Carrier Performance Heat Pumps Review
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The Carrier Performance line of heat pumps is the perfect mix of quality and affordable heating and cooling. With summer just around the corner, it’s never too soon to start thinking about how to stay comfortable all season long. Then in the fall when it gets cooler again, your heat pump switches over to heating and keeps you warm and cozy the rest of the year.
Carrier Performance heat pumps are designed to give you a quality unit while also being wallet friendly. Many models feature a weather-resistant case and two models are also perfect for installation in areas with the limited space thanks to their narrow vertical profile and ability to be placed just six inches away from the building.
The Performance line of heat pumps has a ten year manufacturer’s warranty that is available for the main homeowner, so long as you register the unit within the first 90 days of ownership. On many models, you can also buy an additional limited labor warranty.
Unique features of Carrier Performance heat pumps
Quiet operation
Many models in the Performance line are quiet during regular operation. They have a noise level range of 68-70 decibels, keeping you from feeling like you live next to an airport. A sound blanket is available on most models, and the compact models also feature a muffler for the compressor for extra noise dampening ability.
Cabinet construction
Carrier utilizes a galvanized steel and baked paint process for weatherization called Weather Armor on the standard sized models. The compact models in the Performance line don’t feature this exact weatherization process, but they are still designed for years of durable use.
Environmentally friendly
photo: CarrierCarrier Performance heat pumps typically have a single stage compressor, but one, the Performance 16, features a two-stage compressor which lets it be energy efficient and quieter than the other models.
One great technological advance is the Freon alternative Puron, available in all Performance models. Puron was developed to help protect the fragile ozone layer by not putting out off-gasses that deplete it.
Upper end models in the Performance line can deliver up to 17 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), meaning they are more efficient than other models with a lower rating.
Models in the Performance line
Performance 16
This model delivers up to 17.5 SEER and 9.5 HSPF, a heating ratio where being greater than 8 is an indication of a more efficient model. The sound output is one of the higher ones in this model range, but it is still as low as 70 decibels. This heat pump is also the only one in the Performance range to offer you a two-stage compressor system that turns on only what is needed when it is needed, kicking into a higher stage when demand requires it.
A filter helps dry the air and provide great dehumidification as well as cleaner air. Match your Performance 16 with a special thermostat to amplify the dehumidification process.
The Performance 16 also offers Energy Star certified models no matter what size you pick.
Performance 15
Delivering as much as 16 SEER and 9 HSPF, this model is another good pick for an efficient heat pump. Running quieter than the 16 at 68 decibels, it too offers Energy Star rated models in all sizes. A filter system dries the air and removes pollutants as well.
Performance 14 Compact
For those times when space is at a premium, this model is an ideal pick for a heat pump, and it doesn’t make you compromise efficiency to fit, either. It stands vertically unlike a typical heat pump and it can actually be positioned as little as six inches away from a wall.
At 14 SEER it still offers good cooling efficiency, and with an output as little as 69 decibels, it runs quieter than some of its larger cousins.
Performance 13
This model delivers a great price and solid performance. You get 13 SEER in the summer and 7.7 HSPF heating with decent sound baffling and 70 decibels. Though not as efficient as the Performance 16, it is more affordable, so you don’t have to compromise.
Performance 13 Compact
When you need to have a reliable, budget-friendly, and small heat pump installed, this is the one in the Performance line that shines. Its narrow profile fits into small spaces nicely and it can sit just six inches away from a wall, plus it can be connected to a ductless system for room by room comfort.
If you need to, you can even install this model in places with limited space. It is perfect for townhomes and other buildings with minimal space. The Performance 13 Compact still offers the same 13 SEER in summer and 7.7 HSPF in winter like its full sized version does.
Model comparison
The Carrier Performance line of heat pumps is the perfect match of affordability, durability, and performance, just as the name implies. Each model offers solid features in a unit that will give you years of service.
