If you take a walk around your neighborhood and glance at brand names on HVAC units, there’s a strong chance you’ll come across a unit from Carrier. As one of the largest manufacturers of air conditioning equipment in the United States, the company has left a lasting impact on millions of homeowners across America.
While a popular brand, Crane is one of many manufacturers that claim to offer the best central air conditioner for residential use. The goal of our Crane air conditioner review is to breakdown their current collection of AC units while providing you with important details on the company and its policies. We are also going to touch on the price of Crane air conditioners along with crucial areas like maintenance and warranties.
Table of Contents
The History of the Carrier Air Conditioning Company
Carrier is an older manufacturer, like Trane, as they’ve been in business since the early 1900s. While the company has undergone a variety over the years, they remain an innovative force in the industry. Their founder, Willis Carrier, actually invented indoor air conditioning, so they are a brand that should definitely be on your radar.
The company has a large catalog of products geared for both commercial and residential use. They also carry more than AC units, so you can also find gas furnaces, geothermal heat pumps to go along with air purifiers and dehumidifiers. If you have a heating or cooling issue in your home, rest assured Carrier has a solution.
Who owns Carrier?
Carrier was acquired by the United Technologies Corporation in the late 1970s and renamed Carrier Corporation. UTC is a multinational conglomerate based in the U.S. that dabbles in everything from elevators to aerospace systems. They own a variety of companies aside from Carrier as well, including Pratt & Whitney and Otis Elevators.
Unique Features from the Carrier Corporation
Like most manufacturers in the HVAC world, Carriers AC units are made from other parts. It’s common practice, so finding components from Copeland and other manufacturers in their units should come as no surprise. While you may find similar AC systems from other companies under UTC’s umbrella, Carrier air conditioning units have several features that allow them that help set them apart.
Infinity System Control
Do you appreciate high-tech products in your home or live in a “connected” abode? If so, you will want to consider Carriers Infinity Control System. It combines several of the company’s technologies into a unique touch-based system similar to what you’ll find with a smart thermostat like Nest.
This system is all about comfort management; however, considering it allows you to control up to 8 zones in your home. Whether you use their app, Alexa or their slick touchscreen thermostat, this system ensures comfort control throughout your home.
CÔR Thermostats
If the Infinity Control System is a bit too advanced or expensive for your needs, their lineup of CÔR Thermostats may be a better solution. These connected thermostats are in the Good and Better class when it comes to comfort management, but are programmable, and priced according to your needs. That means you can get a unit with features like humidity control or Ideal Away, while others are a bit more simple and affordable.
Greenspeed Intelligence
Smart components are becoming commonplace in a wide range of goods, including tools with brushless motors and HVAC systems. With Carrier, they have the Infinity Control System and something called Greenspeed Intelligence.
Greenspeed technology works in conjunction with the company’s aforementioned control system to deliver enhanced humidity management and high efficiency. It’s made for variable speed systems and found on several of the Crane’s top-tier units like the Infinity 20 air conditioner and the Infinity 98 gas furnace.
WeatherShield Protection
Carrier knows air conditioning systems can be a large investment, so they designed WeatherShield to keep their units safe from the elements. There are several tiers of this technology as well, including WeatherArmor, WeatherArmor Ultra and the ArmorPlate system, which covers the coils. Coastal AC units from Carrier also get additional protection through dual paint coverage.
You can find WeatherArmor Ultra on the company’s premium units and WeatherArmor on their budget-friendly line. It’s similar to WeatherGuard from Trane and similar systems from other manufacturers designed to protect your AC unit.
Carrier Central Air Conditioning Reviews
| Unit Model | Efficiency Rating | Capacity(Tons) | Sound(dB) | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier 24VNA0 | 20.5 SEER | 2-5 | 58 | Variable-speed |
| Carrier 24ANB1 | 21 SEER | 2-5 | 65 | Two-stage |
| Carrier 24VNA9 | 19 SEER | 2-5 | 56 | Variable-speed |
| Carrier 24ANB7 | 17 SEER | 2-5 | 67 | Two-stage |
| Carrier 24ANB7**C | 17 SEER | 2-5 | 67 | Two-stage |
| Carrier 24ANB6 | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 66 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24ACB7 | 17 SEER | 2-5 | 72 | Two-stage |
| Carrier 24ACC6 | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24ACB3 | 13 SEER | 1.5-5 | 74 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24AHA4 | 14 SEER | 1.5-5 | 66 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24APB6 | 17 SEER | 1.5-5 | 68 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24AAA6 | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24ABC6 | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 76 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24AAA5 | 15 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24ACC4 | 13 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-stage |
| Carrier 24ACA4**C | 14 SEER | 1.5-5 | 73 | Single-stage |
Due to the nature of heating and air systems, verifiable reviews for Carrier and other brands are far and few between online. A contractor will generally give you the best advice considering they are the people that service the units when something goes wrong. With that in mind, you still need to understand a company’s lineup and the technical specifications of their systems.
