Compare Carrier vs American Standard: AC Showdown!
If you have an older HVAC unit that’s constantly requiring repairs, you might be wondering whether it’s more cost-effective to repair or replace it, and if you’re considering a new, more efficient system, this article provides an in-depth comparison of Carrier and American Standard to help you make an informed decision.
Carrier and American Standard are two of the most popular brands on the market—but which one is right for you? This review will delve into the details of both systems, examining their features, energy efficiency ratings, warranties, customer service satisfaction levels and more—so that you can make an informed decision about which system best fits your needs.
Company History and Product Lineups
Carrier, a leading HVAC manufacturer, was founded by Willis Carrier in 1915. He invented the first modern air conditioner to solve an industrial problem and revolutionized the way people heated and cooled their homes. Since then, Carrier has been one of the most trusted names in air conditioning industry for over 100 years.
In 1938, Carrier introduced the first residential air conditioning system with low-pressure refrigerant--a major milestone for home comfort. In 1953, they unveiled their first central air conditioning system that allowed homeowners to control temperatures from room-to-room. In 1967, they released their WeatherMaker line of products which featured variable speed compressors that allowed precise temperature control and superior energy efficiency.
In 1994, they began using environmentally friendly Puron refrigerant in all new products and continue to be on the forefront of innovation today, offering some of the most advanced HVAC systems available on the market.
American Standard (formerly known as American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation) has been a leader in the home comfort industry since 1872. Founded by John J. Uehlein, the company began by producing radiators for steam and hot water heating systems. In 1929, American Standard introduced its first central air conditioning system and went on to become one of the first companies to offer air conditioning as a standard feature in new homes.
In the 1950s, American Standard developed the first residential packaged rooftop unit for single-family dwellings--a major innovation at the time--and was also an early adopter of forced-air gas furnaces with built-in blowers. The company continued to innovate throughout the 1960s and 1970s, introducing commercial air conditioners that were more efficient than their predecessors as well as energy-saving heat pumps in 1974.
Today, American Standard is a leading manufacturer of HVAC equipment including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, indoor air quality products and humidifiers. Their products are designed to increase efficiency while reducing energy costs for homeowners across North America.
Side by Side Models From Each Brand
| Model Name | SEER Rating | Price Point | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity 26 | 26 | $$$ | 53-62 |
| Infinity 19VS | 19 | $$$ | 56-71 |
| Performance 17 2-Stage | 17 | $$ | 71-74 |
| Performance 16 | 17 | $$ | 72 |
| Comfort 15 | 17 | $ | 73 |
| Comfort 14 | 14 | $ | 72 |
| Comfort 15 Coastal | 14 | $ | 73 |
| Comfort 15 Compact | 16 | $$ | 65 |
| Model Name | SEER Rating | Price Point | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AccuComfort Platinum 20 | 22.5 | $$$$ | 55-75 |
| AccuComfort Platinum 18 | 18 | $$$$ | 55-75 |
| Gold 16 | 17 | $$$ | 72-74 |
| Silver 15 | 16.5 | $$ | 74 |
| Silver 15 Low Profile | 16.5 | $$ | 73 |
| Silver 14 | 15.5 | $$ | 73 |
| Silver 13 | 14.5 | $ | 75 |
Comparing Prices
The cost of Carrier and American Standard air conditioning systems vary, depending on the size, efficiency, and complexity of the installation—generally ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for both brands. However, it is important to note that these figures are a general range and homeowners should consult with a professional HVAC company to determine an exact quote. Therefore, while price is an important factor in making a purchasing decision, homeowners should not base their selection solely on cost.
Price Summary
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Carrier | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| American Standard | $10,000 - $20,000 |
Performance and Noise
Performance and Noise Impact Buying Decisions
When deciding on an air conditioning system, performance and noise are key factors to consider. Models with a higher SEER rating will be more expensive upfront, but result in lower operating costs over the life of the unit.
Carrier Models Overview
Carrier offers six models ranging from 14 SEER to 26 SEER: Infinity 26, Infinity 19VS, Performance 17 2-Stage, Performance 16, Comfort 15, Comfort 14 and Comfort 15 Coastal. The highest efficiency model is the Infinity 26 which has a noise level of 53-62 dB. The two stage compressor on the Performance 17 can make it quieter than other models at 71-74 dB. The entry level model is the Comfort 14 which has an output of 72 dB.
American Standard Models Overview
American Standard offers seven models ranging from 13 SEER to 22.5 SEER: AccuComfort Platinum 20, AccuComfort Platinum 18, Gold 16; Silver 15 Low Profile; Silver 15; Silver 14; and Silver 13. The highest efficiency model is the AccuComfort Platinum 20 with a noise level of 55-75 dB while the lowest efficiency model is the Silver 13 at 75 dB. For those looking for something more efficient than American Standards's entry level model with less noise output than their top tier model should look into their mid range offerings such as Gold 16 (72-74dB) or Silver 15 Low Profile (73dB).
Conclusion
For homeowners looking for an efficient air conditioning system that balances performance and noise levels without breaking the bank should consider Carrier's Performance 17 2-Stage or American Standard's Gold 16 or Silver 15 Low Profile models depending on comparative pricing between brands.
