Carrier, founded by Willis Carrier in 1902, is one of the country's top-selling furnace brands due to its quality and large marketing budget. According to our research, Carrier HVAC, with its 40,000 worldwide employees, has been part of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) since 1979.

Carrier offers a range of furnace options, including basic single-stage gas furnaces, two-stage furnaces with low/high capacity operation, and a variable-capacity furnace that modulates to deliver the exact amount of heat needed to keep temperatures balanced.

Carrier Furnace Technical Specifications

Carrier offers three furnace lines to suit various heating and climate control needs, as well as budgets:

Carrier Comfort Series

Includes two 80% AFUE, single-stage gas furnaces that are Carrier's most affordable models
Features the top-rated Carrier Comfort 95 59SC5 furnace with Energy Star 95.5% efficiency and the Comfort 92 furnace with 92% efficiency
All Comfort Series gas furnaces have fixed-speed blowers, which run at full capacity whenever on

Carrier Performance Series

Includes five gas furnaces with efficiency levels ranging from 80% AFUE to the top-pick Performance 96 59TP6 furnace that is 96.7% efficient
Performance 96 59TP6 furnace features a two-stage gas valve and variable-speed blower motor

Carrier Infinity Series

Includes three models: an 80% two-stage furnace, an Energy Star 96.7% two-stage furnace, and the top pick, the Energy Star Infinity 98 59MN7 furnace with 98.5% efficiency
The Infinity 98 furnace features Carrier's Greenspeed Intelligence, a variable-capacity gas valve that modulates from 40 percent to 100 percent capacity for precise heating without temperature fluctuations

All Infinity and Performance Series Carrier furnaces include dual fuel Carrier Hybrid Heat™ technology, allowing them to be paired with a heat pump for efficient heating in very cold climates. Some models also feature SmartEvap technology for improved dehumidification during air conditioning cycles.

Carrier furnaces are available in a range of capacities, from about 40,000 BTUs to more than 150,000 BTUs, suitable for homes from approximately 800 to 2,700 square feet.

Pros and Cons of Carrier Gas Furnaces

Carrier Furnace Pros

Wide range of options for climate control and efficiency across three series
Affordable 80% efficient furnaces for warm climates
Variable-speed blowers on some models for improved comfort and efficiency
ECM motors on select models for reduced electricity consumption
Upflow, downflow, and horizontal-flow furnaces for various installation requirements
Energy Star Carrier furnaces eligible for rebates and utility cost credits
Oil furnaces available for regions where home heating oil is preferred
Compatible with Carrier's full line of HVAC products for complete split systems
Lifetime limited warranties on heat exchangers for Performance and Infinity models
Ranks among top brands for quality
Widely available parts and serviceable by certified professionals

Carrier Furnace Cons

More expensive than many furnaces with comparable performance specifications
Higher costs partially due to better quality, but also a result of aggressive marketing program costs
Shorter general parts warranties (10 years) compared to some other brands
80% efficient furnaces not recommended for very cold winters due to high heating costs

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Carrier Gas Furnace

When deciding whether to invest in a premium Carrier gas furnace, consider the following factors:

Long-term plans for staying in your current home (7-10 years) and desire to minimize repair issues and maximize appeal to potential buyers
Climate and efficiency needs (80% for warm climates, 90%+ for cold climates or green heating and cooling priorities)
Potential long-term savings from Energy Star furnaces in cold climates, offsetting higher initial costs
Sensitivity to indoor climate changes and the need for two-stage or modulating furnaces for improved comfort

Is a Carrier Gas Furnace Right for Your Home?

Our top picks for Carrier furnaces include:

Category	Model
80% single stage	Carrier Comfort 80 58STA
80% two stage	Carrier Infinity 80 58CVA
90%+ single stage	95.5% Carrier Comfort 59SC5
90%+ two stage	96.7% Carrier Performance 96 59TP6
Modulating	98.5% Infinity 98 Greenspeed 59MN7

Heating Your Home

While Carrier furnaces may come at a higher price point, they offer higher quality and better durability with their good/better/best lineup. Be sure to compare Carrier with other brands to find the right furnace for your heating needs. If you found this Carrier Furnace Review helpful, share it with family and friends who may be planning to replace their furnace in the near future.