Carrier is a well-known brand that dominates the HVAC industry. It’s recognized for its high-quality air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces of superior construction. Of course, great quality comes at a cost, making Carrier one of the higher-end furnace brands on the market — comparable to other industry-leading brands like Lennox and Trane.
On average, most homeowners pay around $4,500, or between $2,400 and $5,200, for an installed Carrier furnace. These costs will vary based on the type of furnace your specific home needs.
If you’re in the market for a Carrier furnace, here’s what you can expect from the cost. Looking for a new furnace? Check out these top HVAC companies for a quote.
- Carrier furnaces are more expensive than many other brands, but they’re also higher in quality.
- Higher-end Carrier models are more fuel-efficient, saving you money in the long run.
- You’ll likely need a professional HVAC technician to install your new Carrier furnace.
What’s the Typical Cost of a Carrier Furnace?
The cost of your Carrier furnace will vary based on factors specific to your scenario, including the model you choose, your location, and fuel type. We’ll go through some of the most important factors that will influence the price you pay.
Carrier Furnace Cost By Model
The cost of a Carrier furnace depends on the model you choose. Generally, the most efficient units come with the highest price tags, whereas the less efficient units are more affordable.
Carrier breaks its natural gas and oil furnaces into three series:
- Comfort Series: Most budget-friendly with reasonable efficiencies (80-95% AFUE — Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
- Performance Series: Balance between cost and performance, with improved comfort features and better humidity control
- Infinity Series: Top-of-the-line models for performance and efficiency (up to 98.5% AFUE)
Carrier does not manufacture residential electric furnaces.
The chart below outlines the average installed cost of Carrier’s furnaces based on the model.
| Model | Efficiency Rating in AFUE | Installed Cost |
| Infinity 98 Greenspeed Technology Gas Furnace | 98.5% AFUE | $7,400 to $9,500 |
| Infinity 96 Gas Furnace | 96.7% AFUE | $5,000 to $6,000 |
| Infinity 95 Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace | 95% AFUE | $5,500 to $6,500 |
| Infinity 80 Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace | 80% AFUE | $3,500 to $4,800 |
| Infinity 80 Gas Furnace | 80% AFUE | $3,200 to $4,000 |
| Performance 96 Gas Furnace (model 59TP6) | 96.5% AFUE | $4,000 to $5,300 |
| Performance 96 Gas Furnace (model 59SP6) | 96.5% AFUE | $4,100 to $5,500 |
| Performance 80 Gas Furnace (model 58SP) | 80% AFUE | $2,400 to $3,200 |
| Performance 80 Gas Furnace (model 58TP) | 80% AFUE | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| Comfort 95 Gas Furnace | 95% AFUE | $4,100 to $5,000 |
| Comfort 95 Ultra- Low NOx Gas Furnace | 95% AFUE | $4,400 to $5,400 |
| Comfort 92 Gas Furnace | 92.1% AFUE | $4,000 to $4,900 |
| Comfort 80 Gas Furnace (model 58SB) | 80% AFUE | $3,600 to $4,900 |
| Comfort™ 80 Gas Furnace (model 58SC) | 80% AFUE | $3,600 to $4,900 |
| Comfort 80 Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace | 80% AFUE | $3,900 to $5,200 |
| Performance 80 Oil Furnace (model OVL) | 87.5% AFUE | $3,200 to $4,400 |
| Performance 80 Oil Furnace (model OVM) | 86.4% AFUE | $3,000 to $4,200 |
| Comfort 80 Oil Furnace (model OBL) | 87.5% AFUE | $3,000 to $4,300 |
| Comfort 80 Oil Furnace (model OBM) | 86.4% AFUE | $2,800 to $4,100 |
How Much Do Carrier Furnaces Cost vs. Competitors?
| Brand | Carrier | Trane | Lennox |
| Premium Unit Cost | $7,400 to $9,500 | $4,000 to $6,500 | $5,800 to $7,000 |
| Low-End Unit Cost | $2,400 to $3,200 | $2,000 to $3,500 | $3,300 to $4,000 |
| Top Efficiency Rating | 98.5% AFUE | 97% AFUE | 99% AFUE |
| Energy Star Units Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which Factors Impact Carrier Furnace Costs?
