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 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.
Let’s get started.
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 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, Carrier boasts immense innovation experience in the HVAC, refrigeration, fire & security solutions industry.
Some features that make Carrier products stand out from competitors on the market include innovative designs and functions, high-quality build for longevity, and an excellent customer service personnel.
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
Carrier is a reputable name in the HVAC, refrigeration, fire & security solutions industry.
Thanks to its wide variety of innovative products and technology, it is a top brand on the market – known for making some of the best air conditioners and fire & security products.
Below is a review of our top Carrier air conditioner picks and their features, pros, and cons.
1. Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7 (Best Carrier AC Overall)
Pros:
Energy Star rated 17 SEER and 13.5 EER air conditioner for enhanced performance and efficiency
2-stage cooling system for increased versatility
Features a WeatherArmor System to protect components from weather hazards
Come with a Silencer System II that reduces operating noise up to 67-decibels
Fitted with Internal pressure switches that enhance durability.
Cons:
The filter becomes faulty if the unit is installed poorly
More expensive than other models.
Features of the 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.
The Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7 is a reliable and versatile air conditioner that combines some of the best features and capabilities. If paired with a variable-speed furnace the Infinity 17 does a great job of dehumidifying your office or home during summer.
What Makes the Infinity 17 Stand Out?
The Carrier Infinity 17 24ANB7 is a 17 SEER and 13.5 EER conditioner with advanced technology features for enhanced efficiency, performance, and comfort. A combination of features to improve efficiency and performance while conserving energy make it the top conditioner from Carrier on our list.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity from your indoor air.
The silencer II system and compressor sound blanket emit only 67-decibel noise that makes it impressively quiet.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 17 from environmental and weather hazards.
It comes in four sizes (2-ton – 5-ton) that allows you to choose the model that best fits your needs.
The Carrier Infinity 17 comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty that only applies when you register within 90-days.
Bottom Line
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.
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.
As an infinity series model, the Carrier Infinity 17 is an ideal option for customers looking for air conditioners with the best features on the market.
2. Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6 (Runner Up)
Pros:
Energy Star rated 16 SEER and 13.5 EER air conditioner for enhanced performance and efficiency
Carrier Silencer System II that reduces operational noise to 72 decibels
Features a WeatherArmor System to protect components from weather hazards
Comes with a smart and programmable thermostat that helps you manage your air system
More affordable than top-tier models.
Cons:
Comes with a single-stage compressor
The performance and comfort series doesn’t have as much to offer as their premium models.
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.
The Carrier Performance 16 is also highly reliable and versatile with a combination of some of the best features and capabilities.
It is an affordable, median-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 makes the Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6 Stand Out?
The Carrier Performance 16 24ACC6 is a 16 SEER and 13.5 EER conditioner with advanced technology features for enhanced comfort, efficiency, and performance.
A combination of features to improve efficiency and performance while conserving energy make it the second-best conditioner from Carrier on our list.
The silencer II system and compressor sound blanket emit only 72-decibel noise that makes it impressively quiet.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity from your indoor air.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 16 from environmental and weather hazards.
The Carrier Performance 16 comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty that only applies when you register within 90-days.
It comes in four sizes (2-ton – 5-ton) that allows you to choose the model that best fits your needs.
Bottom Line
The Carrier 16 is ideal for homes looking for a durable, reliable, and versatile air conditioner. It combines advanced tech features to offer impressive performance and durability.
As a performance series model, the Carrier 16 24ACC6 is an ideal option for customers looking for an air conditioner that offers value for money.
3. Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6 (Best for the Money)
Pros:
Energy Star rated 26 SEER and 16.5 EER air conditioner for enhanced performance and efficiency
Greenspeed intelligence technology to help you manage humidity and operate longer with steadier capacities
Carrier Silencer System II that reduces operational noise to 51 decibels
Features a WeatherArmor System to protect components from weather hazards
Comes with a variable-speed compressor for enhanced performance.
Cons:
High investment value
Sophisticated operational system.
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.
It is also highly versatile with a combination of some of the best features and capabilities of any air conditioner.
Though not inexpensive, the top-tier AC offers better features than comfort and performance series models. If you are looking for a Carrier AC that offers the best features that money can buy, you might want to consider the Carrier Infinity 26.
What Makes The Carrier Infinity 26 24VNA6 Stand Out?
The Carrier Infinity 26 is a 26-SEER and 16.5-EER conditioner with advanced technology features for enhanced comfort, efficiency, and performance.
A combination of features to improve efficiency and performance while conserving energy make it the best Carrier AC that money can buy on our list.
Its silencer II system and compressor sound blanket emit only 51-decibel noise that makes it extremely quiet.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity from your indoor air.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 16 from environmental and weather hazards.
The Infinity 26 comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty that only applies when you register for your unit within 90-days. It also comes with a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty.
Bottom Line
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.
The Carrier Infinity 26 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.
As an infinity series model, the Infinity 26 is an ideal option for customers looking for an air conditioner with the best features and capabilities on the market.
4. Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1 (Best Carrier Central Air Conditioner)
Pros:
Energy Star rated 19 SEER and 15.5 EER air conditioner for premium energy saving
2-stage cooling system for increased versatility
Features a WeatherArmor System to protect components from weather hazards
Come with a Silencer System II that reduces operating noise up to 65-decibels
Fitted with a two-stage compressor for enhanced performance.
Cons:
More expensive than other models
Louder than most top-tier models.
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.
The Infinity 21 is a reliable and versatile air conditioner that combines some of the best features and capabilities.
If you are looking for a top-tier AC with a median-range price, the Carrier Infinity 21 is an AC you might want to consider.
