Archives for March 2017

Mitsubishi Ducted Electric Cooling and Heating Systems Reviewed: Pros, Cons, Top Picks

This review of ducted Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating systems, also called heat pumps, will familiarize you with these newer products from the world’s ductless HVAC leader. You’ll find detailed information about product performance. You can also read on top picks and Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating system pros and cons. These ducted heat pump systems compete with conventional split system heat pumps. By comparison, you can read about Trane heat pumps, Goodman heat pumps and Rheem heat pumps.

Mitsubishi is a global manufacturer of electronics, appliances and HVAC equipment. The brand, founded in 1921, has become a powerhouse with headquarters in Tokyo. It also has major operations in countries throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Ducted System Overview

Mitsubishi began making light-commercial ducted heat pumps in 2000 and residential ducted systems in 2010. Ducted Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating systems includes these major components:

An MXZ Series outdoor unit – the condensing unit – that feeds EITHER;
A large multi-position air handler (indoor unit), M Series for residential and P Series for light-commercial, for connection to existing ductwork;
SEZ Series and PEAD Series ducted indoor units that serve a single room or zone – used in new construction, additions and space conversions.

All ducted components are manufactured in a good range of capacities/sizes to make it easy to customize a Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating system to your specific needs.

Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi ducted system specifications are listed by component.

MXZ Mitsubishi Outdoor Units for Ducted Systems

13 MXZ outdoor units range in capacity from 20,000 BTU cooling/22,000 BTU heating MXZ-2B20NA-1 up to the 60,000/66,000 BTU MXZ-8C60NA. These Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating units serve two to eight zones depending on their capacity.

Half the units are outfitted with Hyper Heat electric coil heating for warmer starts and auxiliary heating in very cold weather. The noise range is 49-58 decibels mainly depending on the size of the unit.

Note: SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) is a measurement of cooling efficiency. HSPF (heat seasonal performance factor) is the heating rating. The higher the numbers, the more efficiently the unit cools and heats.

Mitsubishi MXZ outdoor unit top pics for efficiency and performance:

Small: MXZ-2C20NAHZ2, 20,000 BTU cooling/22,000 BTU heating; 17 SEER/9.8 HSPF; 2 zones; 54 decibels;
Medium: MXZ-4C36NAHZ, 36,000/45,000 BTU; 19.1 SEER/11.3 HSPF; up to 4 zones; 49 decibels;
Large: MXZ-8C60NA, 60,000/66,000 BTU; 17.4 SEER/10.5 HSPF; up to 8 zones; 58 decibels.

All three units are Energy Star rated and include Hyper Heat technology.

MVZ Residential and PVA Commercial Ducted Air Handlers

Capacity ranges from 12,000 to 42,000 BTU cooling. So these air handlers support MXZ outdoor units with matching capacity. The largest outdoor units cannot be used with these air handlers. But they must support multiple small ducted indoor units.

All large air handlers have 3-speed fans that start on low and get faster as the system heats up or cools. They slow again toward the end of the cycle. All types of controls – wall-wired, wall-wireless, handheld and smartphone/app – are supported.

Mitsubishi M-Series and P-Series air handler top pics for performance:

Small: MVZ-A12AA4; 12,000 BTU cooling; 13,500 BTU heating; 27 decibels & PVA-12AA7; 12,000/14,000 BTU; 24 decibels;
Medium: MVZ-A30AA4; 30,000 BTU cooling; 34,000 BTU heating; 32 decibels & PVA-A36AA7; 36,000/38,000 BTU; 30 decibels;
Large: N/A.

Mitsubishi SEZ Series Horizontal Ducted Air Handlers

These indoor units are installed in the wall or ceiling. They have a fan, coil, refrigerant line connection and humidity drain line. Ductwork connects to the back of the unit for return air. Treated air is blown directly out the front of the unit into the space being heating or cooled.

Capacities range from 8,100 BTU cooling/10,900 BTU heating to 17,200/21,600 BTU in the SEZ series and 12,000/14,000 to 42,000/45,000 BTU in the PEAD series. So units are sized for one small room up to a large zone with an open floor plan. Ducted indoor Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating units have 3-speed fans and support all Mitsubishi control types including smartphones with apps.

