Installing an air conditioning system in your home is a major investment decision. Carrier is a major player in the air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation (HVAC) industry with over a century worth of experience. With many models under their belt, choosing the ideal Carrier AC for your home can be challenging.
This article highlights some of the best Carrier air conditioning systems to help you identify the one that best suits your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Carrier Air Conditioners
- OUR TOP PICK: Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7
- RUNNER-UP: Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6
- BEST CARRIER CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER: Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1
- BEST CARRIER 4 TON AIR CONDITIONER: Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6
Comparison of the Best Carrier Air Conditioners
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Who is Carrier?
Carrier Group, also known as Carrier Global Corp., is an American hardware and technologies manufacturer and distributor of air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems – founded in 1915 and headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens Florida.
Who Owns Carrier Air Conditioner?
Carrier was an independent company from 1915 up to 1979 when it was acquired by United Technologies. However, in 2020, Carrier became an independent company again with various subsidiaries under its belt including Profroid, Sensitech, Toshiba-Carrier, Tempstar, CIAT, Day & Night, Comfortmaker, Riello, and many more.
Where Are Carrier Air Conditioners Made?
Carrier’s products are designed and manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana. However, the company announced plans of moving its manufacturing operations to Monterrey, Mexico.
What Makes Carrier Air Conditioners Stand Out From the Competition?
With an operational background spanning over a century, the Carrier brand boasts immense innovation experience in the HVAC, refrigeration, and fire & security solutions industry.
Some major features that make a Carrier product stand out from the competition to include innovative designs and functions, high-quality build for longevity, quiet operation, and excellent customer service.
Carrier products also come with varying warranties. Their comfort and performance series units have a 10-year limited warranty. Most of the other series come with a five-year limited warranty and if you register for your product within 90 days, the company extends your warranty to 10 years.
Exclusive Features
Carrier’s products are mainly built using “better” and “best” quality third-party components.
The company makes its thermostats and most of its HVAC systems are compatible with other thermostat brands like Lyric, Nest, Ecobee, and Lux/Geo.
Some features unique to Carrier products include Copeland compressors, authorized dealers & installers, Carrier thermostats, and a COR home automation system.
Review of the Best Carrier Air Conditioners
Thanks to its wide variety of innovative products and technology, Carrier is a top brand known for making some of the best air conditioners.
Below is a review of our top Carrier air conditioner picks and their features, pros, and cons.
Best Overall:
Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 3-ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Up to 17
Home Sq. Ft.: 1600 to 1900
Condenser Fan Motors: Two
Cost of Unit Only: $4125
Installation Cost: $8335
Features of Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7
Customer reviews show that the Carrier Infinity 17 is a reliable, high-performance, and energy-saving conditioner ideal for both homes and offices. If paired with a variable-speed furnace the Infinity 17 does a great job of dehumidifying your office or home, especially during the summer. Features of the Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7
What Spaces is the Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7 Best For?
The Carrier 17 is ideal for homes and small offices looking for a durable, reliable, and versatile air conditioner. It combines advanced tech features to offer impressive performance and durability. The enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity when used indoors.
The silencer II system and compressor sound blanket emit only 67 dB noise. This makes it impressively quiet and suitable for homes and offices where noise levels should remain low.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 17 from environmental and weather hazards when used outdoors.
Mounting and Installation Options
Because of its sophisticated operational system, you need the services of a professional installer to help you mount and use your Carrier Infinity 17 air conditioner.
Runner-up:
Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 4-ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Up to 16
Home Sq. Ft.: 2200 to 2600
Condenser Fan Motors: Single
Cost of Unit Only: $2,498
Installation Cost: $6,635
Features of Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6
Customer reviews show that the Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6 is a reliable, efficient, and affordable conditioner ideal for home use. It is an affordable, mid-tier AC that offers better features than standard series models. If you are looking for a Carrier AC that offers value for money, you might want to consider the Performance 16 24ACC6.
What Spaces is the Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6 Best For?