Infinity Series Air Conditioning Systems
When you want the best from Carrier, you’ll want to consider one of their Infinity Series Air Conditioning units. At this time, there are four different units, and a variant all within the best or better class when it comes to comfort features.
If you’re on a budget or don’t need a unit with a higher SEER rating, the Infinity 16 and Infinity 17 are well worth a look. The SEER rating for these systems are listed in their name, but the Infinity 16 is a little quieter and has a single-stage scroll compressor. The Infinity 17 has a 2-stage scroll compressor with compressor enhanced dehumidification. If you reside in a coastal area, the Infinity 17 Coastal Air Conditioner is built to handle those climates with ease.
The largest Carrier air conditioner in their Infinity Series is the Infinity 21. It’s essentially a larger version of the 17, so you can expect the same basic features, but on a unit with a rating of 21 SEER. Alternatively, the Infinity 19VS central air conditioner is rated at 19 SEER but has a 5-speed variable speed compressor. It can run at 25% of full capacity and starts smooth before ramping up to full speed.
All of these units have WeatherArmor protection, use Puron refrigerant, and take advantage of the company’s Silencer System 2 design to keep the noise levels around 50 to 60dB. What they don’t have is Greenspeed Intelligence, which you’ll only find on the Infinity 20 Air system. The 24VNA0 is rated at 20.5 SEER, and is the company’s top-tier AC unit. It’s extremely efficient with optimal humidity and temperature control and has a variable-speed compressor with a range of 40 to 100%.
Performance Series Air Conditioning Systems
Whereas all the company’s options from the Infinity Series are in the “Best” range aside from the 24ANB6, their Performance Series systems generally fall into the “Good” category. While still efficient, some models may not be available for installation, depending on the SEER rating in your region.
On the higher end, you have the Performance 17, with a SEER rating of 17 and a two-stage compressor. The aptly named Performance 16 and Performance 13 both have single stage-compressors, although there are two models of the 16 with the 24APB6 and 24ACC6. The former is listed with a slightly higher SEER rating and considerably quieter at 62 decibels.
The company also has the Performance 14, which is a compact air conditioner rated at 14 SEER. This stackable unit is built for tight spaces and as a single-stage scroll compressor. All units from this series have WeatherArmor protection as well but don’t have the same level of noise reduction as the company’s flagship line. The Performance 13 and Compact 14 are not ENERGY STAR certified, but the rest of the units in this range are.
Comfort Series Air Conditioning Systems
The Crane Comfort Series AC units are the company’s most affordable lineup of systems. With a range between 13 and 16 SEER, there’s a model for everyone as long as you don’t live in a region where a higher SEER rating is required.
All the systems in this class have a similar set of features, and you won’t be able to tell them apart with a quick glance. They all have single-stage scroll compressors, WeatherGuard, and a noise level in line with the Performance Series systems. There is a coastal variant in the Comfort 14 and a slightly quieter version of the Comfort 16, however.
The biggest difference is ENERGY STAR certification, which is standard on all sizes and on both variants of the Comfort 16 but not found on the other models in this collection.
What size Carrier AC unit do I need for my home?
Choosing the right size central air conditioner unit for your home is the first thing on most consumers’ minds before they even consider a brand. While you can manually calculate the number yourself with some help from our sizing guide, the best thing you can do is call in a professional to make a Manual J calculation.
This allows them to take into account dozens of factors the average homeowner would never consider, which ensures you’ll get the most from your new system. It can also help you get an idea of the running cost behind your new AC unit beforehand.