What Makes The Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1 Stand Out?
The Carrier Infinity 21 24ANB1 is a 17 SEER and 15.5 EER conditioner with advanced technology features for enhanced efficiency, performance, and comfort.
A combination of features that enhance efficiency and performance while saving energy makes our top central air conditioner on our list.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity from your indoor air.
The silencer II system and compressor sound blanket emit only 65-decibel noise that makes it impressively quiet.
It is available in four sizes (2-ton – 5-ton) that allows you to choose the model that best fits your needs.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 21 from environmental and weather hazards.
The Carrier Infinity 21 comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty that only applies when you register for your unit within 90-days.
Bottom Line
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 use your AC.
The Carrier 21 is ideal for homes and small offices looking for a durable, reliable, and versatile air conditioner that combines advanced tech features to offer high performance and durability levels.
As an infinity series model, the Carrier Infinity 21 is an ideal option for customers looking for a top-tier air conditioner with the best features on the market.
5. Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6 (Best Carrier 4 Ton Air Conditioner)
Pros:
Energy Star rated 17 SEER and 13 EER air conditioner for premium energy saving
Features a WeatherArmor System to protect components from weather hazards
Come with a Silencer System II that reduces operating noise up to 65-decibels
Fitted with a two-stage compressor for enhanced performance
Affordable and cost-effective.
Cons:
Louder than most median-tier and top-tier models
Not as energy-efficient as other models.
Features of the Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6
Customer reviews show that the Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6 is a durable and efficient conditioner ideal for various home sizes.
The Comfort 16 is a reliable and versatile air conditioner that combines some of the best features and capabilities of a bottom-tier AC.
If you are looking for an affordable AC with a median-range price, the Carrier Comfort 16 is an AC you might want to consider.
What Makes The Carrier Comfort 16 24ABC6 Stand Out?
The Comfort 16 is a 17 SEER and 15.5 EER conditioner with advanced technology features for enhanced efficiency, performance, and comfort.
A combination of features that enhance efficiency and performance while saving energy makes it one of our top air conditioners on our list.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity from your indoor air.
It is available in four sizes (1.5-ton – 5-ton) that allows you to choose the model that best fits your needs.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Comfort 16 from environmental and weather hazards.
The Carrier Comfort 16 comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty that only applies when you register for your unit within 90-days.
Bottom Line
The Comfort 16 is ideal for homes looking for a durable, reliable, and versatile air conditioner with a combination of features that offer high efficiency and durability levels.
Like most Comfort models, the Comfort 16 features a simple air-conditioning system but you need the services of a professional installer to help you mount and use your AC.
As a comfort series model, the Comfort 16 is best-suited for customers on a budget looking for an AC that offers standard features and functions.
6. Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7 (Best Carrier 2 Stage Air Conditioner)
Pros:
Energy Star rated 17 SEER and 13.5 EER air conditioner for enhanced performance and efficiency
Operational noise and sound levels to 72 decibels
Features a WeatherArmor System to protect components from weather hazards
Comes with a smart and programmable thermostat for air system management
More affordable than top-tier models.
Cons:
The performance and comfort series doesn’t have as much to offer as their premium models
Lacks the Silencer System II Design.
Features of Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7
Customer reviews show that the Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7 is a reliable, efficient, and affordable conditioner ideal for home use.
The Carrier Performance 17 is also highly reliable and versatile with a combination of some of the best features and capabilities.
It is an affordable, median-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 17 24ACB7.
What Makes the Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7 Stand Out?
The Carrier Performance 17 24ACB7 is a 16 SEER and 13.5 EER conditioner with advanced technology features for enhanced comfort, efficiency, and performance.
A combination of features to improve efficiency and performance while conserving energy make it the best second-stage air conditioner from Carrier on our list.
Enhanced humidity control features allow you to extract and control the speed and intensity of humidity from your indoor air.
The WeatherArmor protection feature increases durability by protecting the Infinity 16 from environmental and weather hazards.
The Carrier Performance 17 comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty that only applies when you register within 90-days.
It comes in four sizes (2-ton – 5-ton) that allows you to choose the model that best fits your needs.
Bottom Line
The Carrier 17 is ideal for homes looking for a durable, reliable, and versatile air conditioner. It combines advanced tech features to offer impressive performance and durability.
As a performance series model, the Carrier 17 24ACB7 is an ideal option for customers looking for an air conditioner that offers value for money.
Conclusion
Carrier makes some of the best quality air conditioners on the market. With a rich historical background in AC manufacture, the company stands out as a global leader in the manufacture of air-conditioning systems.
Their models are available in three models – comfort, performance, and infinity –indicating their features and capabilities. So, when you are out looking for a Carrier AC, remember to consider the series that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Carrier makes many different AC models. Most come with unique features and 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 FAQs asked about Carrier air conditioners include:
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 series ACs can last between 10-15 years while comfort series models last between 15-20 years. The infinity series 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 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 poor installation.
Why Are Carrier Air Conditioners So Expensive?
Carrier is a market giant in the AC industry. With a century+ 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? (provide a range)
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.
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 weight, divide its BTU by 12000. For instance, if your AC is labeled 48000 BTUs, you have a 4-ton air condition unit.
How To Clean Carrier Air Conditioner Coils?
You can clean your AC coils using three different methods: using compressed air, using household detergent, or commercial cleaners. Compressed air is used to clean the outdoor condensing coil by pushing air 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. By 1979, United Technologies acquired Carrier but the latter became independent again in 2020, as the largest 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 costlier than other major brands because of their high-quality build and strong brand name.