Tempstar vs.Carrier: Which Air Conditioner is Better?

If you’re shopping for a new central air conditioner, you might be wondering:

What is the difference between Tempstar and Carrier air conditioners?

Tempstar and Carrier air conditioners are part of the United Technologies Corporation Group, the same parent company that owns Carrier. These ACs are practically identical with the same warranty and functioning parts. However, Carrier comes at a higher cost but beats Tempstar in performance. Tempstar is high-quality, durable, and reliable.

That’s only a short answer about these two popular air conditioner brands.

So, in the next section, we’ll dive deep into comparing Tempstar vs. Carrier and determine their differences in terms of design, price, and much more.

Let’s get started!

What is Tempstar Air Conditioners?

Background of Tempstar Air Conditioners

Tempstar is a brand made by the International Comfort Products Corporation. Later, United Technologies Corporation acquired it in 1999. Carrier is also a United Technologies Corporation Group.

They’re both made and distributed by the same parent company. They’ve different products. But same parts.

Tempstar started in 1951 as the Air Conditioning Division of Nordyne. It became a separate company in 1972. And continued to manufacture air conditioning units until 2007. That’s when Nordyne purchased International Comfort Products. And changed its name to Nordyne Global HVAC. Tempstar is one of several sub-brands of Nordyne Global HVAC. They sell through independent distributors, including Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, and Heil.

HVAC products sold under the Tempstar brand include:

Air conditioners (traditional split systems)
Gas furnaces (forced air)

Heat pumps (traditional split systems)
Packaged units (also known as all-in-one units)
Mini-split ductless system

Tempstar Cost Expectations and Price Comparison

Tempstar air conditioners come at varying costs. Their most common costs are

The unit alone
Installation

Running costs

The new air conditioner prices and costs vary based on

Models

Installation location
and labor fees where you stay

Tempstar air conditioner brand produces different units across two lines. And the two-unit lines are value and premium.

Tempstar AC units in the premium line cost more.

But are quieter during operation. And the Tempstar AC systems come with high-quality compressors.

Moreover, the Tempstar AC units utilize

Ion System Control
Ion System Smart Thermostat
Temperature control

Silencer system
Programmable thermostat
Remote access

Gas valve

TVA9

$2800 – 3000 exclusive of installation

$6000 – 8500 inclusive of installation

TCA7

$2000 – 2500 exclusive of installation

$5200 – 8000 inclusive of installation

TSA5

$2250 – 2700 exclusive of installation

$5450 – 8200 inclusive of installation

N4A7

$2000 – 2500 exclusive of installation

$5200 – 8000 inclusive of installation

N4A6

$2000 – 2500 exclusive of installation

$5200 – 8000 inclusive of installation

NH4A4

$2250 – 2700 exclusive of installation

$5450 – 8200 inclusive of installation

NXA4

$2000 – 2500 without installation

$5200 – 8000 inclusive of installation

Tempstar Air Conditioner Models

Tempstar air conditioner brand has four AC unit models in its premium line. But Tempstar’s value line offers more AC unit choices. To be precise, eight models.

Model	Ton	Seer	Noise Levels	BTU’s	Compressor
TVA9	2 – 5	19	56dB	24000 – 52000	5-speed variable
TCA7	2 – 5	17	70dB	24000 – 52000	2-stage
TSA5	2 – 5	15	74dB	24000 – 52000	Single-stage
N4A7	2 – 5	17	71dB	24000 – 52000	2-stage scroll
NH4A4	1.5 – 5	14	66dB	18000 – 52000	Single-Stage Scroll

Tempstar Air Conditioner Pros and Cons

Pros

Above-average SEER values
Affordable options regarding prices/costs
No hassle replacement limited warranty on specific models

Units with energy efficiency features
Government tax credit eligible
Lower decibel ratings, unlike other air conditioner brands

Control humidity levels
Lower energy costs
Standard tier brand

Cons

Hassle replacement limited warranty
Brand dealers aren’t available in some US areas

Must use agreeing with units, interior or exterior
Unreliable corrosion resistance, unlike other HVAC system brands

What is Carrier Air Conditioners?

Background of Carrier Brand

The carrier cooling system includes brands like

Automated Logic
Bryant
CIAT

Carrier is involved in manufacturing residential heating and cooling systems.

