Heil
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Price Snapshot: Value-to-mid positioning; often a cost-efficient path to modern features.
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Product Focus: Balanced Furnace / AC / Heat Pump portfolio with communicating options on upper lines.
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Best For: Buyers seeking a feature-rich yet affordable setup, especially for whole-home replacements.
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What Stands Out: Ion communicating controls on select series for smoother temps and better diagnostics.
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Before You Buy: Communicating features shine with trained installers; match series to climate (consider cold-climate HP where needed).
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Warranty/Dealer: Solid parts warranties within a large corporate family; ask about transferability and any labor plan.
Carrier
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Price Snapshot: Mid-to-premium; usually pricier than value brands, below ultra-luxury tiers.
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Product Focus: Full lineup across Furnace, Central AC, and Air-Source Heat Pump (strong inverter options).
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Best For: Buyers who want very even temperatures and low noise with brand-name dealer support.
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What Stands Out: Polished smart thermostat ecosystem that works tightly with variable-speed systems.
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Before You Buy: Match the series to climate (consider cold-climate heat pump models where winters are harsh).
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Warranty/Dealer: Broad U.S. dealer network; parts coverage is solid; confirm labor options with your installer.
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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.