It comes in four sizes (2-ton – 5-ton) that allows you to choose the model that best fits your needs across homes, offices, and hospitals of different sizes. The silencer II system and compressor sound blanket emit only 72dB noise, making it suitable for use in offices and hospitals with strict noise regulations.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity when used indoors.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 16 from environmental and weather hazards when installed outdoors.
Mounting and Installation Options
This Carrier Performance 16 air conditioner requires the services of a professional for installation. However, if you manage to follow the elaborate installation guidelines, you can mount the air conditioner on your own and cut back on the cost of installation.
Best for the Money:
Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 3-ft
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Up to 26
Home Sq. Ft.: 1600 to 1900
Condenser Fan Motors: Two
Cost of Unit Only: $4125
Installation Cost: $5,894
Features of the Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6
Customer reviews show that the Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6 is an extremely reliable and efficient conditioner ideal for home use.
Though not expensive, the top-tier AC offers better features than comfort and performance series models. Most buyers acknowledge that it offers great value at a lower price than most other Carrier models.
What Spaces is the Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6 Best For?
The Carrier Infinity 26 is ideal for homes and small offices looking for a durable, quiet, and versatile air conditioner. It has low noise levels of 51dB, suitable for spaces like offices, patients’ rooms, and multi-family places where noise levels should be kept low to reduce disturbances.
Mounting and Installation Options
Because of its sophisticated operational system, you will need the services of a professional installer to help you mount and set up your Carrier Infinity 26 air conditioner for use.
Best Carrier Central Air Conditioner:
Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 3-ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Up to 19
Home Sq. Ft.: 1600-1900
Condenser Fan Motors: Two
Cost of Unit Only: $4125
Installation Cost: $8335
Features of the Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1
Customer reviews show that the Carrier 21 24ANB1 is a durable, high-performance, and energy-saving conditioner ideal for various home sizes.
Users love the air conditioner since it has lower operational costs given its high SEER rating of 19. This helps them cut back on the money they spend on electricity bills especially when they have to keep the unit running most of the time or for 24 hours each day.
What Spaces is the Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1 Best For?
While most users have installed this unit in their homes, it is also a good fit for industrial use where heavy machinery or equipment such as servers generate a lot of heat. It can also be used outdoors for both temporary and prolonged durations since the WeatherArmor technology helps protect the parts from damage by harsh environmental conditions.
Mounting and Installation Options
Like most Infinity models, the Infinity 21 features a sophisticated operating system and you need the services of a professional installer to help you mount and set up your AC for use.
Best Carrier 4 Ton Air Conditioner:
Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 3-ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Up to 17
Home Sq. Ft.: 1600-1900
Condenser Fan Motors: Single
Cost of Unit Only: $1,895
Installation Cost: $5,025
Features of the Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6
Customer reviews show that the Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6 is a durable and affordable air conditioner suitable for users looking for an AC for smaller spaces like homes, offices, and hospitals. Most users agree that although it has lower efficiency and consumes more power, it still remains fairly cheap and users on a budget should consider it among their very first choices.
What Spaces is the Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6 Best For?
This unit is a good choice for places where minimal noise levels have to be maintained such as hospital rooms, worship centers, schools, homes, and offices. Although it has higher energy consumption, it can still be used in small factories such as those dealing with perishable produce where good quality of air helps prolong the lifespan of such products.
Mounting and Installation Options
Like most Comfort models, the Comfort 16 features a simple air-conditioning system but if you are not into tech, you might need the services of a professional installer to help you mount your AC and set it up for regular use. Most users with basic technical knowledge and the right tools manage to do the installation on their own and thus reduce the total acquisition cost.
Best Carrier 2 Stage Air Conditioner:
Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 3-ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Up to 17
Home Sq. Ft.: 1600-1800
Condenser Fan Motors: Two-stage
Cost of Unit Only: $2,450
Installation Cost: $5,422
Features of Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7
The Carrier Performance 17 air conditioner comes with a programmable thermostat that most recent users love since it enables them to make settings that run without the need for time-consuming regular resets. The smart thermostat makes air management easier as users can run operations more on an automatic mode even when they are away from their space.
