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Quick Guide - Carrier
My Opinion
Carrier has been a trusted brand for over 120 years. Their abundance of heat pumps proves that the company understands that heating needs vary among consumers and they are committed to quality performance.
4.6
Overall Score
Reliability
4.6
Performance
4.7
Energy Efficiency
4.9
Warranty
4.2
Value for Money
4.6
Benefits
Drawbacks
Since its founding in 1915 as the Carrier Engineering Corporation, the Carrier company has been a leading innovator in heating and cooling solutions.
Willis Carrier developed his idea of a modern air conditioning system in 1902, and the technology behind it has skyrocketed from there.
Tons of companies have taken Carrier’s ideas to develop their own AC and heating solutions, but only Willis Carrier can be credited with the design that we now know as modern heating.
This is just one of the many reasons why so many homeowners choose Carrier over other brands.
Here’s a quick breakdown of my favorite Carrier units for heating (as well as one to avoid):
Quick guide to Carrier heat pumps
Carrier Infinity 25VNA4
The 25VNA4 is Carrier’s most efficient heat pump. It’s not cheap, but the high efficiency 22 SEER rating means that you’ll save massively on energy costs, and you’re also eligible for more than $2,000 in federal tax credits.
Carrier Comfort 25SCA5
With a 15.2 SEER2, the 25SCA5 only provides moderate energy savings and standard comfort features. However, this is a great option for homeowners who don’t want to spend too much upfront for their heating needs.
Carrier Performance 38MURA
There’s nothing technically wrong with the 38MURA, but because this is Carrier’s most compact heat pump, it’s not quite as powerful as other models available.
Carrier is a brand that I’ve come to know and love, especially during the cold winter months that my hometown in Ohio is known for.
With my Carrier heat pump, I never question whether or not my house will stay warm in the dead of winter.
Even though I love the Carrier brand, it's still up to you, as a homeowner and a smart consumer, to do your research.
In this guide, I'll cover all the essential details surrounding Carrier heat pumps, including my favorite heating products from this well-known HVAC company.
Carrier heat pump review – My honest opinion
After using 2 different Carrier heat pumps over the years and scouring countless reviews from Carrier customers, it’s clear that this company is a frontrunner in the HVAC industry.
From this research and experience, I have mostly positive things to say about this brand, but there is always room for improvement.
Pros and cons of bying a Carrier heat pump
The good
The bad
How much do Carrier heat pumps cost?
As you browse the Carrier website, you’ll quickly notice that the company does not list prices.
That’s because Carrier heat pump price depends on the model you’ve chosen, its size, and the exact labor and installation fees charged by your local dealer.
Depending on these factors, you could pay anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 for your new unit.
Luckily, the final price includes the cost of installation as well as local taxes. Still, it's always best to confirm this with the installer beforehand.
Heat Pump Model | Ton | Home Size | Cost (Unit Only) | Cost + Install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Infinity 24 | 2 – 5 | 1200 – 3200 sq. ft. | $5100 | $12600 |
Infinity® 18VS | 2 – 5 | 1200 – 3200 sq. ft. | $3600 | $10000 |
Infinity® 16 | 2 – 5 | 1200 – 3200 sq. ft. | $3200 | $9800 |
Infinity® 16 Coastal | 2 – 5 | 1200 – 3200 sq. ft. | $3200 | $9800 |
Performance™ 16 | 2 – 5 | 1200 – 3200 sq. ft. | $3000 | $8900 |
Performance™ 15 | 1 – 5 | 600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $2900 | $8600 |
Performance™ 14 | 1 – 5 | 600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $2800 | $7600 |
Performance™ 16 Enhanced | 1 – 5 | 600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $3200 | $9800 |
Comfort™ 15 | 1 – 5 | 600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $2500 | $7200 |
Comfort™ 14 | 1 – 5 | 600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $2300 | $6800 |
Comfort™ 14 Coastal | 1 – 5 | 600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $2300 | $6800 |
Before you freak out about the high pricing, especially for Carrier’s high-end products, just try to relax.
Carrier offers different financing options as well as lease-to-own options, tax credits, and promotional rebates.
You can expect to pay the most with Carrier’s top-of-the-line Infinity series and the least with the brand’s budget-friendly Comfort series.
For a middle-of-the-road pricing option, you’ll definitely want to consider Carrier’s Performance series of units.
Pricing by model & size
Here’s a quick breakdown of expected costs (including installation and disposal fees) based on popular Carrier heat pump models.
I’ve also included the average SEER for each model to give you a better idea of potential annual energy savings.