Mitsubishi SEZ and PEAD ducted indoor unit top pics for efficiency and performance:

Small: SEZ-KD12NA4R1.TH, 11,500 BTU cooling/13,600 BTU heating; 16 SEER/10 HSPF; Energy Star; 23 decibels & PEAD-A12AA7, 12,000/14,000 BTU; 21.1 SEER/10.2 HSPF; 28 decibels;
Medium: SEZ-KD18NA4R1.TH, 17,200 BTU cooling/21,600 BTU heating; 17.5 SEER/10 HSPF; Energy Star; 30 decibels & PEAD-A24AA7, 24,000/26,000; 19.6 SEER/10.8 HSPF; 30 decibels;
Large: PEAD-A36AA7, 36,000 BTU cooling/38,000 BTU heating; 19.1 SEER/9.9 HSPF; 33 decibels.

Ducted Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Pros and Cons

Consider these advantages and disadvantage of Mitsubishi ducted systems as you compare them to Mitsubishi ductless systems and other brands of ducted systems.

Mitsubishi Ducted Electric Heating and Cooling Pros

Mitsubishi quality and durability are outstanding;
These are more affordable than ductless systems where ductwork already exists;
Energy Star systems might qualify for credits and rebates where you live;
The outdoor condensing units for these systems are much quieter than standard split system condensing units;
Good system options are available for configuring an HVAC system tailored to your requirements.

Mitsubishi Ducted Electric Heating and Cooling Cons

These systems are newer and not installed as often as traditional split systems. So service, repair and parts might be difficult to locate in your area;
The SEV and PEAD room/zone ducted indoor units contain a fan. So they’re noisier than standard split systems;
Zoned heating and cooling can produce hot/cold spots if the indoor units are not properly spaced;
If ductwork travels through space that isn’t heated or cooled, it will result in energy loss;
Heat pumps lose efficiency in sub-freezing weather, so aren’t suited to very cold climates.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Ducted System

The first step is to decide whether a ducted heat pump system is best for your HVAC needs.

If you live in a northern climate with extreme winters, a standard split system with a gas furnace is a better choice than a heat pump system. However, in moderate and warm climates, a Mitsubishi electric cooling and heating system might an ideal system for replacement or new construction.

If you have existing ductwork or if you’re building a home or large addition, then a system with an outdoor unit and an M-Series or P-Series is your best choice. When retrofitting a system to fit space that isn’t ducted already, then either a small ducted system or a Mitsubishi ductless system makes more sense.

When it’s unclear which system type is right for your home or light-commercial setting, contact a Mitsubishi dealer in your area. The representative will answer your questions, explain your options and then design a system tailored to your heating and air conditioning needs.

Taking the Next Step

Mitsubishi ducted systems are relatively new and worth considering. Most homeowners are only familiar with this brand’s ductless HVAC.

So perhaps your friends would benefit if you passed this information along to them. We invite you to join the conversation with your comments and questions too!

Mitsubishi Heat Pump Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

This Mitsubishi heat pump review guide gives you research information for single-zone and multi-zone Mitsubishi heat pumps as well as your options for more than 30 indoor units. An overview of the systems, their technical specifications, pros and cons of Mitsubishi heat pumps and top models in each class are included. We’ve reviewed Trane heat pumps here, Rheem heat pumps here and Goodman heat pumps here for easy comparison.

Mitsubishi is a global technology company that was founded in 1921 and divided following WWII during Japanese reconstruction. The company was a pioneer in ductless heating and cooling and remains the industry leader for innovation and sales. Mitsubishi’s headquarters is in Japan, but the company has offices on six continents.

Mitsubishi Heat Pump Brand Overview

Mitsubishi heat pump systems go by several names that define how they operate:

Ductless HVAC: This refers to the fact that they do not require ductwork. Instead, and outdoor condensing unit is connected to one or more indoor evaporator units, also called air handlers and heads, by running refrigerant lines, a drain line and electrical wiring through the wall near where the indoor unit will be installed. The indoor units contain a fan to circulate air and a coil that absorbs heat in AC mode and disperses heat in heat pump mode. Some indoor units also contain a small electric heat coil, like those in a space heater, to provide instant hot air at the start of a cycle.

Split systems: The indoor and outdoor units are separate, in distinction to a packaged unit in which the condensing unit and air handler are installed outdoors in a single steel cabinet.

Mini-split or Mini split systems: The term “mini” refers to the size of the outdoor units relative to a standard split system heat pump condensing unit and the size of the indoor air handlers relative to a whole-house air handler or furnace.