What Spaces is the Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7 Best For?
Although it’s not Carrier’s quietest or most energy-efficient model, most people have successfully installed and used the Performance 17 24ACB7 in smaller mini-factories, stores, homes, and offices.
Mounting and Installation Options
Where space is limited and becomes a major hindrance, users mount it outdoors or into walls such that the airstreams are directed indoors. However, this is not encouraged where the user can’t find a suitable shade or cover for the air conditioner to protect it from direct contact with adverse weather conditions such as rain and sunlight.
Types of ACs by Carrier
Carrier’s air conditioners come in three distinct series: Infinity, Comfort, and Performance series.
Carrier Comfort Series
As a standard model, the Comfort series offers standard features with high levels of efficiency and performance.
It has less energy-efficient models ideal for small spaces like homes, hotels, and offices. It is budget-friendly with single-stage operation conditioners with SEER ratings of about 17 for moderate energy conservation.
Carrier’s Comfort series is a highly reliable and efficient model – an ideal option for customers on a tight budget.
Carrier Performance Series
Carrier’s Performance series offers a good balance between cost and performance. Models within the series come with enhanced features like improved temperature and humidity control and SEER ratings of over 17 for improved energy conservation.
As a mid-tier series, expect to spend more than with the standard Comfort series. You get enhanced features like lower decibel levels of 72, increased longevity, and better performance.
Carrier’s performance series offers mid-range air conditioners with enhanced features – an ideal option for customers looking for air conditioners that offer better value for money.
Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6
Infinity Series
The Infinity series provides consumers with top-tier products that offer the highest levels of comfort management.
Models within the series come with SEER ratings of over 26 for optimal energy conservation and premium temperature & humidity control options. It also offers ultra-quiet comfort with decibel levels as low as 58.
With a two-stage compressor, the models offer the most efficient air conditioning while remaining whisper-quiet.
The Infinity series offers products with the best features and functionalities – an ideal option for customers looking for complex and high-end air conditioners on the market.
Carrier Comparisons
How does Carrier compare to other popular brands?
Carrier vs Lennox Air Conditioner
Lennox is another reputable AC brand. Let's look at some of the ways these two brands measure up against one another.
Similarities
- Both brands sell their ACs in tiers representing “standard, enhanced, and premium”
- All premium models support WIFI connectivity.
- Most models have a sound reduction and insulation technologies.
- Both brands use R-410A refrigerant.
- AC cabinets on both models come with powder-coat and enamel finishing for durability and resistance to hazards.
Differences
History
Lennox was founded in 1895 by Dave Lennox as a furnace company. Carrier was founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier, who later acquired Bryant and Day & Night brands.
AC Efficiency
Lennox air conditioners offer better AC efficiency than Carrier. Carrier’s top-tier models have an efficiency between 21 and 26 SEER while Lenox’s have between 20 and 26 SEER.
Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7
Features
Carrier air conditioners have better features than Lennox. While all Carrier models are WIFI-compatible, only the top-tier Lenox models have WIFI connection capabilities.
Warranties
All Carrier models come with a 10-year parts warranty for consumers who order their air conditioners within 90 days of registration. Most of Lennox’s air conditioners have a 5-year warranty and only premium models offer a 10-year warranty.
Costs
Lennox air conditioners are about 10-20% pricier than Carrier air conditioners. However, the total cost mainly depends on your dealer and installer.
Carrier vs Trane Air Conditioner
Trane air conditioners are also popular. So what makes Carrier different?
Similarities
- Both products are sold in tiers representing “good, better, and best” models in quality.
- All top-tier models support WIFI connectivity.
- Both have sound reduction and insulation technologies.
- Both Carrier and Trane use R-410A refrigerant.
Differences
History
Trane was founded in 1913 by Reuben and James Trane as a plumbing company. Carrier was founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier, who later acquired Bryant and Day & Night brands.
Photo credit: versusmatch.com
Energy Efficiency
Trane air conditioners offer better efficiency levels than Carrier. All Trane models come with advanced energy efficiency capabilities only offered in the medium-range and top-tier Carrier models.