Carrier Model | SEER Rating | Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|
Infinity 25VNA4 | Up to 22 | $12,900 - $18,100 |
Performance 25TPA7 | Up to 17 | $10,500 - $14,000 |
Performance 25SPA5 | Up to 15.2 | $10,000 - $12,000 |
Performance 38MURA | Up to 18 | $16,000 - $18,000 |
Comfort 27SCA5 | Up to 16 | $5,000 - $7,000 |
Comfort 25SCA5 | Up to 15.2 | $4,000 - $6,500 |
What makes Carrier heat pumps stand out?
High energy efficiency
Carrier HVAC systems are some of the most energy-efficient on the market, with ratings of up to 22 SEER2, 12.4 EER2, and 9.8 HSPF2.
Ideal Humidity System™ technology
This technology allows your system to adjust to keep humidity levels under control.
It works by sensing moisture levels inside the home, automatically adjusting fan speeds and compressor operation to remove humidity without changing the indoor temperature.
Smallest footprint available
Carrier offers a line of compact heaters and air conditioners that are the smallest on the market, but still extremely powerful.
This compact footprint lets you install it as close as six inches from your home.
WeatherArmor™ ultra galvanized steel cabinet
This feature is included in Carrier’s Infinity series of heat pumps, and it’s all about protecting your appliance from the elements thanks to a galvanized steel cabinet surrounding the unit.
Louvered coil guard & baked-on powder paint
Durability features like these extend the lifespan of your Carrier HVAC system by protecting against rust and corrosion.
Ecobee for Carrier smart thermostats
Carrier has recently partnered with Ecobee to offer the latest in smart thermostat technology.
These thermostats make monitoring and controlling your personal heating preferences even easier, while saving up to 26% in annual energy costs.
InteliSense™ connected system
InteliSense technology is exclusively for the Carrier Performance series, giving homeowners the power to run diagnostics and receive real-time performance updates without the need for an HVAC technician.
Solid warranty coverage
Carrier provides a 10-year limited parts warranty on its heat pumps that covers all functional parts.
Some Infinity series heat pumps also come with a 10-year unit replacement warranty.
Carrier online system builder
Figuring out the exact specifications of your ideal heat pump can be tricky.
Carrier makes it easy, though, all thanks to the company's online system builder, which helps you find the perfect heat pump for your needs.
Impeccable Carrier customer service
The Carrier customer support team is accessible and helpful for troubleshooting.
You can get in touch any time of day or night by calling 1(800)227-7437 (just make sure to have your product serial number handy).
Warranty analysis – How does it stack up?
The Carrier warranty policy may not be the best in the industry, but it’s still good.
The policy is extremely comprehensive and gives customers options for an extended warranty.
The exact policy depends on the heating-cooling appliance you've chosen. Still, overall, you can expect at least 10 years of coverage on most heat pump parts.
This coverage doesn't include labor, refrigerant, or issues caused by normal wear and tear.
Because of its top-of-the-line status, the Infinity series heat pumps also include a 10-year unit replacement warranty.
That means you can get a brand new pump if your Infinity appliance stops operating within 10 years of purchase.
ACLAB note:
To ensure you get the full benefits of your Carrier warranty, make sure to register your unit within 90 days of installation.
Failing to do this means your warranty will be downgraded to 5 years of coverage.
Overview of the Carrier heat pump models
Carrier currently offers 3 heat pump series, ranging in price, energy efficiency, performance, and size.
These include the Infinity series, Performance series, and Comfort series.
Carrier Infinity Series
The Infinity Series is all about high performance that's not only powerful but also extremely energy efficient.
With a rating of 22 SEER2 and advanced comfort features, this is the most advanced series by far. Here's what you can expect in terms of features:
Main features:
While it’s not much of a “series” as it only includes 2 products, the 25VNA4 and 25VNA8 Variable Speed Heat Pump, this series is worth considering if energy efficiency is your main concern.
Carrier Performance Series
The Performance series of heat pumps lives up to its name.
Each product in this Carrier line is focused on high performance for delivering ultimate comfort, including easy-to-adjust airflow, humidity control, low sound performance, and precise temperature control.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of features:
Main features:
There are currently 4 HVAC system products in the Performance series: the 25TPA7, 27SPA6, 25SPA5, and 38MURA.
The best of these is the 25TPA7, thanks to its advanced energy efficiency and extreme comfort features, although the price tag reflects that.
Carrier Comfort Series
The Carrier Comfort series includes 4 different pumps that are great for the heating season: the 27SCA5, 25SCA5, 27SCA5***C, and 25SCA5***C.
Each option is a single-stage heat pump that offers standard comfort features and moderate energy savings.