Carrier is one of the best-known and oldest furnace brands out there. They were founded in 1902 by Willis Carrier, who invented the first air conditioner unit. Today, Carrier is owned by United Technologies Corporation (UTC). And makes an extensive range of products for both residential and commercial use.

In addition to furnaces, Carrier also produces

heat pumps
AC systems
ductless mini-splits

Cooling systems

Carrier’s commercial systems are some of the most used in the country.

The Carrier AC unit break when you operate in hotter areas.

Carrier Cost Expectations and Price Comparison

Carrier model numbers and cost list

Carrier 24VNA0

$3,985 exclusive of installation

$6115 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ANB1

$3,795 exclusive of installation

$5950 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24VNA9

$2,900 exclusive of installation

$4890 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ANB7

$2,650 exclusive of installation

$4675 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ANB7**C

$2,670 exclusive of installation

$4710 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ANB6

$2,295 exclusive of installation

$4250 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ACB7

$2,159 exclusive of installation

$3775 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ACB3

$1,900 exclusive of installation

$3500 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24AHA4

$1,950 exclusive of installation

$3550 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24APB6

$1,975 exclusive of installation

$3575 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24AAA6

$1,825 exclusive of installation

$3430 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ABC6

$1,625 exclusive of installation

$3330 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24AAA5

$1,550 exclusive of installation

$3150 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ACC4

$1,525 exclusive of installation

$3195 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ABB3

$1,530 exclusive of installation

$3200 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ABB3**C

$1,375 exclusive of installation

$2990 inclusive of installation

Carrier 24ACA4**C

$1,450 exclusive of installation

$3050 inclusive of installation

Carrier Air Conditioner Models

Carrier has a wide selection of energy-efficient central air conditioners. They can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. Consider the following to find the best Carrier air conditioner for your needs.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A rating that measures how efficiently a central air conditioner uses energy. Carrier’s Infinity Series air conditioners have up to a 21 SEER performance rating.

Two-Stage Compressor: Lowers electric bills by running at high speeds only when needed. And by using lower speeds at other times to reduce temperature swings in your home.

Sound Performance: Carrier offers sound-reducing features on many models for quiet operation. Moreover, enjoying the maximum cooling performance.

Humidity Control: Two-stage systems remove moisture from your indoor air than single-stage systems. Thus, keeping your home at a comfortable humidity level year-round.

Carrier air conditioner models are in three series

Infinity series

24ANB6

24ANB7**C
24ANB7
24VNA9

24ANB1
24VNA0

Comfort series

24ACA4**C
24ABB3**C
24ABB3

24ACC4
24AAA5
24ABC6

24AAA6

Performance series

24APB6
24AHA4
24ACB3
24ACC6
24ACB7

Carrier Pros and Cons

Pros

It is hushed as it has a low sound level between 59 and 63 decibels.
It is energy efficient and saves your money in the long run.
It has a great warranty with excellent customer support staff.
The system can be controlled remotely via the internet or smartphone with its Infinity Control thermostat
It provides proper air balance with its innovative constant torque motors.
Quiet operation
2-stage compressor for greater efficiency and comfort (in some models)
ENERGY STAR certified in all sizes
WeatherArmor Ultra™ protection for the outdoor cabinet
Factory-installed filter drier absorbs moisture

Cons

Expensive
Too many recalls
Installation issues
No air purifiers or dehumidifiers are available (only some models)
Some models have a higher-than-average number of repairs (but this is rare)

Tempstar vs Carrier: Face To Face Comparison

Tempstar vs Carrier: Price

Tempstar AC Review Prices

Model	Price	Price with installation	Running cost estimates	Government Tax Break
TVA9	$2800 – 3000	$6000 – 8500	$360 – 440	$300
TCA7	$2000 – 2500	$5200 – 8000	$390 – 460	$300
TSA5	$2250 – 2700	$5450 – 8200	$475 – 525	$300
N4A7	$2000 – 2500	$5200 – 8000	$390 – 460	Up to $300
N4A6	$2000 – 2500	$5200 – 8000	$400 – 490	Nill
NH4A4	$2250 – 2700	$5450 – 8200	$510 – 625	Nill
NXA4	$2000 – 2500	$5200 – 8000	$510 – 625	Nill