Maintenance Requirements
Carrier air conditioner parts are relatively cheaper than Trane’s. The parts for Carrier ACs are more readily available than Trane AC parts.
Warranties
There is no difference in warranty between Carrier’s and Trane’s standard and mid-level units. If you intend to buy a top-tier model, Trane offers a better warranty on their compressors than Carrier. But Carrier offers longer warranty periods on parts of up to ten years.
Price Point
Both Carrier and Trane offer nearly similar prices for their products. However, Trane parts cost 10-15% more than Carrier parts.
Carrier vs Bryant Air Conditioner
If you're trying to decide between a Carrier and a Bryant, here are some things to keep in mind.
Similarities
- Both brands make 17 models with 16 of them having similar features.
- Although some models differ in details, most Bryant and Carrier parts are interchangeable.
- All top-tier models support WIFI features and capabilities.
- Both have sound reduction and insulation technologies.
- Both Carrier and Bryant use R-410A refrigerant.
- Most of their products come with a 10-year warranty period upon proper registration.
Photo credit: mcallisterenergy.com
Differences
History
Bryant was founded in 1904 by Charles Bryant as a water heater making company. Carrier was founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier.
Compressor
Carrier and Bryant use different compressors. Bryant compressors work in a circular motion while Carrier’s works in an up-and-down motion.
Price
Carrier air conditioners cost more than Bryant air conditioners. As a more superior brand on the market, Carrier spends more on advertising costs, which makes their products pricier than Bryant’s.
Tempstar vs Carrier
Lastly, let's see how Tempstar air conditioners compare to Carrier.
Similarities
Both brands sell their ACs in tiers representing “standard, enhanced, and premium” levels.
All premium models support WIFI-connected features and capabilities.
Most have a sound reduction and insulation technologies.
Both brands use R-410A refrigerant.
AC cabinets on both models come with powder-coat and enamel finishing for durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1
Differences
History
Tempstar was founded in the 1980s by International Comfort Products (ICP) and Carrier in 1914 by Willis Carrier. Currently, Tempstar is a subsidiary company owned by Carrier.
Energy Efficiency
Although similar in many ways, Carrier products offer higher energy efficiency levels than Tempstar.
Price
Because of better features and market dominance, Carrier ACs cost more than Tempstar ACs at between 10-20%.
How Do Carrier AC Lines Compare?
Carrier classifies their ACs by product lines. Is one better than another and how do you choose between them? We'll break down the differences to help you out.
Carrier Infinity vs Performance
Carrier Infinity series provides you with premium products with the highest comfort management and energy efficiency levels. The Infinity series units are ideal for customers looking for high-end air conditioners with the best features on the market.
Carrier’s Performance series offers the perfect balance between cost and performance. They are best suited for customers looking for air conditioners that offer better value for money.
Carrier Comfort vs Performance
Carrier’s Performance series offers the perfect balance between cost and performance. They are best suited for customers looking for air conditioners that offer better value for money without compromising efficiency and ease of installation and operation.
The Comfort series offers standard models and features with lower levels of efficiency and performance. It is an ideal series for customers on a budget looking for an efficient air conditioner for smaller spaces.
Carrier Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Taking time to troubleshoot your Carrier AC saves you time and money.
Some tips for troubleshooting on your air conditioner include checking your thermostat settings, cleaning your AC filter, filling up your refrigerant, replacing the breaker, and unfreezing your AC coil.
However, if you realize you can’t solve your ACs issues, contact a Carrier expert for a better diagnosis.
Photo credit: carrier.com
My Carrier Air Conditioner is Not Cooling
Your AC might not be cooling because of simple issues like the improper setting of your thermostat or complex issues that require you to replace components. Some of the main problems to look out for include a dirty/clogged air filter, blocked condenser unit, damaged heat pump, frozen evaporator coil, or a refrigerant leak.
What Do Carrier Air Conditioners Error Codes Mean?
