If you’re looking for an air conditioner, you have many options. Should you narrow your search and come down to just options (American Standard and Carrier), you’ve come to the right place. We put the two brands side by side to help you decide. Is American Standard better than Carrier or not? The answer isn’t easy as both brands provide customers with many high-quality appliances for various houses. If your money is tight, American Standard might be a better fit. However, if you’re ready to splurge and willing to pay whatever the price for an impressive energy efficiency rating, you should look at Carrier models.
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Who is American Standard? Who is Carrier?
Initially, American Standard was the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, founded in the late 1800s. In 1967, the bathroom fixtures producer merged with the American Radiator Company and became the American Standard.
The company provides clients with a fantastic lineup of air conditioning products. All the three series (Platinum, Gold, and Silver) impress with reliability and efficiency, all packed up with affordable prices.
People in the industry know Carrier as the first company that developed the modern air conditioning systems we see everywhere today. In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the first machine that used fans, chilled coils, and ducts to offer and sustain constant humidity. Today, Carrier has three product lines for air conditioning systems: The Infinity, Performance, and Comfort series. The Infinity series represents a top-of-the-line product, yet all systems convince customers with energy efficiency and quality.
American Standard vs. Carrier—the comparison at a glance
Before going into details, let’s compare the two brands from a distance. American Standard offers a wide selection of central air conditioners. Two-stage units, variable speed, and Energy Star qualifications are the most representative aspects to consider when buying.
American Standard’s AccuLink range features a communicating control board, so all components in the HVAC system communicate—it’s a fantastic feature that takes thermostats to a whole new level. The most efficient air conditioner from American Standard has a 22 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER rating, the higher the air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Variable cooling stages is another quality to mention for American Standard’s most representative model.
Air conditioners from American Standard are popular for reliability and advanced technology. The units ensure consistent comfort and have 10 to 12-year warranties. However, the units need improvement on the noise level.
Carrier is well known for developing residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The highest SEER rating for Carrier air conditioners is an impressive 26. However, the company makes excellent units of 20 and 21 SEER rating and energy-efficient ration up to 16.5.
One of the most representative features of Carrier air conditioners is Greenspeed Intelligence—a feature for the top-of-the-range AC units. The feature is essential for energy efficiency and comfort. Carrier AC units are ultra-quiet and Energy Start certified. Loaded with great features, Carrier AC units have limited parts warranties and high prices for the top models.
American Standard vs. Carrier AC units—the face to face comparison
Let’s get into details when comparing the AC units from the two prestigious manufacturers.
SEER rating
The most energy-efficient air conditioner has a 22 SEER rating with American Standard, with the quietest unit rating up to 18. When we look at the overall value, the most representative model has a 16 SEER rating, while it compensates for comfort.
On the other hand, Carrier’s Infinity Series impresses a 26 SEER rating, so it’s easy to see which one is better. However, the Performance and Comfort Series have 17, respectively, 16 SEER ratings—it’s the same as American Standard.
Central Controller
American Standard’s AccuLink Platinum 1050 Control System is made with complex technology. The control system is available for high-end products and you can use it to manage temperature, zoning, humidity, and scheduled cooling. You can also download the software application Nexia and gain remote access from your smartphone. You will be able to adjust the modes from miles away.
On Carrier’s Infinity series, we notice the Infinity System Control with a user-friendly interface. The all-in-one controller allows you to adjust the temperature, airflow, humidity, indoor air quality, and zoning system. Moreover, you can connect the controller to the Wi-Fi to gain remote control from a smartphone or tablet.
Cooling Technology
Accucomfort variable-speed system is what American Standard Air conditioners use to improve efficiency without compromising comfort. Most American Standard units have the technology to operate continually, whereas the competitors rely on the on and off cycling process.
With Carrier, the air conditioners use a GreenSpeed Intelligence system that matches the variable-speed compressor. It’s a one-of-a-kind system that adjusts to the home’s needs with a quiet and energy-efficient operation. The system does it and provides the needed amount of cooling as well.
Humidity Control
Accucomfort technology from American Standard is highly efficient in maintaining adequate humidity in your home accurately and effectively. The technology cuts down the spending and ensures long-lasting comfort.
Carrier’s Infinity units are made to eliminate up to 400% of excess humidity. Thanks to Infinity System Control, you will be able to control and obtain impressive comfort year-round.
Durability & Customer Service
Rate of use, environmental elements, and frequency of upkeep are some of the many factors that impact the durability of air conditioners. Even if nobody can say how long your air conditioner will work, you can still estimate its life expectancy while considering the factors above.
When we look at the repair and aftersale service, the brands sit side by side, as the reviews from customers are mixed for both. Some customers state that Carrier will use even the most minor detail to reject a warranty claim. The customers also note that their American Standard units break every year. Moreover, customer service isn’t able to take accountability.
We can honestly say that you cannot make a decision based on rare and singular reviews. We recommend you contact your local dealer for each of the companies. Stick those with excellent customer service and a reliable maintenance policy.
Coil Materials
Coils from American Standard are made with refrigeration-grade copper tubes and or aluminum. We should highlight that all-aluminum coils have better corrosion resistance and more extended durability than models made with other materials. The best air conditioners from American Standard come with 100% aluminum coils.
The evaporator coil from Carrier depends on the unit type and AC model. Some coils are made with copper tubing connected to aluminum fins; newer models come with aluminum coils. We recommend you check out the coil material on your air conditioner as coils are crucial for its performance. They transfer heat to improve comfort.
Sound Performance
Any air conditioner between 50 and 60 dB range is one to buy. the noise level is similar to a regular conversation at home.
Air conditioners from American Standard and Carriers rank within this range, so you cannot use operation noise as a criterion when choosing.
Installation
Regardless of your decision, always select a certified contractor. Installation is crucial for an air conditioner’s performance, durability, problems, and repairs. An inexperienced installer can ruin even the most impressive air conditioner, regardless of the brand.
Look for Customer Care Dealers with certification from American Standard to sell and install air conditioning systems. Carrier follows the same policy, so don’t cut down when choosing the dealer.
Price & Warranty
Both American Standard and Carrier air conditioning units are considered expensive and installation spending doesn’t come cheap either. Don’t go shopping for either brand if your wallet is relatively thin. Luckily, American Stands units are more affordable than Carrier. You will pay for a 5-ton American Standard conditioning unit for around $7,000, whereas you will take $10,000 out of your wallet for a similar Carrier unit.
As for warranty, both brands provide customers with a 10-year warranty that covers limited parts, factory defects, and labor. Most air conditioner manufacturers don’t offer a warranty on labor. It makes perfect sense, though, as it’s not the manufacturer installing the AC but the supplier.
The warranties from Carrier resemble those from American Standard, but it depends a lot on the model you buy. American standard’s limited warranty can go up to 12 years, whereas Carrier ACs offer a warranty for parts for ten years.
Which one is better?
Let’s sum it all up and help you make a decision:
Buy an American Standard if:
- You value energy efficiency and want your AC to have at least 16 SEER rating and two cooling stages
- You want the most durable air conditioner
- You want an excellent ac that allows you to make accurate adjustments to cool the environment
Buy a Carrier if:
- You look for the highest SEER rating for cooling comfort
- You want an air conditioner that runs quietly
- You want an affordable aircon with a 16 SEER rating and 13 EER.
See also:
American Standard vs. York Furnace
American Standard vs. Payne
American Standard vs. Trane
American Standard vs. Rheem
