Carrier Performance 14 24AHA4 Review

The Performance 14 24AHA4 from Carrier is a mid-range air conditioner with a slightly lower efficiency rating than many of their other models. It has a single-stage compressor and none of the additional features or technologies that the brand offers with some of their higher-end models.

The main benefit of the Performance 14 24AHA4 is its compact size, which makes it ideal for smaller spaces where a regular air conditioner wouldn’t fit.

This model review of Carrier’s Performance 14 24AHA4 will cover all the important points about this air conditioner. It will discuss pricing, important features, warranty details, and more.

And for homeowners who are still shopping around for the right model, the review will also compare the compact Performance model to three other Carrier air conditioners so that you can see what else the brand has to offer.

The Carrier Performance 14 24AHA4 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4,500 to $6,000

Top Features

• Standard warranty for an air conditioner
• Uses Puron refrigerant, which doesn’t deplete ozone
• Compact size
• Perfect for small spaces and multi-family housing
• Promises very quiet performance
• Quality components and construction for lasting performance

The Bottom Line

Multi-family housing can pose challenges to people who want to install an air conditioner because there isn't often a lot of space to do so. The Performance 14 24AHA4, however, has been specifically designed with these types of spaces in mind.

Not only is the unit compact and flatter than regular air conditioners, but it can also be mounted with only 6 inches of clearance between the unit and the wall.

The Performance 14 24AHA4 will likely be best suited for smaller homes on account of the lower efficiency rating and single-stage compressor.

The sweet spot for air conditioner efficiency in Canada is generally between 16 and 18, but if this model is the right size for your home, then just know that you probably won’t save as much on energy bills compared with a more efficient air conditioner.

Another thing about the compact Performance model is that it’s not ENERGY STAR® certified, so it might not qualify for the same rebates as high-efficiency models that are certified.

In Depth Review

Carrier Performance 14 24AHA4 Product Specifications

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 66

Features Overview

Carrier doesn’t have a lot of novel technologies to begin with, and the ones they have are reserved for their top-tier models.

However, all of their air conditioners are quality-made and built to last, and the Performance 14 24AHA4 has a number of design elements that protect the cabinet and the important internal components from damage.

Those protective components include a wire fan guard to stop things from hitting and damaging the fan, a galvanized steel cabinet, and a baked-on powder paint finish that protects the unit from damage and corrosion. Together, these components are known as WeatherArmor protection.

Other Key Features

• Small enough to be installed on balconies
• Perfectly fits under decks
• Can be stacked to provide additional cooling power to larger spaces
• Stacked systems can be used for zoned climate control

Warranty Information

The Performance 14 24AHA4 comes backed by Carrier’s basic warranty, which includes 10-years for parts and 10-years for the compressor.

You’ll be eligible for that warranty coverage as long as you register the unit within 90 days of installation. Otherwise, the warranty coverage will only last for five years.

The additional warranty protection that comes with registration could save you a lot of money in those five years, so it’s well worth it. Registration is quick and simple, and you can do it online on Carrier’s website or by phone.

You'll need to give them your contact details, information about the licensed HVAC technician who installed the unit, the model number of the air conditioner, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by Carrier

Model Comparison by Price: Performance 14 24AHA4 versus Comfort 16 24ABC6

The Comfort 16 24ABC6 is a single-stage, entry-level model from Carrier, so it will cost around $3,500 to $5,000.

Even though the Comfort model is entry-level and less expensive, it’s actually more efficient than the Performance 14, and it has ENERGY STAR certification.

Not only will you save money on the purchase price, but you'll also save more on energy bills in the summer, and you might qualify for better rebates with the Comfort 16.

One thing is that the Comfort model isn't compact, so it won’t be suited to small spaces the way the Performance model is.

Model Comparison by Features: Performance 14 24AHA4 versus Infinity 19VS 24VNA9

The Infinity 19VS 24VNA9 is one of Carrier’s premium-tier air conditioners, and also one of their most advanced.

A major difference between the two models is that the Infinity air conditioner has a multi-speed compressor that can operate at five different speeds between 25 and 100 percent capacity. This reduces energy use and maximizes indoor comfort. By comparison, the Performance 14’s single-stage compressor can only operate at 100 percent capacity when it’s running.

The multi-speed compressor also makes the Infinity model quieter, better at managing excess moisture in the air, and better at eliminating hot and cold spots around the house.

Along with the quieter compressor, the Infinity model also has a compressor sound blanket and additional features to ensure quiet operation, so it operates around 56 decibels.

Finally, the Infinity 19VS is compatible with Carrier’s own smart thermostat, the Infinity System Control, which can give you access to some great other features and options.

Model Comparison by Tier: Performance 14 24AHA4 versus Performance 16 24ACC6

The Performance 16 24ACC6 is another air conditioner in Carrier’s mid-range tier. It will fall into the same price range, but will likely end up costing more because it has a higher efficiency rating of 17 SEER and is ENERGY STAR certified.

It has the same WeatherArmor protection that the compact model has and the same single-stage compressor. One thing that’s interesting about the Performance 16 is that it comes with an additional compressor sound blanket, and yet it’s slightly louder than the compact model, with a decibel rating of 72.

Another thing about the Performance 16 is that it’s not a compact model, so it likely won’t fit in the same tight spaces as the Performance 14. However, the Performance 16 is more efficient, so it will be a little better suited to medium and larger homes. It will also save you more on annual cooling bills and could be eligible for additional rebates.