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Revised:
September 16th, 2022
Are you looking for an energy-efficient furnace that runs intelligently, is designed with quiet performance, and comes from a high-quality brand? Then the Carrier Infinity 96 Gas Furnace might be for you.
The Carrier 59TN6 comes from Carrier’s Infinity line, their highest-end line focusing on comfort, high-quality performance, and materials.
Here are some of the specific features of the Carrier 59TN6:
- Infinity R System; compatible with a single-- and multiple--zone Infinity systems
- Quiet Operation
- 35 Inch cabinet is ideal for maintenance and short enough for taller coils
- Infinity features that match the system benefits of Carrier’s infinity line
- Adjustable blower motor
- External Media filter
- Electronic Air Cleaner and Humidifier connections
- Installation flexibility for sidewall or vertical installation
- Propane convertible
- Self--diagnostics and extended diagnostic data through the Advanced Product Monitor ( APM) accessory or Infinity User Interface
- Adjustable blower speed
- Two-stage gas valve and variable speed blower motor
- For additional specifics, check out those in the manual
Efficiency and Adaptability with the Carrier Infinity Comfort 96
The Infinity Comfort 96 has an AFUE of just over 96%. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, a way of measuring efficiency.
In practice, this means that up to 96% of the energy the furnace uses goes directly to heating your home. Stated differently, 96 cents of every dollar you spend to heat your home is being put to good use.
I hear you thinking, what a minute, why isn’t it 100%? Or you might be asking how efficient your current system is.
On the first question, no gas system is 100% efficient, but the best ones can come very close. The energy lost could be from several factors, but there’s always going to be a bit of heat loss that ends up expelled through the flue on your chimney.
To the second question, older furnace systems eventually become less efficient, so you often lose quite a bit of energy compared to a more modern system.
And sometimes, that’s the best scenario. Older systems can suffer inefficiencies from lack of upkeep, corroded parts, improper or leaking ductwork, poor filtration, or other problems that are remedied with a properly installed, modern system. The actual efficiency of your system could be as low as 60-70%.
What is the Difference Between Gas and Electric Heating?
A gas furnace is a combustion appliance. You have a gas line (with a gas valve), an igniter, and different systems for capturing, separating, and spreading heat through your home.
Of particular interest is the heat exchanger in a gas furnace. This is one of the core components that allow the unit to extract heat for safe use in your home. Some high-efficiency gas furnaces even have two heat exchangers, which allows them to extract more heat with less byproduct.
Regardless of how many heat exchangers you have, the byproducts of combustion (see also: carbon monoxide) have to be carefully managed. In a traditional furnace, this will be vented out of a chimney flue. In a high-efficiency gas furnace, the exhaust will need to travel out of plastic PVC pipe.
An electric furnace actually consists of an air handler that has heating coils added to it (sometimes called a heat package). Often, an electric furnace will act only as auxiliary heat, with additional heating power coming from the electric heat pump.
Electric furnaces work a bit like a toaster. The heated coils act in much the same way, even glowing a dull red when they’re very hot. If there was an airstream flowing through your toaster, pushing the warm air into your home, you’d have a miniature electric furnace.
The differences end there, though, because numerous moving parts and safety switches are still installed that monitor and control the unit’s operation.
Both electric and gas units have pressure gauges, airflow gauges (to prevent overheating if the blower fan stops working), and safety valves that will switch the unit off if it’s not functioning properly. Because of the extra steps required to convert gas to heat, there are more steps in the gas process, but in practice, both will provide heat for your home.
Gas or Electric: Which is Better?
Now that we’ve explained the difference between gas and electric heating, you’re probably wondering if a gas furnace, such as the Infinity 96, can be paired with a heat pump. Generally, heat pumps are best suited to pair with electric furnaces, but this rule can occasionally be broken.
Some homes don’t have a natural gas line and use propane or oil furnaces. These tend to be more expensive due to the cost of the fuel. In those instances, a heat pump can heat for portions of the colder months and supplement a home’s heating with less-expensive electrical heating.
The heat pump can heat more efficiently and still provide heat at lower temperatures than other options, so the comparatively lower cost of electric heat can be a great supplement to a propane or oil furnace. Here in Central Ohio, gas furnaces plus air conditioners are most common, though, and tend to produce the cheapest utilities.
Get the 59TN6 for $7,003- $7806 with Fire and Ice
At Fire and Ice, we sell the Carrier Infinity Comfort 96 from $5,500 to about $6,700 with installation. These prices vary depending on factors such as supply chains and additional equipment. Please ask your sales representative for further information about pricing and options.
*This price is subject to change; contact your trusted Rheem comfort specialist to verify pricing*
Sound Insulation: No More Loud Kicking on and Off
This gas-powered furnace also offers sound insulation, but what does that mean?
This means you will not hear any operational noises from when the furnace kicks on or off, and your floor won’t rumble when it starts. The technology included in Carrier’s Infinity line means you can have peace of mind and continue your day without hearing your furnace kick on or off. You might not even know when it is running, which is exactly what you want for seamless home comfort.
Two Stage Furnace vs. a Single Stage: What’s the Difference?
The classic furnace unit has two settings: ON or OFF. This is a single-stage furnace because it has only one heat setting. Two-stage furnaces will have a second setting that’s usually 60 or 70% of the maximum heating output (measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units).
Why does this matter? After all, will one additional setting really make a ton of difference? As it turns out, yes.
The first is that it reduces the number of times your furnace has to start and stop. This action creates wear and tear on various parts. Over many years, this can add up and can result in needing repairs or having a noisier furnace.
Second, do you always need 100% heating capacity? For most of us, the answer is no. For example, a typical autumn evening here in Ohio could dip to 40 degrees, and you might want to heat your home. However, the heat needed to stay comfortable will be much less than during a 10-degree February cold snap.
These are the perfect times for that lower stage. The other upside is that fewer BTUs means less money spent on your monthly heating costs.
Another important feature of these furnaces is internal humidity control.
Humidity Control: Why is it Needed in a Furnace?
Humidity control is significant to keep your home comfortable. This furnace provides built-in humidity control, so you can set the temperature and forget about having to adjust to a humidity level you are comfortable with. The system will automatically adjust.
Next Steps to Secure a Comfortable Home
At Fire & Ice, we understand the difficulty of selecting a furnace that meets your needs and works for your home, lifestyle, and budget. That’s why we are here to answer any questions you might have about upgrading your HVAC system.
If you live in the Columbus, Ohio, area and are looking to take the next step, please check to see if we are in your service area by using the zip code map below.
