Table of Contents
Carrier Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings - Carrier offers heat pumps in 3 different heating and cooling series. The Infinity Series, the Performance Series, and the Comfort Series with the Carrier Infinity Series is the Premium heat pump series Carrier offers.
Their heat pump efficiency ranges from 13 SEER rating 7.7 HSPF heating rating to 20.5 SEER rating and 13 HSPF ratings with heat pump capacity ranges from 1.5 tons to 5 tons making Carrier heat pumps are ideal for residential and light commercial applications.
Finally, Carrier heat pumps are designed to meet or exceed industry standards for noise levels. Various features for selected Carrier Units are:
- Carrier Warranties as Compared to Other Brands 90%
- Carrier Quality as Compared to Other Brands 95%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 90%
- Carrier Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 93%
- Overall Carrier Opinion from a Technical Perspective 85%
HSPF Rating Up To
SEER Rating Up To
Carrier Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings | Select Features
Carrier Heat Pump Reviews select features:
- Selected heat pumps use R-410A refrigerant. High Performance HVAC recommends the use of R-410A in replacement and new heat pumps versus using R-22 refrigerant.
- Variable-capacity systems for modulation increase SEER rating and HSPF rating - specify heating and cooling efficiency ratings for heat pumps.
- Additionally, Two-Stage compressors for more energy efficiency in selected heat pumps. This increases SEER rating and HSPF rating
- 23 point diagnostics board in selected heat pumps for easier heat pump troubleshooting
- Steel louvered coil guards in selected heat pumps
- Engineered for quiet operation with some models using the Silencer System II by Carrier
- Dehumidification in select systems. Provides more comfort in cooling mode.
- Compact heat pump designs for fit in tight places in selected heat pumps
- Finally, a 10-year parts limited warranty on select systems and with timely product registration after installation is completed
Carrier Heat Pump Model Comparison Guide
| Carrier Heat Pump Model Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Infinity Series - Premium Model | Performance Series - Mid-Range Model | Comfort Series - Economy Model |
| Efficiency offers up to 20.5 SEER and 13 HSPF | Up to 17.5 SEER and 9.5 HSPF | up to 15 SEER and 8.5 HSPF |
| 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty with a three year labor warranty upon registration of warranty | Ten Year Parts Limited Warranty/Optional labor warranty available | 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty/Optional labor warranty available |
| Variable-speed fan motor | No data on fan motor type. Recommend ECM Variable-speed condenser fan motor | No data on condenser fan motor |
| Variable speed compressor with modulating capacity from 40% to 100% | Two-stage scroll compressor | Single-stage Scroll compressor |
| Infinity Series comes with Heavy-gauge, galvanized steel construction with louvered coil guard | Performance Series comes with Heavy-gauge, galvanized steel construction with louvered coil guard | Heavy-gauge, galvanized steel construction with dense-wire coil guard |
| Advanced diagnostic intelligence | No data on diagnostic features | No data on diagnostic features |
| ENERGY STAR Heat Pump qualifications | Meets ENERGY STAR Heat Pump qualifications | Meets ENERGY STAR Heat Pump qualifications |
| High Pressure Switch/low pressure switch | Low and High Pressure Switch Pressure Refrigeration Switches | High/Low Refrigeration Pressure Switches |
| Communicating controls recommended | Carrier® Côr™ thermostat recommended | Carrier® Côr™ thermostat recommended |
| Infinity Model Reviewed: 25VNA0 | Performance Model Reviewed: 25HCB6 | Comfort Model Reviewed: 25HBC5 |
What is HSPF? | Carrier Heat Pump Reviews
HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and it is used to rate heat pump energy efficiency. The formula for determining the efficiency of a heat pump is simple. It is the ratio of heat output (in BTUs) to the amount of electricity used to produce that heat. The higher the HSPF heating number the more efficient the heat pump. For heat pumps exceeding 8.5 HSPF, it can earn an Energy Star rating for heat pumps which can qualify for tax and energy credits.
The cooling side of a heat pump is like an air conditioner and the energy efficiency rating is measured by SEER. The higher the SEER rating the more energy efficient. Same with the HSPF rating for the heating side of the heat pump.
Carriers Greenspeed® Technology and the Infinity 20 Heat Pump | Modulation and Humidity Control | Carrier Heat Pump Reviews
What is Greenspeed Technology? Built into Carrier premium models including Carrier Infinity 20, it is a Carrier control sequence for their premium models of air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas furnaces. It works with other features in a full package HVAC system. It requires a system that can modulate and has a whole-house humidifier installed. It offers ultra-precision for temperature and humidity. These are the key areas of human comfort. In wintertime, precise humidity and temperature are relative and affect comfort.
