ABC6 with a smart thermostat, then you can better manage the system’s energy use and comfort settings.

Other Key Features

• Requires Puron refrigerant that doesn’t deplete ozone
• Baked-on powder paint finish provides the cabinet with additional protection
• Equipped with an aerodynamic top and motor mounts that improve airflow for quieter operation
• Has Carrier’s microtube coil technology, which protects important components from corrosion and reduces space requirements

Warranty Information

Carrier’s Comfort models like the 24ABC6 have 10-year limited parts and compressor warranties, provided you register the unit within three months of installation.

Should you fail to register the unit in the 90-day window, the standard warranty includes five years for parts and the compressor.

Registration is very easy, and you can do it over the phone or online through Carrier’s website. You'll need to provide the model number of the air conditioner, your contact details, information about the licensed HVAC expert who installed the unit, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by Carrier

Model Comparison by Price: Comfort 24ABC6 versus Performance 14 Compact 24AHA4

The Performance 14 Compact 24AHA4 is a mid-range air conditioner, so it falls into a higher price range than the entry-level Comfort model.

In general, mid-range Carrier air conditioners cost between $4,500 and $6,000 in Canada, though the Performance model might be at the lower end of that range because of its specifications.

Even though the Performance air conditioner is mid-range, it only has a SEER of 14, and it doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification. In other words, it won’t save you as much on energy bills, and it might not be eligible for some rebates the Comfort model qualifies for.

The main draw of the Performance 14 Compact 24AHA4 is that it’s a compact air conditioner, so it’s ideal for small spaces. In fact, it was specifically designed to accommodate multi-family housing, where the space between homes is usually less than with other types of dwellings.

Model Comparison by Features: Comfort 24ABC6 versus Infinity 26 with Greenspeed® Intelligence 24VNA6

Despite being a premium brand, Carrier doesn’t actually have a lot of additional features or novel technologies the way some other brands do.

That being said, the Infinity 26 with Greenspeed Intelligence 24VNA6 does have a lot more to offer in terms of design features. It’s Carrier’s top-of-the-line unit, so it has everything the brand has to offer.

For starters, the Infinity model has a variable-speed compressor that offers superior efficiency, moisture management, and temperature consistency throughout the house. Plus, it’s quieter because of the compressor, and it has additional design elements to reduce noise.

Thanks to the variable-speed compressor and inverter, the Infinity air conditioner has a SEER of 26, though this is generally more power than most Canadians need in an air conditioner.

Beyond that, the Infinity model comes with an additional 10-year unit replacement warranty, meaning Carrier will give you a brand new unit if the compressor fails in the first 10 years.

Finally, the Infinity 26 is compatible with Carrier’s own smart thermostat, the Infinity System Control. And when you pair the two devices, you get access to Greenspeed Intelligence, which takes the efficiency and performance of the A/C system to another level.

Model Comparison by Tier: Comfort 24ABC6 versus Comfort 24ABB3

When you compare the Comfort 16 24ABC6 to the most economical model in Carrier’s line, the Comfort 13 24ABB3, the difference is clear.

The Comfort 13 doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification and only has a SEER rating of 13, so even though you might save a few hundred dollars on the initial purchase price, you'll end up paying more in the long run on energy bills when compared to the slightly more expensive Comfort 16.

Moreover, the Comfort 13 might not qualify for the same rebates as the Comfort 16, and those rebates could equalize the purchase price of the two models.

Finally, even though both models are single-stage air conditioners, the lower efficiency rating of the Comfort 13 means it will likely only be suitable for smaller homes.