Performance Summary
| Brand | SEER Rating | Noise (in dB) |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | 14 - 26 | 53 - 74 |
| American Standard | 14.5 - 22.5 | 55 - 75 |
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
Basic maintenance and repairs
When it comes to basic maintenance and repairs, Carrier scores a 4 out of 5 on our scale—meaning that most homeowners should be able to do their own repairs without much difficulty. American Standard, however, scores a 5—offering an even easier route for DIY repair work.
Comparing the two brands for homeowner maintenance
Carrier systems are designed with a strong emphasis on ease of repair: parts can be easily accessed and replaced without requiring additional tools or assistance. American Standard also offers relatively easy access to parts, but they go one step further by at times offering illustrated diagrams and step-by-step instructions—a feature that makes basic repair work even simpler for the average homeowner.
Our Opinion
Considering both the ease of basic maintenance and repair work offered by Carrier and American Standard, we would highly recommend either brand for any homeowner looking for an air conditioning system that is easy to maintain and repair. Both brands offer reliable performance as well as straightforward access to replacement parts; however, we give slightly higher marks to American Standard due to their extra step of providing helpful instructional diagrams.
Basic Maintenance Summary
| Brand | Basic Repairs |
|---|---|
| Carrier | (4/5) |
| American Standard | (5/5) |
Comparing the two brands for Reliability
Carrier and American Standard are both highly reliable air conditioning systems. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing unreliable and 5 being very reliable, Carrier scored a 4 while American Standard scored a 5. This indicates that American Standard is more reliable than the Carrier brand.
Features Offered
Both brands offer similar features, including energy efficiency options such as variable speed compressors and programmable thermostats. Both also provide warranties on their products that can range from 10 to 20 years depending on the specific model purchased.
Price Points
The price points for these two brands vary greatly. Carrier offers units in many different price ranges, from low-cost models to luxury models that offer advanced features. American Standard is generally more expensive than Carrier, but it does come with higher quality components and longer warranties included in the purchase price.
Our Opinion
We believe that both Carrier and American Standard provide excellent air conditioning systems that will serve homeowners well in terms of reliability and performance. However, if ultimate reliability is desired then we suggest opting for the slightly more expensive American Standard brand due to its higher score on our reliability scale (a 5 compared to Carriers 4).
Reliability Summary
| Brand | Reliability |
|---|---|
| Carrier | (4/5) |
| American Standard | (5/5) |
Expected Lifespan of Each Brand
Comparing the lifespans of Carrier and American Standard air conditioning systems is not an exact science, as many factors—such as maintenance and usage—can affect how long each system will last before needing replacement. That being said, Carrier typically estimates a lifespan of 10-12 years whereas American Standard's estimate is 10-15 years—suggesting that the latter may provide greater longevity than the former.
Lifespan Summary
| Brand | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Carrier | 10-12 years |
| American Standard | 10-15 years |
Wrapping it All Up
Based on our industry experience, feedback from customers and other HVAC technicians, here is the summary of how these two brands stack up.
| Brand | Price Range | SEER Rating | Noise (in dB) | Basic Repairs | Reliability | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier | $10,000 - $20,000 | 14 - 26 | 53 - 74 | (4/5) | (4/5) | 10-12 years |
| American Standard | $10,000 - $20,000 | 14.5 - 22.5 | 55 - 75 | (5/5) | (5/5) | 10-15 years |
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
What Your Neighbors Say About Us
Dallas Heating and AC are excellent. They always have someone answer the phones, they are quick to come out and repair, and reasonable rates. We use them on all our properties.
Luis came out and was very professional and knowledgeable. They offered me financing and I also signed up for their no contract service maintenance program! Definitely refer this company
Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning did what 3 other companies couldn’t, didn’t give up and went the extra mile, at the same time didn’t over charge me. It was more than necessary to share my experience with the rest of the world,
Josh and Skyler were amazing, they communicated everything they were doing, very thorough and respectful. Will definitely be using Dallas Heating and AC again!!!
These guys did a fantastic job all around! They were quick to respond, provided a competitive estimate, and got the work done efficiently. They replaced my over the tub ac unit and the outside condenser and fixed many issues with the previous setup.
Luis came out and did a fabulous job! We notice our AC wasn’t blowing cold like it should be and he came out, add Freon to our system and it was back running great again! I will be using DHAC for all my needs from now on!
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
Important Notes About The Content on This Page.
The information provided on this website page is for educational and informational purposes only. It represents the personal opinions of the owners and employees of Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning, and should not be taken as professional advice. We do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the content or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk
The information about the models offered by each manufacturer on this website page was created based on the information available on the respective manufacturers' websites in 2023. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. The information is subject to change without notice and we do not guarantee that the information provided will be up-to-date or error-free. It is important to conduct your own research and verify the information with the manufacturer before making any purchasing decisions.
Noise ratings were obtained from the manufacturers technical specifications at the time of writing, and is based on a 3 ton unit running at full speed. Variable speed compressors will run quieter at lower speeds.
The opinions expressed on this website page are based on decades of professional experience as well as feedback from homeowner and business customers. These opinions are intended to provide general information and are not intended as professional advice. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. It is important to conduct your own research and verify the information with a qualified professional before making any decisions.
