Carrier Heat Pumps Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

This Carrier heat pumps review provides a detailed overview of one of the best brands in the industry, and one of the most expensive, too. We have included technical specifications, pros and cons and things to consider before purchasing a Carrier.

For comparison, you might be interested in our reviews of these brands that will assist you in choosing the heat pump for your home:

• Trane
• Goodman 
• Rheem 
• Mitsubishi 

Carrier Heat Pump Brand Overview

Carrier is a global HVAC brand founded in 1902 by Willis Carrier. It is now part of United Technologies Corporation. Bryant HVAC is a subsidiary of Carrier, and Bryant’s product line is nearly identical.

With 17 Carrier heat pump models available, you’ll find a good fit in terms of energy efficiency and variable speed for your needs. The models are divided into four series.

• Best: Carrier Infinity w/ Greenspeed;
• Better: Carrier Infinity;
• Good: Carrier Performance;
• Basic: Carrier Comfort;

Let’s dig into the details.

Carrier Heat Pump Technical Specifications

SEER is the rating for cooling; HSPF is the rating for heating. So the higher the number, the more efficient the model is. Efficiency is represented as SEER/HSPF.

• The 20.5/13 Carrier Infinity Greenspeed 25VNAO and the 18/11 Infinity 18VS are the top models. They have a variable-capacity compressor that modulates with minor adjustments from about 40 percent to 100 percent capacity to produce precise and balanced heating and air conditioning.
• The other Carrier Infinity heat pumps are either 2-stage models that run on low capacity most of the time and switch to high when boosting heating or cooling, or they are single-stage heat pumps that run at full capacity all the time. The efficiency range is 19/10 down to 16/8.5, and most are Energy Star qualified.
• Carrier Performance models are a mix of single-stage and two-stage. They have an efficiency from 17.5/9.5 to 13/7.7, with the top model the Performance 16 25HCB6 two-stage heat pump.
• Two Performance Series are compact models that require just 6” of clearance. They represent a good choice for under decks or other locations with space limitations.
• Carrier Comfort is an all single-stage model. Only one of them meets Energy Star standards: the 15/8.5 Comfort 15 25HBC5. The Comfort series is targeted toward consumers who are budget conscious.
• Carrier Hybrid Heat dual fuel models are offered in each series.

Pros and Cons 

Here are reasons to choose a Carrier heat pump and the concerns to consider.

Pros

• This brand, especially in Infinity and Performance models, has an outstanding service record for reliability.
• Carrier makes more heat pump models than most manufacturers, so choosing a model with the efficiency and performance combination you want is easier.
• Most models are offered in sizes from 18,000 BTU (1.5 ton) to 60,000 BTU (5 ton) to fit homes of any size.
• As a national brand, Carrier parts for maintenance and repair are readily available. A Carrier heat pump can be repaired by any certified HVAC pro, whether they are a Carrier dealer or not.
• All models use Puron R-410A refrigerant, which is safe for the environment.
• Rebates are available in many states for the installation of an efficient Carrier heat pump. Find out how to qualify for rebates of an efficient Carrier heat pump installation by clicking the link.
• Hybrid Heat technology is ideal for very cold climates. The dual fuel capacity allows most Carrier heat pumps to be installed in a split system with a gas furnace so that the heat pump does most of the heating. Therefore, the system transitions to the gas furnace in extreme cold when a heat pump is not efficient.
• Variable-capacity models are among the quietest available. They are operating at about 58 decibels, which is 15-20db quieter than two-stage models.
• Three Carrier models are rated for the salt air of coastal environments, with the most efficient of them being the Carrier Infinity Coastal 25HNB6**C (17.5/9.5 – Energy Star).
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Cons

• Carrier heat pumps are among the most expensive in the industry. This is partly due to the excellent quality, and partly because of the large marketing budget the brand has.
• Warranty on the best models is 10 years for most parts. They are not as good as those from other leading brands such as Goodman, Amana, Heil, Maytag, Westinghouse and Tappan, which offer longer warranties that often include entire unit replacement if the coil or compressor fails.
• Consumers who wish to speak to Carrier’s support department will discover that the company’s services are not great. Numerous consumers have complained about being put on hold for long periods to speak to a representative. 

Things to Consider After the Carrier Heat Pumps Review

If you plan to live in your current home for at least 10 years, the reliability of a Carrier might be worth paying more to get. Plus, a Carrier heat pump is a positive selling point if you put your home on the market, as it helps with the heating and cooling of one’s home. However, if you plan to move in a few years, buying a Goodman or other more-affordable brands could be a cost-effective choice in the short-term.

Similarly, the longer you plan to stay where you are, the more it makes sense to buy a very efficient heat pump from the Carrier Infinity Series. This is especially true if your summers are long, hot and humid.

In the coldest climates, a Hybrid Heat Carrier and a gas furnace cost more up front. A dual fuel system will result in low heating costs. It’s worth considering if you plan to be in the same home for 10 years or longer.

Discuss sizing with your HVAC contractor. Often, it’s large heat pumps that are sold to homeowners to make sure it delivers enough heating and air conditioning. However, a unit that is too large can be prone to mechanical issues. Consequently, it will over-cool the thermostat set point to produce temperature fluctuations.

Image: depositphotos.com.