All Carrier models have different error codes that indicate your AC problems that require your attention. Indoor and outdoor error codes help you identify your ACs problems and take necessary action. Be sure to enlist the help of a professional if you can’t get the error code to disappear in good time.
What To Do If My Carrier Air Conditioner is Leaking Water
It is normal for your AC to leak water. However, prolonged leaks indicate that your AC might be having some issues. Some of the reasons your AC leaks water include a dirty filter, faulty condensation pan, blocked drain pipe, low refrigerant levels, and faulty installation.
Conclusion
Carrier makes some of the best quality air conditioners on the market. With a rich historical background in AC manufacturing, the company stands out as a global leader in air-conditioning systems.
Their ACs are available in three tiers – Comfort, Performance, and Infinity with closely-related features and capabilities. Other than the pricing, they also have other minor differences and when you are out looking for a Carrier AC, remember to consider these differences and choose from the series that best suits your needs and budget.
People Also Ask
Carrier makes many different AC models. Having an in-depth understanding of the various types helps you choose the ideal AC for your home or office. Some of the most common questions asked about Carrier air conditioners include the following.
How Long Do Carrier Air Conditioners Last?
Carrier models offer different levels of longevity. Typically, top-tier air conditioners last longer than standard and medium-range models. With excellent maintenance, standard Comfort series ACs can last between 10-15 years while Performance series models last between 15-20 years. The Infinity series units offer the highest levels of durability and longevity – between 20-25 years.
What Kind of Warranty Does Carrier Offer?
Carrier offers two warranty options on their ACs: 5-year and a 10-year warranty. All models come with a 10-year limited parts warranty but you have to register your unit for a warranty within ninety days of installation. The warranty only covers major AC components and doesn’t include labor costs or cover failures caused by poor maintenance and faulty installation.
Why Are Carrier Air Conditioners So Expensive?
Carrier is a market giant in the AC industry. With over 100 years’ experience in building ACs, the company makes some of the best products on the market. Typically, Carrier ACs come with better features and capabilities than most other brands, which makes their products pricier. As a major market player, Carrier also spends the most on marketing costs, which also translates to higher product prices.
How Much is a Carrier Air Conditioner?
Carrier offers many different AC models whose price depends on size and SEER rating. A new Carrier unit costs between $3500 to $8500 in total installation costs.
An average home measuring 1800 square ft. requires a 3-ton AC unit that costs around $4450 and around $7050 in total installation costs.
Photo credit: gshaservices.com
How To Change Filter on Carrier Air Conditioner
With your AC turned off, locate and open the air filter cabinet. Check for indication arrows showing you how to detach the filter from the system. Remove it and inspect it for debris, dust, and dirt. Measure its dimensions to know the replacement filter you need. Insert the new filter and turn on your AC.
How Many Tons Is My Carrier AC Unit?
Carrier ACs come with varying tonnage. Their models vary from 1.5 -ton to 5-ton air conditioning systems for specific home sizes. To know your air conditioner’s tonnage, divide its BTU by 12000. For instance, if your AC is labeled 48000 BTUs, you have a 4-ton air conditioning unit.
How To Clean Carrier Air Conditioner Coils
You can clean your AC coils in three different ways: using compressed air, using household detergent, or using commercial cleaners. Compressed air is used to clean the outdoor condensing coil by pushing air over it to remove dirt and debris. A low-pressure sprayer is used to clean AC coils using household detergents and commercial cleaners.
When Did Willis Carrier Invent the Air Conditioner?
Willis Carrier designed the first air-conditioning system in July 1902. By 1915, Carrier and six engineers incorporated the company Carrier Engineering Corporation (CEC) and built their first factory in 1920, in New Jersey. In 1979, United Technologies acquired Carrier, but the latter became independent again in 2020 as a manufacturer of air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment.
Is Carrier a Good Air Conditioner?
Carrier air conditioners are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. As a global leader in AC systems, Carrier makes high-quality products that offer excellent levels of efficiency, durability, and performance. Carrier’s ACs are relatively more expensive than other major brands because of their high-quality build and strong brand reputation.