Carrier furnace prices aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of deal. Instead, your furnace installation cost will vary significantly based on several factors, such as the furnace’s AFUE rating, installation complexity, and fuel type.
Efficiency Rating
As you weigh your options, it’s important to consider the efficiency rating you expect from your furnace. The higher the energy efficiency rating, the more costly the unit.
Although the U.S. Department of Energy requires all furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2015, to have an efficiency rating of 78% AFUE or higher, most modern furnaces surpass these requirements. Many new furnaces today provide impressive ratings of 90% AFUE or higher, although numerous low-cost models have AFUE ratings of around 80%.
Some models from other brands have a high efficiency of 99% AFUE, but Carrier’s lineup caps out at 98.5% AFUE. If you opt for a less efficient unit, like the Carrier Performance 80, you can expect to pay between $2,400 to $3,200 for the furnace and installation. Conversely, if you opt for Carrier’s most efficient unit, the Infinity 98 with Greenspeed Intelligence Technology, you can expect to pay between $7,400 to $9,500 for the unit and installation.
Installation and Labor
When considering the cost of your new Carrier furnace, it’s important to factor in the price of installation and labor, as these are two major contributing factors. The more complicated the installation, the more labor hours you’ll pay, translating to a higher overall cost.
Simpler installations, like those involving just a quick switch-out to replace an old furnace, generally cost less than the more complex installations. For example, if you need to replace the ductwork in your home, you can expect to pay considerably more for the installation than you would if the ductwork was in good condition.
On average, most homeowners spend between $2,200 and $5,600 in HVAC installation and labor costs.
Location and Climate
Your local climate and location are essential factors to consider as you sift through your furnace options. Certain areas require more efficient furnaces, as more-extreme cold demands efficient heating capabilities. Since your location affects the minimum efficiency you should choose, it’ll also impact the price, as more efficient units are pricier than less efficient options.
Generally, residents of the northern United States, particularly states that experience severe winters, need furnaces with higher efficiency ratings. If you live in these areas, you should usually opt for a furnace with a 90% AFUE or higher.
Conversely, if you live in the southern U.S., where winters aren’t nearly as severe, you can get away with a less-efficient furnace. For these areas, 80% AFUE or higher is sufficient.
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Maintenance and Repair
Routine maintenance is essential to prolonging the lifespan of your furnace, as it can help catch problems before they require costly repairs. While repairs are practically inevitable at some point, especially as the unit begins to reach the end of its lifespan, maintenance can help keep them at bay.
Unit Size
The size of your furnace will also play a role in determining the final cost of your Carrier furnace. The smaller the furnace, the cheaper it is, and vice versa.
The furnace size you need hinges on the size of your home – the larger the house, the larger the unit needs to be. Generally, you need approximately 30 BTUs (British thermal units) of heating output for each square foot of living space.
So if your home has 1,000 square feet of living space, you’ll need a furnace with 30,000 BTUs of heating output. However, this basic formula doesn’t account for factors that can affect your home’s heating needs. For example, if you have drafty windows or poor insulation, you’ll likely need a larger furnace to compensate for these circumstances.
Choosing the correct size furnace for your home is essential, as an improperly sized unit can cause problems. If the unit is too large for your home, it can lead to inconsistent temperatures, drastic temperature fluctuations, and constant on/off cycles that wear the system down. Conversely, if the unit is too small, it will need to work overtime to keep your home at the setting on the thermostat, potentially leading to premature failure.
Choosing a correctly-sized system is crucial to avoiding these issues. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that HVAC contractors use the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J to calculate the proper size of furnace for homes. This calculation accounts for factors that can affect the correct system size for your home, so it’s ideal for the application.
Fuel Type
Carrier sells gas and oil furnaces, each at different costs. In general, gas furnaces tend to cost around 10% to 25% more up front than their oil-fueled counterparts.
