Carrier
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Over 100 years of HVAC innovation with strong U.S. market presence
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Premium Infinity® series known for variable-speed precision and high efficiency
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Broad product range across furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps
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Excellent humidity and temperature control in variable climates
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Reliable build quality with corrosion-resistant components
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Industry-recognized for quiet operation and advanced connectivity
Heil
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Ion™ 98 G97CMN Gas Furnace with up to 98% AFUE and modulating gas valve
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Ion™ 21 Variable-Speed Air Conditioner with inverter technology and up to 20.5 SEER2
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Ion™ Variable-Speed Heat Pump (HVH8) delivering up to 19 SEER2 and 11 HSPF2
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Ion™ System Control provides full smart-home integration and real-time diagnostics
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Part of ICP (Carrier Global), sharing advanced engineering with Carrier and Bryant
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10-year No Hassle Replacement™ warranty on premium Ion series equipment
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Carrier HVAC
Founded in 1902 by Willis Carrier - the man credited with inventing modern air conditioning - Carrier is one of the most recognized HVAC names worldwide. In my years working with residential ducted systems, Carrier has consistently delivered a balance of innovation, comfort, and durability. The Infinity® series is their flagship line, offering top-tier performance with advanced control systems, variable-speed technology, and strong energy efficiency.
For this review, I’m focusing on three standout products that represent Carrier’s engineering strengths in each major residential ducted category:
- Infinity® 98 Gas Furnace with Greenspeed® Intelligence (59MN7) – Carrier’s most advanced furnace for precise heating.
- Infinity® 26 Air Conditioner (24VNA6) – a flagship AC designed for superior cooling and humidity control.
- Infinity® 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed® Intelligence (25VNA4) – a versatile year-round option for both heating and cooling.
These units are selected not just for their place at the top of the spec sheet, but because they’ve proven themselves in actual homes, backed by both my field experience and consistent customer feedback.
Heil HVAC
Heil may not be the first HVAC brand homeowners think of, but industry insiders know it as part of ICP (International Comfort Products)—the same corporate family that builds Carrier and Bryant systems. This means Heil equipment often shares the same engineering DNA as its premium siblings, but is marketed at a slightly lower price point with fewer flashy brand campaigns.
For this review, I’ll focus on Heil’s flagship Ion™ series: the Ion 98 G97CMN Furnace, the Ion 21 Variable-Speed Air Conditioner, and the Ion Variable-Speed Heat Pump HVH8. Together, these represent Heil’s top technology tier, blending high efficiency, modulating or inverter-driven performance, and smart connectivity. In my experience, Heil appeals to homeowners who want near-premium comfort without paying Carrier Infinity pricing.