While these aren’t as energy efficient or as advanced as the Infinity or Performance series, all Carrier products in the Comfort series will certainly keep you comfortable and won’t break the bank.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of features:
Main features:
Comparing the popular Carrier heat pump models
Carrier has several models to choose from, ranging from the budget-friendly Comfort series to the highly efficient Infinity series.
Below, I’ve laid out all the details of each heat pump that Carrier currently offers to help homeowners with the buying process.
Heat Pump Model | SEER | Ton | Compressor Type | HSPF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Infinity 24 | 24 | 2 – 5 | Variable Speed | 13 |
Infinity® 18VS | 19 | 2 – 5 | 5-Stage | 11 |
Infinity® 16 | 17 | 2 – 5 | 2-Stage | 9.5 |
Infinity® 16 Coastal | 17.5 | 2 – 5 | 2-Stage | 9.5 |
Performance™ 16 | 17 | 2 – 5 | 2-Stage | 9.5 |
Performance™ 15 | 16 | 1 – 5 | Single-Stage | 9 |
Performance™ 14 | 14 | 1 – 5 | Single-Stage | 8.2 |
Performance™ 16 Enhanced | 16 | 1 – 5 | 2-Stage | 9.5 |
Comfort™ 15 | 15 | 1 – 5 | Single-Stage | 8.5 |
Comfort™ 14 | 14 | 1 – 5 | Single-Stage | 8.2 |
Comfort™ 14 Coastal | 14 | 1 – 5 | Single-Stage | 8.2 |
Infinity 25VNA4
Main features:
The Infinity 25VNA4 is the most advanced and most intelligent heat pump from Carrier.
With its 22 SEER2 rating, the variable-speed compressor is extremely efficient while also providing all the necessary comfort features, including ultra-quiet performance.
This unit comes with a Greenspeed Intelligence feature that attributes to its efficient operation, constantly adapting its output to the needs of the home.
This feature makes tiny adjustments to stay efficient while also giving your home the amount of heating it needs.
Infinity 25VNA8
Main features:
The 25VNA8 is another member of Carrier's Infinity series.
It's built with a 5-stage compressor that ensures efficient performance, only operating at total capacity when absolutely necessary.
Personally, I prefer the 25VNA4 over this one, mainly because it comes with more comfort features and a better ability to remove moisture from the home.
Performance 25TPA7
Main features:
If the Infinity series isn’t in your budget, you’ll definitely want to check out the Performance 25TPA7 by Carrier.
While it’s a small step down in terms of efficiency, it still comes with all the features you could ever want for your heating source, like quiet performance and enhanced humidity control.
Performance 25SPA5
Main features:
Similar to the 25TPA7, the 25TPA5 is a more budget-friendly option that offers the potential for long-term energy savings.
The upfront cost won’t break the bank, and with its decent 15.2 SEER2 rating, you can expect to see lower utility bills in the winter months.
Performance 38MURA
Main features:
It’s rare to find a compact heat pump, which is why Carrier specifically designed the Performance 38MURA with the smallest footprint available.
Thanks to its compact design, this pump can be installed as close as 6” from your home; it can even be placed on a roof or stacked for multi-family housing.
While I don’t recommend this appliance for everyone (if you have the space, it’s best to go with a more powerful model), it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a small heating solution for your home.
Comfort 25SCA5
Main features:
My go-to recommendation for homeowners on a budget is the Comfort 25SCA5.
This is the most affordable option for Carrier customers, but it still gets the job done flawlessly.
Plus, you’re still likely to see some energy savings thanks to its 15.2 SEER2 rating.
Comfort Coastal Series (27SCA5***C & 25SCA5***C)
Main features:
Carrier understands that homes located on the coast have different needs when it comes to heating.
That’s why they’ve manufactured 2 different heat pumps that are suitable for coastal environments: the 27SCA5***C and the 25SCA5***C.
Both units are designed specifically for coastal environments with features that are specifically meant to combat harsh salt air.
HVAC installation options for homeowners
You can typically find pricing information for Carrier products directly from the contractors and HVAC companies selling and installing them.
Just know that the final price will vary based on which new model you’ve chosen, where you live, and the professional’s installation expertise.
Before installation, you can (and should) expect the installer to perform a home HVAC evaluation.
It’s not until after this evaluation that you’ll be given a detailed cost estimate for the upcoming job of installing the new equipment.
There are a lot of factors that can influence the final cost of the job, including:
What do other people say about Carrier heat pumps?
Carrier is one of the top-rated companies for HVAC systems around the world, and the millions of reviews from happy customers make that even more apparent.
As I combed through reviews on different consumer sites, I found these to be the most helpful to homeowners in the market for a new heating solution:
“My HVAC system from Carrier has worked well from the start and has never skipped a beat. It is the best system I’ve ever owned. And the price was affordable as well. And guess what - I work for Trane!”