The control sequence also offers ultra energy efficiency by running the system at only the speed needed to maintain any demand. That increases the SEER rating and HSPF rating. This will require a matched system with either an Infinity air handler or Infinity gas furnace along with the Carrier heat pump condenser. Additional required components for the air handler would include a whole-house humidifier. This will allow your HVAC system to maintain humidity and temperature levels precisely.
Modulation - Two-Stage - Single-Stage | How it Affects You and Efficiency | Carrier Heat Pump Reviews
Modulating systems offer a higher amount of comfort and energy efficiency by reducing temperature “swing” over single-stage and two-stage systems. Additionally, by precisely controlling humidity, less demand is put on mechanical heating in the winter. For optimum comfort, you will want a modulating heat pump system. Modulation can affect comfort and energy efficiency for air handlers, air conditioners, gas furnaces, and heat pumps. Greenspeed Technology from Carrier goes beyond that with humidity control.
Questions from our Model Comparison Guide | Carrier Heat Pump Reviews
What is a Carrier Côr® Thermostat?
A Côr® thermostat is a WiFi-enabled smart thermostat designed by Carrier for precision temperature control. Three models of Côr® thermostats come with an app for your smartphone that can remotely connect to your home system. Therefore, it enables remote monitoring and control along with temperature control. Additionally, it offers smart features that show you where and when your energy is being used through your HVAC system.
Additionally, it also senses when you are home or away and adjusts the thermostat automatically turning it on and off which increases energy efficiency and lowers utility bills. Carrier claims the thermostat models (currently 3 with WiFi and 2 without) teach you energy savings and how to save energy. Finally, Carrier refers to it as “Energy Savings Intelligence” with comfort management. This helps you monitor energy efficiency and usage so you can tweak settings.
Warranties | Carrier Heat Pump Reviews
Carrier has decent warranties for their equipment. Additionally, this comes with optional labor warranties that can be purchased separately. The base Carrier warranty is standard for most HVAC manufacturers. It is a 10-year limited parts warranty. This means you will have to pay for labor if something goes wrong unless you purchased the labor warranty. Importantly, we always recommend purchasing labor warranties, especially for the premium models.
Furthermore, always read the fine print in all warranties and make sure you register the warranty soon after installation is complete. Important notes about any warranty: First, does the warranty remain in effect if I sell the home? Secondly, what are other terms and conditions to be aware of?
Warranty Details | Questions Before Signing a Contract
- If not registered within 90 days of installation the limited warranty period is 5 years
- Does the contractor offer a warranty for workmanship? If so, what is the term? 1-year? 5 years?
- If you live in a coastal region is there additional protection for corrosion? If so, please specify.
- Does the entire system including the air handler and condenser fall under the same warranty?
Carrier Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings | Product Line Up and Pros and Cons
Carrier offers a full line of heat pumps to match many budgets and a range of energy efficiency levels. The Carrier Comfort Series line offers a range of efficiency levels and is priced for the budget-minded. Additionally, the Performance Series is Carrier’s mid-range units and the Infinity Series is the top-of-the-line Series and offers many bells and whistles with excellent energy efficiency ranges. A Carrier heat pump, when installed properly, can offer superior energy efficiency and precision temperature control.
One of the cons against Carrier is that many of their replacement parts are proprietary and can be expensive and this is true for a few other manufacturers. Importantly, Carrier does make a quality well-designed product that offers reliability and performance, especially with efficiency. Additionally, they stand behind their products with good warranties and extended warranties are available at the time of purchase.
See what others are saying about Carrier heat pumps in our comments below. Additionally, if you own a Carrier system let others know what you think about it in the comments below.
| Pricing Versus Efficiency Return On Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Pricing Range for Initial Purchase and Subsequent Repairs outside of Warranty | ROI (Return On Investment) |
| 19 SEER/9.5 HSPF Plus | $$$$$ | 5 to 7 years depending on efficiency* |
| 15 to 18 SEER/9 to 9.5 HSPF | $$$ | 7 to 10 years depending on efficiency* |
| 13 to 14 SEER/< 9 HSPF | $ | Over 10 years* |
| *Many factors depend on ROI such as house insulation, personal usage preferences, duct work integrity, dual-fuel or electric backup heat, and other basic efficiency factors. HSPF rating is a high factor in the return. Additionally, for heat pumps, a dual-fuel heat pump can make a big difference provided you get a high AFUE furnace for backup heat. | ||
About Carrier | Carrier Heat Pump Reviews
Finally, Carrier is owned by United Technologies which is the same parent corporation as Bryant, Heil, and Tempstar.
