Carrier Furnace Review

A complete Carrier furnace review & buying guide, updated with all the brand’s latest information for 2021, including best furnace models, efficiency and AFUE ratings, top features, warranty details, and more. Get a free quote quickly & easily!

Updated: November 2020

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Article Contents

• Carrier Furnace Video Review
• At a Glance:
  • Strong Points
  • Room for Improvement
  • Bottom Line
• Price Range
• Model Tiers
  • Basic
  • Better
  • Best
• Model Breakdown and Comparison
• Exclusive Features
  • ComfortFan™
  • Infinity System Control
  • SmartEvap™ and Ideal Humidity System®️
  • Hybrid Heat®️
  • Greenspeed® Intelligence
  • PowerHeat™
• Warranty
• About the Company

If you want to get a good sense of what furnaces Carrier has to offer, then our overview will provide an in-depth look at all the key information you need to make an informed purchase.

We review the Carrier gas furnace models currently sold in Canada, with an emphasis on the high-efficiency ones. This guide will cover everything from furnace features, tech specs, warranty details, Carrier price ranges, model comparisons, and more!

When it’s time to upgrade your home heating system, this guide will give you all the information necessary to determine if a Carrier furnace is right for your home, and which model will best suit your budget and comfort needs.

Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians

Carrier Furnace In-Depth Video Review

 

Consider a Carrier Air Conditioner: Carrier, at a glance

Strong Points

Carrier is among the top brands in Canada and North America and has a wide range of furnaces. Their high-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating from 92.1% to 98.5%.

You can find single-stage, two-stage, modulating, and variable-speed furnaces in their lineup, meaning that there’s something for all buyers to get from this manufacturer.

If you’re concerned with being eco-friendly or just looking to maximize efficiency and save dollars, then the Infinity®️ Series furnaces have the highest AFUE ratings in the Carrier lineup, with one model rated as high as 98.5%. It’s a good investment that can save money in future heating bills.

Carrier also has a few innovative technologies that improve your comfort by increasing humidity control, improving temperature consistency, and increasing air circulation. Several of their technologies also double as energy-saving features, meaning a Carrier furnace could cut your power bills.

Room For Improvement

One of the areas that Carrier could improve is their warranties. The same warranty is extended across their entire line of furnaces, and although it’s a good warranty, it’s also pretty standard for the HVAC industry. For a ‘premium’ brand, it’s definitely not groundbreaking.

As with any premium brand, Carrier prices tend to be higher than average. With the additional cost you'll pay for a Carrier furnace, you might expect them to offer additional warranty coverage compared to other brands, especially for their premium models, but they don’t.

For example, they don’t offer the free labour warranties or unit replacement guarantees that some brands have.

The Bottom Line

Carrier is one of the oldest furnace brands in the world, so they have extensive manufacturing experience. That being said, they did move a large part of their manufacturing (especially A/C units) out of the United States to Mexico in 2017.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but does signal a fairly substantial shift in their manufacturing supply chain. Their heating systems have a lot of nifty features, some more useful than others.

As a premium-brand, Carrier’s products can be very energy-efficient and include several advanced technologies. But expect to pay a premium for their furnaces, and don’t expect an exceptional warranty with the cost.

➤ Get the BEST Prices on Carrier furnaces: Fill out a free quote request here

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Carrier Air Conditioner Average Price Range

 

$3,500 – $7,500 (including installation)

The overall cost varies quite a bit because there are a few factors in determining the final price of any furnace. For example, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars (or more) by looking for rebates from the manufacturer, your local HVAC distributor, the government, or your local utility company.

The cost of your furnace can be affected by installation costs, where you live, the size of your home, and even the age of the unit you’re replacing, among other things.

Carrier furnaces are also divided into tiers. Tier will determine how many additional features you get and (sometimes) how long the warranty is, but it will also determine cost. Carrier furnaces can be broken down into three tiers with the following price ranges:

• Entry-level models: $3,500 – $4,835
• Mid-range models: $4,835 – $6,170
• Top-tier models: $6,170 – $7,500+

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Carrier Furnace Series

 

Basic – Comfort™ Series Gas Furnace

The entry-level Comfort™ Series is a relatively economical line that features single-stage furnaces. One of the models is ENERGY STAR® certified, but both models are still fairly efficient, with a minimum AFUE rating of 92.1%.