Mitsubishi heat pumps are available in two configuration designs:

Single-zone systems with one outdoor unit serving one indoor unit;
Multi-zone systems with one outdoor unit serving two to eight indoor units;

Mitsubishi Heat Pump Technical Specifications

For ease of review, your options are divided into single-zone heat pumps, multi-zone heat pumps and indoor units.

Single-zone heat pump outdoor units:

More than 40 units are produced in a capacity range from 6,000 BTU cooling/8,700 BTU heating for one small room to 42,000 BTU cooling/54,000 BTU heating for a large room or home with an open floor plan. Efficiency tends to drop with capacity size.

Sound level ranges from upper-40 decibels to mid-50 decibels, but isn’t strictly tied to size. Some units feature Hot Start technology also called Hyper Heat, which is electric coil heating that provides heat more quickly at the start and assists heating in very cold climates similarly to heat kits in standard heat pump air handlers. All units have technology for automatically restarting when power comes on after an outage.

Top picks for efficiency are:

Small: MUZ-FH06NA (6,000 BTU cooling/8,700 BTU heating and 33.1 SEER/13.5 HSPF);
Medium: MUZ-FH18NA2 (17,200 BTU cooling/20,200 BTU heating and 21 SEER/12 HSPF);
Large: PUZ-A30NHA7 (30,000 BTU cooling/32,000 BTU heating and 22.8 SEER/11.6 HSPF);

Multi-zone heat pump outdoor units:

13 multi-zone Mitsubishi heat pump models are currently produced in capacities from 20,000 BTU cooling/22,000 BTU heating up to 60,000 BTU cooling/66,000 BTU heating.

Depending on size, the units serve two to eight zones. Multi-zone Mitsubishi heat pump models are made in versions with Hyper Heat, best for cold climates, and those without the added functionality. All multi-zone heat pumps have restart technology for power outages.

Top picks for efficiency are:

Medium: MXZ-3C24NA2 (23,600 BTU cooling/25,000 BTU heating and 20 SEER/9.8 HSPF w/o Hyper Heat;
Large: MXZ-5C42NAHZ (42,000 BTU cooling/48,000 BTU heating and 19 SEER/11 HSPF w/ Hyper Heat.

Mitsubishi heat pump indoor units:

Your choice of indoor air handlers includes four floor-mounted units ranging in cooling capacity from 9,000 to 17,000 BTU, all with 5-speed fans and Energy Star efficiency. Sound ratings range from 21-28 decibels. They can be operated with any Mitsubishi heat pump control options including wall-mounted wired and wireless, handheld and smartphone devices. All include sleep, 24-hour and 1-week timers.

Top pick for floor-mounted air handler:

MFZ-KJ18NA: 5-speed fan, 26 decibels, Energy Star;

Mitsubishi heat pump wall-mounted air handlers are offered in more than 10 models, each in three colors, with cooling capacity from 9,000 to 34,200 BTU and fans with 3-5 speeds. They work with all Mitsubishi control types and include 24-hour and 1-week timers. Some of the small and medium units are Energy Star models.

Top picks for wall-mounted air handlers:

Small: MSZ-GL09NA, 5-speed fan, 19 decibels, Energy Star;
Medium: MSZ-EF18NAS, 5-speed fan, 30 decibels;
Large: PKA-A30KA4.TH, 3-speed fan, 39 decibels;

Ceiling-cassette indoor units

These are available in nine models with capacity ranging from 8,400 BTU to 42,000 BTU with 3-speed or 4-speed fans. They work with all Mitsubishi control types. The type of timer each has is dependent on the control used.

Top picks for ceiling-mounted air handlers:

Small: SLZ-KA12NAR1.TH, 3-speed fan, 30 decibels, Energy Star;
Medium: PLA-A24BA6, 4-speed fan, 28 decibels;
Large: PLA-A36BA6, 4-speed fan, 32 decibels.

Pros and Cons of Mitsubishi Heat Pumps

Here are the advantages and disadvantages to consider before purchasing a Mitsubishi heat pump.

