Carrier Thermostat Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

Published by 
AllThingsHVAC
Last updated: 
March 9, 2017

Our Carrier thermostat review guide provides you with an overview of the product lineup including programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats from Carrier. Performance specifications, Carrier thermostat pros and cons and top picks from each product category give you information to compare with other brands you’re considering like the Trane thermostats we reviewed here.

Carrier is one of America’s best-known HVAC brands because of product quality and performance but also due to the huge advertising budget Carrier has. After decades as an independent company, Carrier was bought by United Technologies Corporation in 1979. Carrier has more than 40,000 employees and serves customers in 170 countries around the world. Bryant is a Carrier brand, and Bryant’s thermostat lineup is virtually identical except in name.

carrier thermostat ut

Carrier Thermostat Brand Overview

Carrier divides its thermostat options into “Wi-Fi Thermostats” and “Non Wi-Fi Thermostats.” They are also called controls.

Non Wi-Fi Carrier thermostat models: As with its HVAC equipment lineup, these Carrier thermostats are available in three series:

  • Comfort Series (Good): 6 models with top pick the programmable Touch-N-Go Series.
  • Performance Series (Better): 9 models. Performance Edge standard thermostats (6) and Performance Comfortzone II thermostats (3) for use in zoned heating and air conditioning systems. Top pick is the Comfortzone II model ZONECC8KIT01-B for control of 8 separate zones.
  • Infinity Series (Best): 1 model.

Wi-Fi Carrier Thermostat models: These four Carrier thermostats allow you to control your home’s HVAC system from anywhere using an Apple or Android smartphone and the Carrier. These four Carrier thermostats are divided into good, better and best but with some variation of series names:

  • Comfort Series (Good): 1 model.
  • Côr Series (Better): 1 model.
  • Infinity Series (Best): 2 models with top pick the Infinity Remote Access Control thermostat with wireless router.

Carrier Thermostats Technical Specifications

While this is a lot of ground to cover, here are the basics to get your research started.

  • Comfort Series non-WiFi Carrier thermostats are made in two programmable and four non-programmable models to match the type of components you have – furnace only, furnace/AC or heat pump, and whether the system offers multi-stage heating and cooling. The single Comfort Series Wi-Fi thermostat is programmable and suitable for any heating and cooling system. All Comfort Series models are push-button control, not touchscreen. Comfort Series Carrier thermostats are backed by 5-year warranties.
  • Performance Series non-WiFi Edge Series thermostats include two models with humidistats for use when whole-house humidifiers as part of the HVAC system. All can be used with Performance or Comfort Series HVAC systems. Some are compatible with dual fuel systems with both a heat pump and gas furnace. These are 7-day programmable thermostats. Dimensions are 5.2 inches square and less than one inch thick. Six faceplate cover colors are available. Edge thermostats are backed by a 5-year warranty.
  • Performance Series Comfortzone II thermostats are 7-day programmable and accommodate either 4 or 8 zones depending on the model. The display is backlit LCD. The zone panel control is 24”x20”. A 10-year warranty is included with Comfortzone II models.
  • The Côr Series Wi-Fi thermostat is a programmable thermostat designed to reduce your home’s energy use. A four-day forecast for local weather is part of the Wi-Fi capability. It is compatible with all Carrier HVAC systems including dual fuel heating and some zoned systems. The Côr thermostat is 4 inches square and 1 inch deep. It features a full-color, touchscreen display with a silver faceplate. The Carrier Côr thermostat is backed by a 5-year warranty.
  • Infinity Series controls are 7-day programmable thermostats that control up to 8 zones. The support all HVAC systems including dual fuel heating. Infinity Series Carrier thermostats manage temperature, humidity, ventilation, airflow and indoor air quality, based on system components. Energy tracking allows you to see peak times for energy use. The full-color LCD display has touchscreen functionality with current outdoor temperature and 5-day forecast available. Overall dimensions are 4.5”Hx5.4”Wx1.25”D. Silver, black and white faceplates are available, and Infinity Series controls come with a 10-year warranty.

Pros and Cons of Carrier Thermostats

What do these controls offer that makes them worth considering, and what potential disadvantages are there? Let’s explore Carrier thermostat pros and cons:

Carrier thermostat pros:

  • Carrier is known for outstanding design and performance;
  • There are Carrier thermostats for every type of HVAC system from simple furnace-only systems to systems with heating, cooling, airflow and ventilation components;
  • Wi-Fi capability is the best way to control heating and cooling costs. You can override the programming if, for example, you’ll be away longer than expected and you want to delay the change in the heating or cooling set point;
  • Programmable thermostats are proven to significantly reduce energy consumption when properly used;
  • Carrier thermostats with zoned control capability allow you to optimize indoor comfort and minimize energy use by controlling zones separately;
  • Performance Series Edge, Côr Series and Infinity Series Carrier thermostats are dual-fuel compatible, or Hybrid Heat as Carrier calls it;
  • Carrier thermostats control most other HVAC brand components;
  • The Carrier warranties of 5 or 10 years depending on the model are good though not exceptional;
  • Wi-Fi models with a forecast make it easy to choose attire for the day with one glance at the control screen.

Carrier thermostat cons:

  • While boasting good quality and range of features, Carrier thermostats are among the more expensive on the market;
  • Wi-Fi models might not be worth the cost compared to a non-WiFi programmable model if the technology is more novelty to you than something you’ll use regularly;
  • Most Carrier thermostats are 7-day models, which means each day must be programmed separately. You might prefer a 5-2 thermostat that has one program for weekdays and one for the weekends.

carrier thermostat

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Carrier Thermostat

The selection of a thermostat is secondary to your choice of an HVAC system. Once that is in place, you’ll know what capabilities the thermostat must have such as staged cooling or zoned control

There are many brands of standard and Wi-Fi thermostat controls that will work with Carrier HVAC systems. So it will be worth comparison shopping brands like White-Rogers, Emerson, Honeywell, Nest and Ecobee in addition to Carrier for the price/performance combination you want

Non-programmable, programmable or Wi-Fi – what is the best thermostat for you? If your schedule is very consistent, then a non-programmable thermostat might be sufficient. However, a programmable model offers the convenience of not having to turn it up or down to match your away/sleep schedule, and it will reduce your energy use if you make those adjustments. If your schedule of leaving and returning home is very unpredictable, then a Wi-Fi thermostat might be worth the additional money they cost.

Which Carrier Thermostat Is Right For You?

Choosing the right Carrier thermostat depends on your HVAC system and your lifestyle, and the large Carrier selection means there's a perfect fit for both. If this guide has clarified the key decisions for you or helped you understand thermostat technology, perhaps your friends and followers would appreciate you passing it along to them. And leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions too!

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