Carrier Air Conditioner Pricing
| Unit Model | Unit Only Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier 24VNA0 | $3,660 | $5,820 |
| Carrier 24ANB1 | $3,750 | $5,980 |
| Carrier 24VNA9 | $3,320 | $5,290 |
| Carrier 24ANB7 | $2,890 | $4,590 |
| Carrier 24ANB7**C | $2,920 | $4,650 |
| Carrier 24ANB6 | $2,650 | $4,240 |
| Carrier 24ACB7 | $2,850 | $4,500 |
| Carrier 24ACC6 | $2,670 | $4,240 |
| Carrier 24ACB3 | $2,020 | $3,190 |
| Carrier 24AHA4 | $2,230 | $3,540 |
| Carrier 24APB6 | $2,690 | $4,180 |
| Carrier 24AAA6 | $2,570 | $4,100 |
| Carrier 24ABC6 | $2,170 | $4,200 |
| Carrier 24AAA5 | $2,450 | $3,890 |
| Carrier 24ACC4 | $2,010 | $3,190 |
| Carrier 24ACA4**C | $2,230 | $3,540 |
| Note: The cost is based on a 2.5 ton outdoor condenser, with a matching evaporator coils. The cost doesn't include an air handler, heating system, or installation of the ductwork. | ||
Air conditioning prices are pretty straightforward when you’re just buying the unit - not dealing with installation. That means they are priced by size and features, so you can expect to pay a premium for units from the company’s flagship series. On average, most consumers will pay around $2,500, whereas the Greenspeed system is over $4,000. Here’s an example of what you can expect to pay for units from Carrier.
Carrier AC Size & Cost Calculator
Which Carrier Model Can Offer Best ROI for Your House?
As you can see, most central air conditioning units have a lot in common. Dropping from a 19 SEER unit to one that’s only 16 SEER can save you a considerable amount of money, but it may not be the best move. If you want to find out which Carrier unit offers the best return on investment for your home, there are a number of factors to consider.
You will have to consider the size of the area that needs cooled, where you live, and how many cooling hours your current unit handles each year. Once you have those figures, you can start comparing units using our air conditioner savings calculator below.
Carrier AC Models Savings Calculator
Savings Programs & Tax Credits
Like most major manufacturers, Carrier offers financing solutions to homeowners interested in their units. They also have seasonal promotions that run several times each year, and you can use tools on their website to find products that meet guidelines for rebates in your area.
The company’s promotions change throughout the year, but you can usually find a deal like “Cool Cash Rebates” or a summer-themed program at any given time. Financing options vary, but the company currently provides planks through Wells Fargo. If you would prefer a “lease to own” arrangement, you can apply for that program as well with 36, 48, or 60-month terms.
Carrier vs Bryant
Both carrier and Bryant are owned by the same company. That would be United technologies corporation who also owns several other brands including Payne and Heil. With that in mind, Bryant and carrier air conditioning systems have quite a bit in common.
Smart thermostats and connected HVAC systems are all the rage, and both companies have their own version of one. With carrier, it's the infinity system control while Bryant has the evolution connex control system. There is some slight differences between the two although they both serve the same purpose. WeatherShield and DuraGuard are two other comparable technologies.
As for the systems, carrier and Bryant have more air conditioning systems available then some smaller companies combined. Bryant has the slight edge my number standpoint although both companies have a similar range of systems. Carrier has two variable speed units and so does Bryant, both of which have the same seer ratings as well. You will notice a difference in pricing, however, as Bryant air conditioning units are cheaper than carriers.
Carrier Warranties
The warranty process with Carrier is easy to understand regardless of the system you buy. If you purchase a unit with Puron refrigerant, which covers most of their lines, you can expect a 10-year warranty on the parts and compressor.
That’s for residential use only, and the warranty period only holds true if you register your unit within 90 days of installation. The warranty is only good for 5 years with subsequent owners or when the unit is used for other applications outside the residential realm. For Coastal AC units, the same rules apply with one important exception, as “corrosion” coverage on parts is only good for 5 years.
How to find the Installer for your Carrier Air Conditioner
Knowing the price of a central air conditioning system and how much they will cost to run is an important factor in any homeowner's buying decision. Unfortunately, it’s only half the battle considering you still have to find someone to install your system.
HVAC installation is not something homeowners should attempt themselves. While it will raise the overall cost of your project considerably, a well-qualified technician is money well spent when it comes to central air conditioning installation. Regardless of who you hire, don’t settle for the first estimate and always ask for reference if you’re considering using general contractor, handyman, or “Fix-it” service.
If you’d like to get an idea of what a professional would charge to install an air conditioner from Carrier in your region, our quote tool can help you find the right pro for the job.
Contractor Tool
Conclusion
Carrier has a wide range of units, but you won’t find as many variable-speed systems in their catalog as you will with other manufacturers. In fact, you’ll need to pay a premium if you want a unit with more than two speeds. Overall, their units well-built with solid warranties, but you’ll want to dig through the details, considering not every model is ENERGY STAR certified once you start shopping in the budget range.