However, oil furnaces usually cost more to run over time, as oil prices frequently fluctuate. On top of that, oil furnaces tend to require more maintenance and upkeep, leading to higher costs over time.
Of course, fuel prices can vary drastically based on location, so one system might be more costly to run than another. You might also not have access to oil or gas lines, making one system an infeasible choice for your home. Ultimately, you should choose what works best for your home, but it doesn’t hurt to consider the fuel type and costs over the long run if you can pick between the two.
Warranty
Not all Carrier models have the same warranty terms. All three of its series have a 10-year warranty on parts. But only the Infinity and Performance series have a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger. The Carrier Comfort series has a 20-year heat exchanger warranty.
To reiterate, the Infinity series offers the best performance, efficiency, and features while having the highest cost. The Performance series is a mix of affordability, features, and moderate-to-good efficiencies. Lastly, furnace models in the Comfort series are the least efficient and most affordable.
How To Save on Carrier Furnace Costs
Carrier furnaces are far from the cheapest, most budget-friendly options on the market. The solid construction and excellent quality come at a cost. To help mitigate the cost of your Carrier furnace, use these savings tips:
- Routine maintenance: It’s essential to stay on top of routine/preventative maintenance and upkeep to ensure your furnace continues to run smoothly. Routine service visits can address issues before they require major repairs, which can potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars down the line, and extend the life of your furnace.
- Upgrades: If you’re replacing an old, less-efficient furnace with a new, highly efficient model, you can enjoy the benefits of energy savings. Of course, this won’t cut costs up front, but you’ll likely notice a nice change in your gas or oil bill, especially throughout the months with more extreme temperatures.
- Financial incentives: Some HVAC dealers and brands offer rebates to encourage sales, so pay attention to potential savings opportunities. Of course, availability varies based on the dealer or brand, but it doesn’t hurt to check. In addition, talk to your accountant about available tax credits for upgrading to a more efficient unit.
- Shop around: Once you decide to purchase a Carrier furnace, it can pay to shop around. Get a few quotes from local HVAC contractors, as this will allow you to compare your options and find the best possible price.
If you’re looking to learn about Carrier’s AC unit pricing, read our other detailed guide to Carrier air conditioner costs.
So, Are Carrier Furnaces Worth the Cost?
Carrier furnaces can be a good choice, whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing an old, worn-out unit. Like their similar counterparts, Bryant furnaces, they’re not the cheapest option on the market, but that’s a reflection of their quality and durable construction. On average, most homeowners pay $4,500 or between $2,400 and $5,700 for the furnace and installation.
Of course, costs will vary based on factors specific to you, so you might pay more or less for your unit. We recommend shopping around to ensure you get the best possible price, so don’t hesitate to get quotes from a few local contractors.
FAQs About Carrier Furnace Costs
Is Carrier a good brand of furnace?
Carrier is a well-known brand that often ranks among the best in the industry, usually holding a place among the top three. The company has an excellent reputation and is known to design high-quality HVAC systems, including furnaces. While its furnaces are pricier than some options on the market, many Carrier customers are satisfied with their purchases.
What is the average lifespan of a Carrier furnace?
On average, a Carrier furnace lasts over 20 years with proper maintenance. Components may fail prematurely without routine maintenance and upkeep, leading to the need for an early furnace replacement. So, it’s essential to stay on top of routine maintenance and care, ensuring you schedule to have the system serviced at least once per year.
When is the best time to replace a Carrier furnace?
Generally, it’s best to replace your carrier furnace in the off-season. Between early spring and the end of summer or early fall are excellent times to shop around for a new furnace. You might find discounts at these times of the year, depending on the dealer and model.
Read out detailed guide on the best time to replace your furnace.
How much does a Carrier furnace cost to maintain every year?
Most homeowners pay between $300 and $1,200 to service their furnaces each year, although some may pay more or less depending on factors specific to their situations. If your Carrier furnace requires repairs, the repair cost fluctuates depending on the parts and labor necessary to complete it. Remember, Carrier has a ten-year parts warranty, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