Mitsubishi Heat Pump Pros:

Mitsubishi heat pumps lead the industry in innovation, quality and reliability.
Many small and medium-sized Mitsubishi heat pump models meet Energy Star guidelines and might be eligible for rebates and discounts from your utility company, which can be found here.
Ductless heat pump systems are less invasive and therefore more affordable to install since no ducting is required.
Ductless systems also prevent the kind of energy loss ducted systems experience through leaky ductwork.
Mitsubishi heat pump outdoor units are approximately 20 decibels quieter than ducted split system heat pumps.
The large number of outdoor unit and indoor unit combinations allow you to customize an HVAC system with more targeted heating and air conditioning than ducted split systems allow.
Mitsubishi heat pumps are popular, so installation, service and repair are widely available.

Mitsubishi Heat Pump Cons:

Large homes cannot be served by a single ductless system, and installing two or three systems in new construction costs significantly more than installing one standard split system.
Efficiency falls off with size in single-zone heat pump models, and there are ducted heat pumps available from most major brands that are more efficient.
Indoor units have a fan in them, so they make more noise in the room or zone than a central ducted system does.
Depending on the spacing of indoor units, ductless systems sometimes create warm spots and colds spots.
Heat pumps are inefficient in freezing weather, so if you live in a cold climate, you’ll need a system with Hyper Heat technology, which is a heating coil like a space heater, and the heating cost is higher.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Mitsubishi Heat Pump

If you live in a northern climate, a heat pump alone might not be enough to keep your home comfortable in the coldest winter weather. A dual fuel system with a heat pump and gas furnace is ideal. Rheem sells them, so you can learn more about them in our Rheem Heat Pump Review.

If you’re replacing a system and already have ductwork in your home, the most cost-effective choice will probably be to install another ducted, central HVAC system.

By contrast, Mitsubishi heat pump systems are ideal for additions, garage conversions, cabins with open floor plans, small office suites and similar applications.

To determine the right Mitsubishi heat pump for your application, ask your HVAC installer to conduct a load test to show your heating/cooling requirements. Installing a system that is the wrong size will lead to inadequate heating and cooling or to utility bills that are higher than they should be.

It’s Your Turn

Do you have any questions or comments? Please leave them below to help other readers with their decision. If you think this Mitsubishi heat pump review will help your friends understand ductless heat pumps and make a good decision for their own home, please share the information with them!

Mitsubishi Air Conditioners Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

This Mitsubishi air conditioners guide includes information that will assist you in researching a ductless AC system for your home or commercial space. Performance and technical specs are included for comparing Mitsubishi ductless air conditioner models to one another and to other top brands See our reviews of Trane air conditioners and Rheem air conditioners for comparison. We have also reviewed ductless Mitsubishi heat pump systems and the recently released ducted Mitsubishi AC and heat pump systems.

Mitsubishi Electric is known globally as an innovative producer of technology including HVAC equipment. It has been one of the pioneers in ductless heating and cooling. The Mitsubishi company was founded in 1921 in Japan and split into several companies after WWII. Today, Mitsubishi Electric has its headquarters in Tokyo with offices in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Our Favorite Mitsubishi Air Conditioners

Product	Price
Mitsubishi 12,000 Btu 23.1 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Air...	$1,578.96	Buy on Amazon
Mitsubishi 18,000 Btu 20.5 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Air...	$2,248.45	Buy on Amazon
Mitsubishi 24,000 Btu 20.5 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Heat...	$2,644.66	Buy on Amazon

Mitsubishi Air Conditioners Brand Overview

Mitsubishi remains the world leader in ductless systems. These split systems are often called mini-split systems because both the outdoor condensing units and indoor air handlers are smaller than those of standard ducted split system components.

The AC-only systems include an outdoor condensing unit and one indoor unit installed on the floor, wall or ceiling. Each indoor unit cools a single room or zone. Refrigerant is carried from the condensing unit to the indoor unit where it captures heat. Then it carries it outside and disperses it through a radiator-type coil, effectively cooling the air indoors.

Mitsubishi AC Technical Specifications

Reviewing the specifications of Mitsubishi air conditioners is made easier by dividing the equipment into outdoor units (condensing units) and indoor units.

Mitsubishi 12,000 Btu 23.1 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Air...

Mitsubishi
Kitchen

Mitsubishi air conditioners outdoor units:

13 Mitsubishi condensing units are manufactured with capacity ranging from 9,000 BTU to 42,000 BTU. By contrast, ducted split system condensing capacity ranges from 18,000 to 60,000 BTU.
Model MUY-GL09NA-U1 is the top pick for efficiency at 24.6 SEER. But it is the smallest too at 9,000 BTU, and it is suitable for one small room such as a bedroom.
Efficiency of Mitsubishi air conditioners drops with size. So the Mitsubishi PUY-A42NHA6 is 42,000 BTU, but it just has 14.4 SEER efficiency.
Sound level of outdoor units ranges from 48 decibels to 55d decibels compared with about 65 to 75 decibels for ducted split system ACs, and capacity of the outdoor unit is not.

