You’ve probably heard the name Carrier tossed around a lot when it comes to HVAC. It’s one of the biggest brands in the business, and a lot of folks assume that means it’s the best. But if you’re planning to spend a few grand on a new air conditioner, brand recognition alone isn’t enough to base your decision on.
So today, I want to take a good, honest look at Carrier air conditioner ratings, especially when compared to a well-known competitor: Goodman. I’ll walk you through real-world Carrier AC ratings, the differences between the Carrier Comfort vs Performance Series, and whether it’s really worth paying more for the name.
And by the end, we’ll touch on an option I’ve installed many times over the years—the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 AC Bundle—and why I believe it gives Carrier a serious run for its money.
The Carrier Name: What It Really Means
Carrier has been in the game for over a century. Their founder literally invented modern air conditioning. That kind of legacy counts—but what does it actually mean for you as a homeowner? In recent years, a lot of Carrier’s success has been driven by aggressive marketing and distribution through big-box retailers and licensed dealers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean higher overhead, more markup, and stricter policies on who can install their systems.
When you ask “Is Carrier a good AC brand?” the short answer is yes—it’s reliable, energy-efficient, and backed by a strong warranty. But it’s also expensive, and the real-world performance can vary depending on the model line and installer.
Understanding Carrier’s Product Lines
Let’s break down the three main Carrier product lines so you can make sense of the Carrier air conditioner ratings you’ve seen floating around:
1. Infinity Series
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Carrier’s premium line.
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Highest SEER2 ratings (up to 26 SEER2 in some models).
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Quiet, smart-capable, variable-speed compressors.
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Price tag: High.
2. Performance Series
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Mid-range units with solid efficiency (SEER2 ranges from 14.5 to 17).
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Options for two-stage cooling.
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Moderate noise levels and good reliability.
3. Comfort Series
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Entry-level Carrier units.
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SEER2 ratings around 13.8 to 16.
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Single-stage compressors.
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Budget-friendly, but fewer features and shorter lifespans.
The Carrier Comfort vs Performance Series debate often comes down to how long you plan to live in your home and whether you want features like humidity control or smart connectivity.
If you're curious about specific model feedback, the Carrier 24SPA6 review highlights it as a decent single-stage option from the Performance line, with a SEER2 rating of 16.5. Good—but not exceptional for the price.
What Do Reviews Say?
When we look at Carrier air conditioning units reviews, the story is mixed.
✅ Pros:
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Good efficiency ratings
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Quiet operation
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Long history of performance
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Strong parts warranties (10-year limited)
❌ Cons:
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Higher upfront cost
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Limited DIY install options (requires licensed contractor for warranty)
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Some models have reliability complaints, especially in the Comfort line
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Replacement parts and repairs can be pricey
Homeowners on forums like HVAC-Talk and Reddit often ask, “Are Carrier AC units good in the long run?” The answer really depends on how it’s installed and maintained. Even the best unit can underperform if it’s not sized or installed correctly.
Carrier vs. Goodman: Let’s Get Specific
Let’s say you’re looking at a 3-ton unit and trying to decide between something like the Carrier 24SPA636 (Performance Series) and a comparable Goodman system.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Carrier 24SPA636 | Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 |
|---|---|---|
| SEER2 Rating | 16.5 | 14.5 |
| Compressor Type | Single-Stage | Single-Stage |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-32 (low GWP) |
| Installation | Pro only | DIY possible (with support) |
| Warranty | 10-Year Parts | 10-Year Parts & Replacement |
| Price | $$$ | $$ |
Now let’s talk about refrigerants. Carrier is still sticking with R-410A in many of their models, which has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than R-32. The Goodman system we’re comparing uses R-32, which is more efficient and has a much lower environmental impact. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends refrigerants like R-32 for long-term sustainability.
What About Installation and Maintenance?
Here’s a big hidden cost many people overlook: installation. Most Carrier AC ratings assume the system is professionally installed. That’s not a bad thing—good techs matter—but it can easily add $2,000–$4,000 to your total price. And some contractors won’t even give you warranty coverage unless they do the install.
With Goodman systems—like the Goodman 3 Ton R-32 bundle—you’ve got more flexibility. If you’re handy or working with a local licensed installer, you can save a significant chunk of change.
Goodman also tends to use more universal parts. That means if something does break, your local HVAC pro probably won’t have to special-order the part from a Carrier-authorized distributor.
For example, replacement parts for the Performance Series can be tough to source without a Carrier-certified tech. That’s fine if you’ve got time to wait—but if you’re in a heatwave and your unit’s down, it can be a nightmare.
So… Is Carrier AC Good?
If you’re asking “Is Carrier AC good?” or “Are Carrier air conditioners good?”, the honest answer is yes—but not always better than the competition.
Carrier shines when:
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You want whisper-quiet operation.
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You’re buying their higher-end Infinity Series.
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You have no plans to install it yourself.
But if your goals are:
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Affordability
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Long-term parts availability
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Lower environmental impact
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More control over installation
Then Goodman is the clear winner.
The Bottom Line from a Tech
As someone who’s installed both brands for years, I’ll tell you this:
Carrier makes good systems. But Goodman has stepped up its game—especially with newer models using R-32 refrigerant, solid coil construction, and better value for homeowners.
Before you spend thousands based on brand name, ask yourself:
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Do I want to pay for a name, or for performance I can actually feel?
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Am I comfortable with a little DIY or working with a trusted local installer?
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Do I want to prioritize lower emissions and future refrigerant regulations?
If those answers lean toward performance, value, and sustainability, then Goodman’s your guy.
And if you’re looking for a solid 3-ton unit that checks all those boxes, take a good look at the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 AC Bundle. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and backed by the kind of support you need when it counts.
