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.
But,
With many models under their belt, choosing the ideal Carrier AC for your home can be challenging.
This article highlights some of the things to look out for when buying a Carrier air conditioning system and helps 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.
Carrier ACs 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.
Carrier AC Models and Varieties
Carrier’s air conditioners come in three distinct series: Infinity, Comfort, and Performance series.
Each model series comes with different features that make it ideal for a specific use.
Carrier Comfort Series
As a standard model, the comfort series offers standard features with high levels of efficiency and performance.
It is the most economical and energy-efficient model for your home. It is budget-friendly with a single-stage operation conditioner with SEER ratings of over 17 for increased energy conservation.
Carrier’s Comfort series is a highly reliable and efficient model – an ideal option for customers on a tight budget.
2. Carrier Performance Series
Carrier’s performance series offers the perfect balance between cost and performance. Models within the series come with enhanced features like enhanced temperature and humidity control and SEER ratings of over 17 for improved energy saving.
As a medium-tier series, expect to spend more than 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 value for money.
3. Carrier 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 air conditioners with the best features on the market.
How Does Carrier Compare to Other Popular Brands?
Carrier vs Lennox Air Conditioner
Similarities:
Both brands sell they ACs in tiers representing “standard, enhanced, and premium”
All premium models support WIFI-connected features and capabilities
Most have 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.
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 25 SEERS while Lenox’s have between 20 and 26 SEERS.
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.
Price - Lennox air conditioners are about 10-20% pricier than Carrier air conditioners. However, the entire cost mainly depends with your dealer and installer.
Carrier vs Trane Air Conditioner
Similarities:
Both products are sold in tiers representing “good, better, and best”
All top-tier models support WIFI features and capabilities
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.
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. Most Carrier air conditioner parts are more readily available and affordable than Trane conditioner parts. You save more money on maintenance when you buy a Carrier air conditioner.
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 than Trane.
Price - Both Carrier and Trane offer somewhat similar prices for their products. However, Trane parts cost 10-15% more than Carrier parts.
Carrier vs Bryant Air Conditioner
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 a sound reduction and insulation technologies
Both Carrier and Bryant use R-410A refrigerant
Most of their products come with a 10-year warranty period with proper registration.
Differences:
History - Bryant was founded in 1904 by Charles Bryant as a water heater making company. Carrier was founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier who later acquired Bryant and Day & Night brands.
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 the superior brand on the market, Carrier spends more on advertising costs, which makes their products pricier than Bryant’s.
Carrier vs Tempstar Air Conditioners
Similarities:
Both brands sell their ACs in tiers representing “standard, enhanced, and premium”
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.
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. Carrier ACs cost about 10-20% more than Tempstar ACs.
How Do Carrier AC Lines Compare?
Carrier Infinity vs Performance
Carrier infinity series provides you with premium products with the highest comfort management and energy efficiency levels. Infinity series are ideal for customers looking 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 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 value for money.
The comfort series offers standard models and features with high levels of efficiency and performance. It is an ideal series for customers on a budget looking for an efficient air conditioner.
Pricing Comparison of Carrier Air Conditioners
Carrier offers many different AC models whose price depends on size and SEER rating. A new Carrier unit can set you back 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.
Carrier Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Taking time to troubleshoot your Carrier AC saves you time and money.
Some tips for troubleshooting 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.
Carrier Air Conditioner 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.
Carrier Air Conditioners Error Codes
All Carrier models have different error codes that indicate your ACs problems that require your attention. Indoor and outdoor error codes help you identify your ACs problems and take necessary action.
Carrier Air Conditioner Leaking Water
It is normal for your AC to leak water. However, prolonged leaks indicate that your AC might be having some issues. Some reasons why your AC leaks water could be a dirty filter, faulty condensation pan, blocked drain pipe, outdoor temperature, low refrigerant levels, and faulty installation.
Conclusion
Carrier is arguably one of the best brands on the market for heating and cooling systems. Reviews indicate that most Carrier air conditioners offer the best levels of performance, durability, and energy saving.
The company makes its ACs in three distinct models: comfort, performance, and infinity. Each AC comes with unique features that make it stand out from other market brands.
Although it competes fairly with other brands like Lennox, Tempstar, Trane, and Bryant, Carrier ACs always have a competitive edge over most of these brands.