For more information on Carrier and their latest models and efficiency ratings please visit the Carrier website.
See our other Carrier Reviews
Carrier Air Conditioner Reviews - Carrier Gas Furnace Reviews - Carrier Package Unit Reviews
Carrier Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings
See our other helpful HVAC calculators placed throughout the site:
COVID 19 Home Protection
UVC Light to Kill Viruses and Other Airborne Harmful Things that Affect Health
For additional protection, you can also use UV Light that will kill harmful viruses and bacteria inside the airflow of the air handler. In labs, researchers used a spectrum of ultraviolet light called UVC to kill viruses. This product requires professional installation so it will turn on and off with the blower fan in your air handler but it will offer the protection you need for you and your family from any viruses.
Click the image to the right for purchase options of the UV light to protect your family.
Current 4 ton Carrier unit over 20 years old with regular maintenance. Parts replaced over the years like defrost boards, relays, contacters. Zone 4 and unit will hold 68F inside during 7-32F days. Maintenance person states many parts on all makes have cheapened over the years , and warranty battles dominate. This unit does need replacement, but year-long research and bids are quite unsettling. Many warnings about complexities of variable speed compressors and correspondng early failures. Bids for mid range systems (including air handlers) hover around $20 K. Simpler one speed compressor bids $14K to $17K, but most of the low $ unit have suspect ratings. Consumer Report (digital membership required) shows no model numbers, only ” 5 star” ratings for (1) projected reliabilty (based upon CR statistical model ?), and (2) owner satisfaction…”would recommend to relative.” This is WA. Stuck in consumer limbo.
We bought a new Carrier heatpump, furnace and wifi thermostat, worked fine for 5 months then the heatpump stopped, called the dealer several times over 3 months and still no one has come to repair it. $25,000 with tax and 3MONTHS still no one even bothers to lie to me, they just dont bother to come even when they say they are coming. So I called another dealer, they told me they cant fix it unless I pay for it. No warranty. I called Carrier customer service, they told me that was unacceptable and they will escalate the issue and get me resolve. A week and half later they email me and tell me they are sorry, they cant help me but they are pleased to give me a voucher for $250 to go toward the repair. And a list of dealers willing to take my money. So that was there resolve for a guy that spent a small fortune on their products that lasted 5 months, so no warranty and sorry about my luck.
In June 2021 I replaced an old natural gas furnace with a new Carrier Infinity 25VN8 heat pump 3 ton with variable speed air handler. It works great until it gets cold outside which is when you need it. Weather in SF is often in the 50s and it works fine then. But when it gets down to 40 degrees outside it runs constantly at full blast and cannot get the indoor temperature up to 69 degrees. Before I purchased it I had read that heat pumps work find down to freezing temps but I guess not this Carrier one.
Go anywhere bur Carrier! We had a heat pump installed in our new retirement home in 2011. There appears to be a design flaw. The furnace is hooked up to a 60 amp. fuse, but the fan inside the unit is rated for 15 amp. An electrical storm the produces a lightning strike to surrounding power lines, sends a surge down the line that fries the fan. We have now had to replace 3 fans at a cost of about $2,000 each time. To make matters worse, the company that made the fans for Carrier no longer does so. When the supply is gone, our furnace becomes obsolete. We thought we would never have to replace the furnace in our lifetime.
When I bought my home here in Tennessee, it had an old Carrier heat pump system about 17 years old. Other than the replacement of an outside relay, it ran flawlessly for 10 more years even while the frame and brackets holding the components both outside and inside started rusting apart. I was so impressed with its performance, that when I finally had to get it replaced, I had no problem looking for a new Carrier Heat pump system. The local dealer had a great crew, installed it very good and it worked flawlessly for 1 1/2 seasons. I had the maintenance checkup done in the first year. At the beginning of this year, 2018, when the weather was getting a bit warmer, I switched the controls from heat to cool. It took a few days to realize it but the unit was not cooling my house. I checked everything I could and finally called the installation company to look at it. They determined that the outside compressor unit failed and was shorted out internally.
While this upset me, as the unit was still almost new, carrier has a 10-year parts replacement on their units so I felt better. HOWEVER, they do not cover the labor costs involved with the replacement.
