Carrier Furnace Guide: Efficiency, Pros, Cons, and Performance Options
Carrier Furnace Overview
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.