Mitsubishi air conditioners indoor units:

Upfront note: Unlike ducted split systems that have one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, split system outdoor units support up to four indoor units. And the total BTU capacity of indoor units must match the capacity of the outdoor unit. For example, a 36,000 BTU outdoor unit can be installed with one +/-36,000 BTU indoor unit, two indoor units of +/-18,000 BTU, four indoor units of +/-9,000 BTU units or another combination that adds up to +/- 36,000 BTU.
Floor-mounted units are made in four sizes from 9,000 BTU to 18,000 BTU.
All four floor-mounted indoor units include 5-speed fans for comfortable cooling.
There are currently more than 40 wall-mounted indoor units ranging in capacity from 9,000 BTU for a small room to 34,200 BTU for a large room or open floor plan zone.
Wall-mounted units are available in one style and three colors: white, black and silver.
Wall-mounted indoor unit fan speeds range from 3-speed to 5-speed. It has sound levels as low as 19 decibels on smaller units and up to 40 decibels on larger units.
MSY series indoor units are cooling-only. PKA and MSZ series indoor units accommodate both Mitsubishi air conditioners and heat pumps.
Top picks are the MSZ-EF series wall-mounted indoor units with 17,200 BTU capacity cooling and 5-speed fans for optimal comfort.
Ceiling-cassette indoor units install in the ceiling. So they are ideal for drop-ceiling locations and use where a low profile is desired.
Nine ceiling-cassette units are offered in the SLK 3-speek series and the top-pick PLA 4-speed series with capacities from 8,400 BTU to 42,000 BTU.
All cassettes accommodate both Mitsubishi air conditioners and heat pumps.

Mitsubishi 18,000 Btu 20.5 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Air...

Kitchen

Pros and Cons of Mitsubishi Air Conditioners

Mini-split, ductless systems from Mitsubishi have their advantages and disadvantages compared with competitors and other HVAC system types. Here are pros and cons to consider and compare to other brands.

Mitsubishi AC Pros:

Mitsubishi air conditioners are considered among the most durable and reliable ductless units available;
The efficiency of the smaller units, up to 24.5 SEER, is excellent;
Old ductwork allows up to 25 percent loss of cooled air, but that is not a factor with ductless AC;
Ductless systems are ideal for retrofitting areas where installing ductwork isn’t a practical option;
Ductless systems are easier and less costly to install than ducted systems;
The large variety of indoor units gives you style options and installation flexibility;
Because Mitsubishi air conditioners are a popular brand, it is easy to find parts and service.

Mitsubishi AC Cons

As a reminder, these are Mitsubishi air conditioners, so they are not suitable for locations that require heat too. See our Mitsubishi heat pump reviews for AC/heating systems!
The mid-size and large-capacity Mitsubishi air conditioners offer SEER efficiency ratings that are mediocre compared with the best standard split system air conditioners from Trane, Lennox, Carrier and other top brands.
While ductless outdoor units are relatively quiet, these systems require that an indoor unit with a fan in each room or zone. There might be more noise in the immediate area than a standard split system would produce.

Mitsubishi 24,000 Btu 20.5 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Heat...

One Outdoor Heat Pump
One Indoor Air Handler
One Remote Control

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Mitsubishi AC

The first and obvious issue to consider is whether you need AC only or both AC and heating. These Mitsubishi air conditioners are for installation in:

Very warm climates;
Summer homes where heating isn’t necessary;
Locations without AC or where the existing air conditioning isn’t adequate.

If you already have duct work, installing a conventional split system is probably a more cost-effective choice. This is especially true if you have a large home. This is because the largest of these Mitsubishi air conditioners is 42,000 BTU, only enough cooling capacity for a home of approximately 2,000 square-foot and in a warm climate.

Are You Going Ductless?

Ductless systems are growing in popularity due to their flexible installation options, competitive cost and good energy efficiency. Are your family and friends considering going ductless? It should be one of their options, so consider passing this information on to anyone who might appreciate the information.

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

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 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.

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!