Carrier Air Conditioning Prices

Model	Price	Price with installation	Running cost estimations	Tax Breaks
Carrier 24VNA0	$3,985	$6115	~$400	$300
Carrier 24ANB1	$3,795	$5950	~$420	$300
Carrier 24VNA9	$2,900	$4890	~$464	$300
Carrier 24ANB7	$2,650	$4675	~$519	$300
Carrier 24ANB7C**	$2,670	$4710	~$519	$300
Carrier 24ANB6	$2,295	$4250	~$551	$300
Carrier 24ACB7	$2,159	$3775	~$519	$300
Carrier 24ACC6	$2,100	$3700	~$551	$300
Carrier 24ACB3	$1,900	$3500	~$678	Nill
Carrier 24AHA4	$1,950	$3550	~$630	Nill
Carrier 24APB6	$1,975	$3575	~$551	$300
Carrier 24AAA6	$1,825	$3430	~$551	$300
Carrier 24ABC6	$1,625	$3330	~$551	Nill
Carrier 24AAA5	$1,550	$3150	~$588	Nill
Carrier 24ACC4	$1,525	$3195	~$630	Nill
Carrier 24ABB3	$1,530	$3200	~$678	Nill
Carrier 24ABB3C**	$1,375	$2990	~$678	Nill
Carrier 24ACA4C**	$1,450	$3050	~$630	Nill

Tempstar vs Carrier: Energy Efficient/SEER Rating

Reviews on Tempstar air conditioners note how the air conditioning is energy efficient. The Tempstar furnace, cooling system, heat exchanger, or heat pump have high SEER. With Tempstar air conditioners, energy bills reduce. Especially the Tempstar furnace and air handler.

Tempstar’s premium line models come with SEER ratings of between 15 and 19. The TVA9 Tempstar model has a 19 SEER rating, the best.

And in the value line models of Tempstar, there’re units with up to 16 SEER ratings. And the NH4A4 compact and stackable model leads the line with a 16 SEER rating.

Carrier’s energy-efficient air conditioning systems can help reduce energy costs. And increase the comfort of your home or office.

How do you know whether a Carrier® air conditioner is one of the most efficient? First, look for the Energy Star® symbol. It signifies that the system meets or exceeds efficiency guidelines.

Carrier offers a complete line of ENERGY STAR®-qualified air conditioners. And standard products. Their Infinity 20 AC unit with Greenspeed™ intelligence offers up to 21 SEER cooling. And you can pair it with an Infinity gas furnace for a complete high-efficiency system.

The Infinity 19VS variable-speed heat pump offers up to 19 SEER efficiency. And is also AHRI-certified and listed as Energy Star Most Efficient 2016.

Here are the variable speed air handler pros and cons if you choose to go with them

Tempstar vs Carrier: Compressor Options

Tempstar

Single-stage operation

Tempstar’s single-stage compressor offers one level of cooling output. Single-stage systems operate at 100% capacity sometimes.

Two-stage operation

A two-stage compressor offers two levels of cooling output. High for warm summer days. And low for gentle days and nights. The system runs at 80% capacity in a two-stage operation 80% of the time. Hence, offering more consistent comfort and humidity control.

Variable speed operation

A Tempstar variable speed compressor offers three levels of cooling output. High for hot summer days, medium for milder weather when you want to reduce indoor humidity. And low for milder weather when you want to maintain a constant temperature.

Carrier

Carrier offers scroll/variable speed compressors for the best cooling performance and efficiency. These compressors can adjust their capacity as necessary to meet the system demands. Thus, reducing energy usage and improving efficiency

The scroll compressor is in Carrier’s Comfort Series packaged air conditioners.

Tempstar vs Carrier: Condenser Fan Options

Tempstar

1. Constant Torque ECM Motor Fan:

Constant torque motors run when the application calls for a high-efficiency motor. Moreover, it can deliver high performance over various operating conditions.

2. Standard PSC Motor Fan:

PSC stands for the permanent split capacitor. The PSC motor uses a run capacitor to maintain two windings at different voltages.

3. Variable Speed Motor Fan:

Depending on the system’s needs, they can operate at multiple speeds within a given range.