-Tom from Lexington, KY
“We have a Carrier furnace and AC. It is currently 25 yrs old. It just needs a tune up every year. It runs well and is dependable."
-Andrea from Canton, OH
"I was highly skeptical that this machine could be this efficient on the gulf coast, however I have been proved wrong. Highly efficient and an amazing product that is very well engineered."
-Ricky from the Gulf Coast
Carrier tax credit benefits explained
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, there’s never been a better time to invest in a new heating system for your home.
This legislation incentivizes homeowners to switch to high-efficiency heating solutions, and the more efficient your system, the more money you can get back from the government.
I'm talkin' more than several hundred dollars; you can actually save thousands!
According to this act, homeowners can receive a tax credit equal to 30% of installation costs for the highest efficiency tier products, up to a maximum of $600 for qualified air conditioners and furnaces, and a maximum of $2,000 for qualified heat pumps, including the Infinity 25VNA4.
Related article: Learn which HVAC systems quality for federal tax credit
How do Carrier heat pumps compare to top competitors?
Carrier Vs Trane heat pumps
Both Trane and Carrier have earned a great deal of respect among homeowners and HVAC contractors.
These are undeniably two of the biggest names in the industry, and because of that, it's hard to decide on a winner.
Overall, Carrier units are considered to be more efficient with higher SEER rating values.
Carrier also offers a wider variety of heating and cooling systems, so you’re more likely to find an AC unit, heat pump, or furnace that works for your exact needs and budget.
The only real advantage that Trane has over Carrier is the fact that this AC brand makes its own parts.
That means less expensive repairs and also a greater ability to find exact parts for old heat pumps made by Trane.
You can learn more about Trane heating systems in my full review.
Related article: Trane heat pump review in detail
Carrier Vs Amana heat pumps
The Amana company has been around since 1934, and they currently offer a variety of HVAC products, including 7 heat pumps.
The most energy-efficient model has a 21 SEER rating, which comes close in comparison to the 22 rating of the Carrier 25VNA4.
Although Amana products are efficient and affordable, they’re not as trusted or reliable as air conditioners and pumps from Carrier.
Carrier Vs Daikin heat pumps
Daikin is currently a world leader in inverter technology. This speaks volumes, considering the inverter is the heart of your air conditioner and heating system.
To top it off, Daikin offers one of the best warranties in the industry, with 12 years of parts coverage.
The biggest problem with Daikin products has to do with the air handler cabinet, which could use more insulation.
According to the company, they are working around the clock to fix this problem, but Carrier still has them beat for now.
How energy efficient are Carrier heating appliances?
When it comes to operating costs as well as helping the environment, there are two criteria you need to look into:
- 1Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF):
This metric tells you what to expect from your system during the heating season. The HSPF is a consideration of the heat pump's ability to convert electrical energy into heat, and the higher the HSPF, the better. - 2Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):
SEER is the measurement of cooling performance during the summer months. Heat pumps also serve as air conditioners, so you need to consider both the heating and cooling capacities. SEER ratings typically fall between 13 and 22 (a higher rating means better efficiency).
Carrier ranks higher on the efficiency scale than other brands, particularly for the Infinity 25VNA4.
This Energy Star appliance features the most efficient operation out of all Carrier heaters and furnaces, with ratings of 22 SEER2, 14 EER2, and 10.5 HSPF2.
FAQ
Where are Carrier heat pumps made?
Most Carrier products, including heat pumps, are made at the product development center in Collierville, Tennessee. This is also where Carrier designs and tests its appliances.
How long does a Carrier heat pump last?
You can expect your Carrier heat pump to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, it’s possible to extend this lifespan with proper care, maintenance, and yearly inspections.
Who is the CEO of Carrier?
The current CEO of Carrier is David Gitlin.
What brands are owned by Carrier?
The Carrier Corporation owns several recognized HVAC brands, including Bryant, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Day & Night, Heil, Payne, and Tempstar.
Summary | Is A Carrier heat pump right for you?
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Carrier offers a variety of heat pump options at different price points, so chances are, you can find a Carrier heat pump that’s right for you.
If budget isn’t a concern and you want to take advantage of the full tax credits available, I highly recommend the Infinity 25VNA4.
This is the company’s most efficient heating solution, and it also offers the most advanced comfort features as well as the lowest sound level.
The 25VNA4 isn’t within everyone’s budget, and if that’s the case for you, consider a Performance or Comfort heat pump instead.
One of the most affordable options is the Comfort 25SCA5.
Although it doesn’t offer the same advanced features as the 25VNA4, it does a great job of maintaining warm temperatures while simultaneously keeping energy costs low.
