
-
Price Snapshot: Mid to premium, depending on series and features.
-
Product Focus: Strong in Air-Source Heat Pumps and inverter tech; also offers furnaces and central AC.
-
Best For: All-electric or efficiency-focused homes that want variable-speed comfort and low noise.
-
What Stands Out: Mature inverter platforms, quiet outdoor units, and broad heat-pump expertise (including cold-climate lines).
-
Before You Buy: Use an installer experienced with inverter commissioning; check refrigerant platform and local code requirements.
-
Warranty/Dealer: Global brand with a growing U.S. network; verify local parts/service access and labor coverage.

-
Price Snapshot: Mid-to-premium; usually pricier than value brands, below ultra-luxury tiers.
-
Product Focus: Full lineup across Furnace, Central AC, and Air-Source Heat Pump (strong inverter options).
-
Best For: Buyers who want very even temperatures and low noise with brand-name dealer support.
-
What Stands Out: Polished smart thermostat ecosystem that works tightly with variable-speed systems.
-
Before You Buy: Match the series to climate (consider cold-climate heat pump models where winters are harsh).
-
Warranty/Dealer: Broad U.S. dealer network; parts coverage is solid; confirm labor options with your installer.
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.
Daikin HVAC
As the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, Daikin brings a global engineering pedigree to the U.S. residential market. Known worldwide for its ductless mini-split systems, Daikin has also invested heavily in its residential ducted lineup, blending the reliability of American furnace traditions with advanced inverter-driven cooling and heating technologies.
For this review, I’m focusing on three flagship models from Daikin’s current catalog: the DM97MC Modulating Gas Furnace, the DX9VC Air Conditioner, and the DZ9VC Heat Pump. Together, they showcase how Daikin applies its international expertise—variable-speed compressors, precise modulation, and advanced comfort controls—to traditional U.S. home HVAC systems.
In my field experience, Daikin systems often appeal to tech-forward homeowners who value cutting-edge efficiency and smart features, but also want dependable heating and cooling that fits seamlessly into ducted homes.