Carrier

The fan options available for Carrier condenser air conditioners include

Single-stage, dual-stage and multi-stage condensers. In a single-stage unit, the fan pulls in cool outside air. And passes it through the coils. And blows hot air out the top of the unit.

There are at least three stages in the evaporator in a multi-stage unit. The primary function of each stage is to remove heat from incoming air.

Tempstar vs Carrier: Heating Options

Tempstar

Tempstar offers several air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps for residential use. The company also has a line of high-efficiency products.

Tempstar offers five tiers of furnaces, ranging in efficiency from 80 AFUE to 98 AFUE. The company also has a line of furnaces that are Energy Star certified.

Tempstar offers three tiers of heat pumps, ranging in efficiency from 14.5 to 19.5 SEER and up to 8 HSPF.

Carrier

As a homeowner, Carrier HVAC systems can provide warm air. Instead of the units wasting away in the storage room, use them. That is, in the winter season. In some Carrier AC units, the compressors turn to heat pumps. The unit’s compressor applies negative pressure against the Puron. When that happens, it heats up, providing warmth.

Moreover, the Carrier system turns into a heater when cold air passes through the warm coils.

Tempstar vs Carrier: Noise Levels

Tempstar

The fan motor on the Tempstar air conditioner is designed to be quieter than other units. And according to Tempstar. The unit is equipped with a ton of insulation. And a thick, galvanized steel cabinet reduces noise levels and improves efficiency.

High-end and smallerTempstar AC models produce a maximum of 66dB noise. At the same time, other Tempstar models make 70dB+ noise.

Carrier

Most Carrier air conditioners are quiet, registering at around 26 decibels. For reference, 30 decibels is about as loud as a whisper. While 40 decibels is equivalent to a quiet library. And 50 decibels is roughly the sound level of a normal conversation

Carrier offers some models with even lower noise levels. For example, the Infinity 21 24ANB1 and 24ANB7 have sound levels as low as 59 decibels. That’s quieter than most libraries. The Infinity ICS 16 2-ton split system’s outdoor unit is also tranquil at just 63 decibels.

Tempstar vs Carrier: Warranty

Tempstar

Tempstar offers its many customers no-hassle warranties. The warranties cover the entire HVAC unit. And parts like

Compressors
Coils
Heat exchangers

If a major component becomes faulty during the warranty period, they replace the unit.

Also, Tempstar offers

10-year warranties on the high-level model units
5-year warranties for average models
1-3 year warranties that cover low-level models. Also, the furnace and furnaces.

However, Tempstar’s standard warranty covers the standard models. But not its no-hassle warranty.

Carrier

They are known for their dependable and high-quality products. So, they offer 10-year parts limited warranty*. Unfortunately, the Carrier air conditioners warranty is broken into three parts:

Carrier Compressor Warranty: 10 years
Carrier Functional Parts Warranty: 10 years
Carrier Labor Warranty: 1-year

Tempstar vs Carrier: Tax Breaks

Tempstar

Each residential system qualifies for $300 or fewer tax rebates. But, for your unit to qualify

First, the unit should be new. And Energy Star rated. Refurbished or old HVAC systems don’t qualify.

Second, an HVAC pro should conduct the installation of your unit.

When the HVAC system satisfies the above criteria, apply for the tax credit. And that’s via the 5695 form or online.

Carrier

Carrier HVAC brand has several models in its wing. But systems with a 16+ SEER rating qualify for the $300 rebate.

Bottom Line: Which Air Conditioner should you Choose?

So, why choose Tempstar?

Reliable, Efficient Cooling

With efficiencies up to 18 SEER, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and lower utility bills. We design our air conditioners from top to bottom with reliability in mind.

Environmentally Sound Refrigerant

Tempstar air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant – an EPA-recognized alternative to CFC refrigerants used in older systems. R-410A does not contribute to ozone depletion.

Quiet Operation

We use a two-stage scroll compressor that operates at lower speeds much of the time. That means less noise and greater comfort.

So, why choose Carrier?

Carrier is ozone-friendly since it has the R-410A and R32 refrigerants
Inverter technology
Cooling coils
Intelligent alert system
Power-saving features
Ambient temperatures

Both Carrier and Tempstar offer quality products. But it comes down to what suits you best at the end of the day. However, if we had to choose only one, we would go with the Carrier Infinity.

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