I would understand if the unit was over 8 years old and such, but this unit was only 1 1/2 years old, and a major part failed. The installation company did their best to help me and instead of a $700 to $800 bill, I paid $400 and change. Still, for a basically new unit, this irked me and I wrote to the company. They sent me the usual response about their policy of free parts but I pay labor. Great if a relay went bad but the compressor is a major component. I pressed my position that if one of them bought a new car off the showroom floor, and the Transmission failed after 1 1/2 years, would they be happy with a policy like theirs? Over the next few months, I got a couple letters saying they were passing my request up the chain of company managers. They asked for my maintenance records, of which I only had one being it was so new, and the installation company said they would provide whatever Carrier asked for.
So after months of delay, I get a letter from them today, which is almost an exact copy of the first letter I got stating their policy of replacement parts with no labor reimbursement.
I feel pretty good about myself for not using curse words in the reply, and restating my position and why I feel justified, but I said that I would never recommend them to anyone, and in fact, warn everyone I can on every media I can about their policy to not honor their mistakes on a still new system.
If any of you know of similar experiences with Carrier, be sure to pass it on. A company who will not honor a commitment to their product like that has no right to stay in business. I have bought other products that broke down and the companies bent over backward to get me to help with a repair or replacement. These companies have made me a lifetime customer. Carrier has lost me as one.????
I was considering a Carrier unit to replace an older package system, but reading about the warranty made me change my mind. A warranty should cover all costs!
Nearly all manufacturers have similar warranties. That is, the industry standard average warranty will cover parts but not labor. Extended parts and labor warranties are typically available for an extra cost at the time of purchase.
I am presently looking at carrier 16 seer 2 stage performance series whst pump and air handler. I am a small technical budiness owner and understand you 100%. My way of doing business is try to keep every paying customer I can. A few hundred dollars in nothing to carrier. Consider this carrier. You got all this bad press for being a but hole. The other unit I’m looking at is a Trane and after reading your artical I’m leaning toward trane. Thank you for the input as consumers we need to work together when possible.
About three years ago we paid a lot of money for the “top of the line” Carrier Infinity HVAC system, but have been disappointed in its performance. The local repair shop has replaced electronic control boards, fan motors, capacitors, and inducers. The system has never operated properly for any extended length of time. For a new, high-price system not to operate flawlessly in our benign Tennessee climate indicates some serious quality issues. I would not recommend Carrier products; no wonder they are laying off people in Indianapolis.
I had an old off-brand system with R-22 that developed a leak in the outdoor coil so we decided to go with a new Carrier that uses the new refrigerant. In the 2 years since we had the new Carrier heat pump we have had the service people out 2 times for issues. One was a thermostat issue and they replaced the thermostat with a new thermostat. Even though it was under warranty it still costs us almost $200. Then this past winter the outdoor unit started freezing up very badly where it almost turned into a block of ice. The came out and said they made an adjustment and replaced something. Again it was under warranty but we had to pay for labor which came to another bill for a little over $200. I am now regretting not getting the additional warranty they offered me when I purchase the system which would have covered labor also. I am just crossing my fingers and hoping this is not par for the course with Carrier.
Reviewed by Admin Transfer September 05, 2011
Evaporator Coil leakage
Reviewed by Ed Chandler January 18, 2011
Evaporator Coil leakage
I am down on Carrier heat pumps because of poor quality in the evaporator coil. The material used in manufacturing must be very poor. The coil only lasted less than 5 years. The warranty on the coil is only 1 year. The cost of replacing the coil is about as much as what I paid for the whole new unit. This seems ridiculous to me! I have called Carrier and they will not help me out in the replacement at all. I would not recommend Carrier unless you can afford a 10 year extended warranty, which is also ridiculous. You would think a heat pump should last at least 10 years!
Reviewed by Admin Transfer September 05, 2011
DISSATISFIED WITH PRODUCT AND WARRANTY
Reviewed by GENE MIHALKA February 16, 2011
DISSATISFIED WITH PRODUCT AND WARRANTY
I have had a Carrier Heat pump and associated a/c units. They have been regularly serviced and maintained by a certified Carrier dealer. I have had numerous problems with electrical relays and motors. Most recently the tech has found many leaks in the system requiring the entire unit to be replaced at a HUGE price! Over $12,500.
The unit is only 7 years old!!! OUT OF ANY WARRANTY according to the Carrier dealer.
Very dissatisfied.
Looking for a quality system – if it is available.