Whether you’re planning to invest in a brand-new air conditioner unit or considering replacing your existing one at home, choosing the right air conditioner is vital as it helps reward you with enhanced comfort and reduced energy bills while improving your HVAC system at home.
Choosing among a broad range of air conditioner brands can be overwhelming. So we’ve narrowed it down to two brands—YORK® and Carrier to help you decide. Both YORK® and Carrier are high-performing and energy-efficient air conditioner brands that enhance your house’s energy efficiency while maintaining your comfortable quality of life.
So, which air conditioner brand should you choose for your home? This comprehensive guide will cover all the relevant information you need, including energy efficiency, sound performance, communication ability, ranger of products, cost, and warranty coverages.
YORK® International Corp. was founded in 1874 in York, Pennsylvania, with its first industrial air conditioning and refrigeration association started in 1903. The company became a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International, its parent company, an industrial business company that manufacturers HVAC systems, building management systems, and services.
Read our in-depth review of York air conditioners.
Today, YORK® is a global manufacturer of heating and cooling systems, air-conditioning, thermostats, and refrigeration products for residential and commercial applications. It includes products such as air conditioners, air handlers, air cleaners, evaporator coils, furnaces, heat pumps, mini-split systems, humidifiers, ventilators, and packaged units.
- High Energy Efficiency
- Quiet Performance
- Reliable Support
- Low-cost
Carrier was founded by Willis Carrier, who developed the first modern air conditioning system in 1902. He officially began the company’s operation in 1915 in Newark, New Jersey. However, Carrier merged with Affiliated Gas Equipment, Inc. in 1955 and became a United Technologies Corporation (UTC) subsidiary in 1979. In 2022, Carrier became an independent company 41 years later.
Today, Carrier is a leading manufacturer and provider of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, refrigeration solutions, energy services, and building controls for commercial and residential applications. The company offers top-quality heating and cooling products, including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, ductless systems, traditional thermostats, smart thermostats, humidifiers, air monitors, air purifiers, and many more.
Carrier provides high-performing and energy-efficient air conditioner units categorized into three product lines: Infinity® system, Performance™ Series, and Comfort™ Series.
- Great Energy Efficiency Ratings
- Durable
- Quiet Performance
- Competitive Prices
- Product Variation
For more information, read our full review of Carrier air conditioners.
YORK® vs Carrier: Energy Efficiency Comparison
Both YORK® and Carrier offer highly energy-efficient air conditioners with excellent SEER ratings, making their air conditioning units great for providing comfort inside the home. In addition, both AC brands are ENERGY STAR® certified, which means the two have met the standard requirements regarding energy-efficient practices and products.
The highest SEER rating from the YORK® airconditioners unit is 21 SEER cooling, while the lowest rating is 15 SEER.
On the other hand, Carrier air conditioners offer the highest SEER rating, 26 SEER, and its lowest rating, which is 13 SEER (standard).
Carrier air conditioners offer much more energy-efficient units, with a high 26 SEER rating. As a result, they’re excellent for helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment while saving money.
YORK® vs Carrier: Sound Performance Comparison
Both YORK® and Carrier air conditioners operate quietly with efficient performance and operation. Both also offer sound level ratings (decibels) depending on the specific AC unit. In addition, both AC unit brands use technology and systems that enhance the noise-reducing abilities of their air conditioners.
YORK® air conditioners provide a sound level in decibels, ranging from 53 decibels (lowest) to 74 decibels (highest). They also feature a two-stage compressor and a direct-drive fan design that reduces the sound levels by minimizing the vibration. Moreover, YORK® air conditioners use Innovative QuietDrive sound reduction technology that reduces sound levels and a QuietDrive system with swept swing fan blade and insulated compressor compartment that silences vibrations.
Likewise, Carrier air conditioners provide an exceptionally quiet performance. They provide the lowest sound level rating, as low as 51 decibels, with the highest sound rating being 76 decibels. This makes their specific AC unit quieter than most standard systems. In addition,
Carrier also uses Silencer System II™ Design, a sound-reducing system that minimizes the noise levels by minimizing the vibrations when the fans run at full capacity. Some also have a compressor sound blanket that enhances the quiet performance of the unit. This system also maximizes the airflow for smoother airflow with less resistance, improving the unit’s quiet performance.
Overall, Carrier offers a much quieter and more efficient operation as its compared to YORK®
YORK® vs Carrier: Communication Ability Comparison
Both YORK® and Carrier have great smart controls and communication ability that allow access control over air conditioners. Both can also be paired with a thermostat to control their AC units remotely.
YORK® air conditioners can be paired with a thermostat to improve the control of your air conditioning system and enhance comfort. In addition, its communication system can check the system’s status remotely using the selected App.