Although these furnaces aren't as sophisticated as some of the ones Carrier offers, they still promise reliable heating, quiet comfort, and humidity control.

Comfort series furnaces can also come with an optional warranty to cover labour, on top of the standard coverage for at least 20 years for the heat exchanger and 10 years for parts. Its affordable price means that you’ll still get a durable unit for less.

Better – Performance™ Series Gas Furnace

The mid-range Performance™ Series currently only includes one model. It’s a reliable two-stage furnace with a quiet and efficient variable-speed blower motor. The model is ENERGY STAR certified, and has a cost-saving AFUE rating.

This furnace is more advanced than Carrier’s entry-level models in terms of specifications and design, and it also has more of their exclusive features, though not as many as the top-tier models.

Best – Infinity®️ Series Gas Furnace

The top-tier Infinity®️ Series furnaces are ENERGY STAR certified with AFUE ratings up to 98.5%, making them among the most efficient furnaces on the market.

The Infinity series includes a two-stage furnace and a more advanced modulating furnace, and both are equipped with sophisticated variable-speed blower motors.

Both models give you precision control over your home heating, let you dial in the exact temperature that you want, and have several exclusive features that improve comfort, air quality, and convenience.

Carrier Top Models Comparison

 

Infinity®️ Series with Greenspeed®️ Intelligence – 59MN7A

The 59MN7A is a top-performing gas furnace that is ENERGY STAR certified and highly efficient—one of the most efficient furnaces available. With a modulating gas valve and variable-speed ECM blower motor, you can have accurate control over your home temperature while the unit runs quietly with an insulated cabinet. As Carrier’s top model, the 59MN7A is the only furnace that boasts Greenspeed®️ Intelligence, a proprietary technology that ensures the best performance for quiet, efficient, and humidity-controlling operation.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 98.5%
Furnace type: Modulating
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $6,170 – $7,500
What's good: This is Carrier’s most advanced furnace, and one of the most advanced and efficient furnaces on the market in terms of specifications, technologies, comfort, and overall performance.

Infinity®️ Series – 59TN6

The 59TN6 is a variable speed, two-stage furnace that runs efficiently and helps cut back on wasted energy. The interface can show you the results of self-diagnostics, giving you the ability to troubleshoot accurately should something go wrong. Although this is also a top-tier Carrier furnace, it’s not nearly as advanced as the 59MN7A because it has a two-stage gas valve and no Greenspeed®️ Intelligence technology. However, this furnace still promises excellent efficiency, quiet and dependable operation, and great humidity control. Further, this model is compatible with the Infinity Control System, a smart thermostat that gives you precise and real-time control over your heating system.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96.7%
Furnace type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $6,170 – $7,500
What's good: A slightly more affordable top-tier model that has an efficient and quiet design, a good warranty, and some cool perks and additional features to improve indoor comfort.

Performance™ Series – 59TP6

The 59TP6 is a two-stage, variable speed furnace that lets you operate on less energy and fuel for the majority of the time and use the higher level to boost your heating if there is a big gap in temperature. It is ENERGY STAR certified with an AFUE of 96.5%, and it’s currently the only mid-range furnace Carrier offers. This furnace operates at a lower stage for the most part, and only ramps up to the second stage when temperatures really drop. This means better fuel and cost savings, but also quieter operation and better dehumidification. The 59TP6 also has the SmartEvap technology for even better humidity control in the summer.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96.5%
Furnace type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,835 – $6,170
What's good: A dependable and efficient mid-range furnace that’s available in a variety of sizes to accommodate just about any home.

Comfort™ Series – 59SC5

The 59SC5 may be an entry-level furnace, but it’s just as efficient as Carrier’s mid-range model. This is a single-stage furnace with a multi-speed ECM blower motor that improves air quality, reduces noise levels, and improves efficiency, all while reducing maintenance requirements. This furnace is equipped with the dependable PowerHeat hot surface ignition, and the Hybrid Heat technology that makes it compatible with an electric heat pump. Further, the sealed combustion system pulls air in from outside, keeping air fresh and reducing operational noise. The self-diagnostic LED helps you to solve issues with your furnace.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96.5%
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: An efficient, quiet, and more affordable furnace that can be controlled remotely using the Côr® Wi-Fi thermostat.