Likewise, Carrier can also be paired with a thermostat for enhanced comfort and better control of the air conditioning unit. In addition, it uses an Infinity® System Control feature that allows changes to the AC unit’s specifications with a tap and remote access through a mobile device. Moreover, Carrier features a distinct innovative feature called Greenspeed Intelligence that helps manage the AC unit’s speed ranges for more efficient performance and enhanced comfort.
Overall, Carrier is better regarding communication technology, as it uses more innovative features and technology.
YORK® vs Carrier: Range of Products Comparison
YORK® offers top-quality and energy-efficient split system air conditioners, which are available in eight product models. These are YFK 17 SEER Two Stage Air Conditioner, YC2E 14.3 SEER2 Single Stage Air Conditioner, TCHD 13 SEER Single Stage Air Conditioner, TCHE 14 SEER Single Stage Air Conditioner, YCD 13 SEER Single Stage Air Conditioner, YCG 17 SEER Single Stage Air Conditioner, YXT 19 SEER Two Stage Air Conditioner, and YXV 21 SEER Variable Capacity Air Conditioner.
The air conditioner units of YORK® vary depending on the energy efficiency range, sound levels, price range, and tonnage range. The available tonnage ranges include 1.5 to 5 tons.
On the other hand, Carrier offers high-end central air conditioner units, which are categorized into three series: Infinity® system, Performance™ series, and Comfort™ series.
The Infinity® system series is the premium product series of Carrier, offering the most advanced and highest energy efficiency. It has two available models: Infinity® 19VS Central Air Conditioner and Infinity® 26 Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence.
The Performance™ series is the enhanced AC product series, offering much more budget-friendly units without sacrificing quality. It has four available models: Performance™ 14 Compact Central Air Conditioner, Performance™ 16 Central Air Conditioner (24ACC6), Performance™ 16 Central Air Conditioner (24APB6), and Performance™ 17 Central Air Conditioner (24ACB7).
Lastly is the Comfort™ series, the moderate or standard AC series, providing good energy efficiency, performance, and comfort to your home. It has two available models: Comfort™ 13 Central Air Conditioner and Comfort™ 16 Central Air Conditioner.
Overall, Carrier provides a broader selection of AC product ranges, as it has standard to premium categories for its AC units. They also offer much more varied specifications and features, providing greater product flexibility that suits the customers’ preferences and needs.
YORK® vs Carrier: Cost Comparison
The total cost of YORK® air conditioners will vary depending on the energy efficiency ratings, tonnage rating, and unit options.
Generally, YORK® air conditioners cost around $3,000 to $5,500, including the products and installation fees. The cost for the AC unit alone may range from $1,090 to $2,779, and the installation cost may range from $2,215 to $4,300.
On the other hand, Cost of carrier AC units includes three cost options: premium, mid-range, and standard costs.
The Infinity® system series (the premium product line) typically costs around $2,500 to $4200 for the unit alone, with a total installation cost ranging from $5,400 to $8400.
The Performance™ series (mid-range product line) costs around $2000 to $2,500 for the unit alone, with a total installation cost ranging from $5,200 to $5,500.
Lastly, the Comfort™ series (standard product line) typically costs around $1,575 to $1,900 for the unit alone, with a total installation cost ranging from $4,800 to $5,100.
Overall, Carrier air conditioners are better in terms of providing a broader selection of cost options than YORK®. However, YORK® offers much more affordable and budget-friendly AC units.
Read also: Tempstar vs Carrier Comparison
YORK® vs Carrier: Warranty Comparison
Both YORK® and Carrier offer great warranty coverage for their air conditioner products, and customers may receive the full warranty benefits upon registration.
YORK® offers two main warranty coverages: 10-year Parts Limited Warranty and 5-year Parts Limited Warranty. They also provide a one-year limited labor warranty with all of their equipment. Moreover, they offer repairs backed and handled by the company and extended warranty coverages for qualified AC units. Their YORKCare™ Protection Plan provides total system protection with no limitations and deductions for up to 10 years.
On the other hand, Carrier only offers one warranty for all their product lines: Infinity, Performance, and Comfort series air conditioners. Upon registration, customers are entitled to a 10-year parts limited warranty and a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty.
Overall, YORK® is better in terms of warranty coverage, as they offer a wider range of options and extended warranties.
YORK® vs Carrier: Final Showdown
Both YORK® and Carrier use comfort features that help adjust the airflow and capacity of their AC units to match the needs of the house. They also help maintain consistent temperature control for maximum comfort.
But if you prefer high-performing and energy-efficient air conditioner units with a much quieter and more efficient operation, then Carrier is the perfect air conditioner brand for you. They also offer a broader selection of AC products and innovative features, providing you with product flexibility for your preferences and needs. Lastly, they offer better communication technology, enhancing comfort while saving money.
If you prefer equally high-quality and energy-efficient air conditioners at a much more affordable and budget-friendly price, then YORK® suits you best. You will like YORK® better if you want a more comprehensive range of warranty coverage with extended warranties.