Comfort™ Series – 59SC2

The 59SC2 is a single-stage furnace with a multi-speed ECM blower motor, and that has an AFUE of 92.1%. The insulated cabinet reduces noise and heat loss. Further, the Hybrid Heat®️ compatibility means that it can use electric heat to reach and maintain your desired temperature while using the most cost-effective fuel. This is the most affordable furnace from Carrier, but it’s also the only one that isn't ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it might not be eligible for additional energy rebates. This model is compatible with the programmable Côr® Wi-Fi thermostat.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 92.1%
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: Carrier’s most budget-friendly furnace is efficient, quiet, and reliable, and promises many years of dependable comfort for your home.

Recently Discontinued Carrier Furnace Models

HVAC manufacturers sometimes discontinue a furnace if it isn't as popular as the other models, or if they replace it with a slightly more advanced furnace.

Just because a furnace is discontinued doesn’t mean it isn't worth buying, and you can always check with your local HVAC distributor or Carrier directly to inquire about stock for these models.

Discontinued Performance Boost 90 - 59SP5 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96.5%
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: A mid-range furnace with single-stage operation but a multi-speed blower motor for advanced dehumidification and excellent energy performance.

Discontinued Performance Series 90 - 59SP2 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 92.1%
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Better
What's good: The Performance 59SP2 is an efficient but basic mid-range furnace that promises quiet and reliable operation.

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Carrier Exclusive Features

 

Feature 1 – ComfortFan™

ComfortFan gives you control over fan speed in “Constant ON” mode, so you can choose how fast and thoroughly you want your air to circulate, especially if you’re heating your home to a significantly higher temperature.

What's more, the ComfortFan™ technology also lets you control the speed for the SmartEvap™ technology, giving you precise control over your home’s humidity levels.

Feature 2 – Infinity System Control

The Infinity System Control is Carrier’s smart thermostat, which can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or other mobile device.

From the comfort of your living room or when you're on the go, the Infinity System Control lets you change temperature settings, control humidity, and adjust airflow.

This smart thermostat can save you time and money, and ensure your home is always at the ideal temperature and comfort levels, but it’s only compatible with the Infinity series furnaces.

Feature 3 – SmartEvap™ and Ideal Humidity System®️

In summer, dehumidification is essential and this works with your cooling system and air conditioner to pull moisture from the air to maintain a comfortable home environment. Not only does this improve comfort levels in your home, but it also reduces summertime cooling costs and prevents mold growth.

Feature 4 – Hybrid Heat®️

When you pair your furnace with a heat pump, this feature allows your furnace to alternate between gas and electric heat to maintain your ideal indoor temperature. This is especially useful to cut back on your heating bill because the technology will automatically choose the best fuel to maximize comfort and reduce energy costs.

Feature 5 – Greenspeed® Intelligence

Greenspeed® Intelligence is a special technology that’s only available with Carrier’s top-of-the-line model. This cutting-edge technology produces a furnace that leads the industry in dehumidification, quiet operation, and energy-efficient performance.

The technology also makes it possible to get wireless software updates for your furnace. It can also give your local HVAC expert remote access to the system, which can reduce maintenance time and potentially even eliminate the need for certain service calls.

Feature 6 – PowerHeat™

PowerHeat™ is a hot surface ignition system that eliminates the need for a pilot light, thereby reducing fuel waste. Hot surface ignition also improves the reliability of the furnace because you'll never again have to worry about your house going cold because of a burnt-out pilot light.

Warranty

 

Carrier offers a consistent warranty across most models. Top-tier models have the same warranties as entry-level models. There is a lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year limited warranty on parts.

The one exception to this is the most basic model, the Comfort 92 - 59SC2, which comes with the same 10-year parts warranty, but a shorter 20-year heat exchanger warranty.

If you’re inclined, then there's also an opt-in warranty you can purchase separately that will cover labour costs.

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase a Carrier gas furnace. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.

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CARRIER- ABOUT THE COMPANY

 

Carrier was founded in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier who invented the modern air-conditioner. As part of the UTC Climate, Controls and Security, Carrier provides for aerospace and building systems around the world.

With a focus to be eco-friendly, in 2011, one of Carrier’s commercial plants became the first industrial HVAC facility to be LEED®️ Gold Certified.

Eager to learn more about Carrier’s high-efficiency natural gas furnace line up? Fill out our online form, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.