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Revised:
June 13th, 2023
There is much more than what meets the eye when becoming a homeowner. Suppose you had a problem with your A/C in an apartment or townhome. In that case, you’d probably call maintenance; however, when you become a homeowner, you ARE the maintenance. On top of that, if your HVAC professional says you should consider investing in a new air conditioner, it has to come out of your hard-earned cash.
Nevertheless, many people compare buying an HVAC system to buying a car. For example, You would only go to the dealership and purchase a car if you have completed ample research and possibly a test drive; the same goes for your home comfort system.
While you can’t “test drive” an air conditioner, researching what aspects or features you want when investing in a new HVAC system is still in your best interest. Remember, your HVAC system controls your entire home's comfort.
On average, an HVAC system is supposed to last 15 to 20 years (with proper maintenance), so for a home appliance to be such a considerable investment, you want to purchase an AC system that fits your needs as well as your budget.
That said, when picking out a new AC, it's important to know the nitty-gritty details before you make your purchase. In this article, we will cover several aspects of the Carrier Performance 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner (24TPA7), including:
- Common A/C Terminology To Know
- Technical Specifications
- Benefits & Features
- Cost
- What Type of Homeowner Is A Good Fit for the Carrier Performance™ 17 Air Conditioner?
- What Type of Homeowner Is Not a Good Fit for the Carrier Performance™ 17 Air Conditioner?
- What’s Next
Let’s get started!
Common A/C Terminology To Know
Before we get into the specifications of the Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner, it’s important to know a few common industry-specific terms, such as SEER2, EER2, and the difference between a 1-stage and a 2-stage air conditioner.
By knowing what these terms mean, you can make an educated decision when purchasing your next home comfort system.
SEER2
Previously known as just “SEER,” it has gotten a huge upgrade. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and the two represent the 2nd (improved) calculation to determine an air conditioner's energy efficiency.
The new and improved SEER2 calculation uses the AC’s internal pressure to measure its efficiency; as a result, this calculation is up to five times more accurate than the original SEER calculation.
Nevertheless, since this is a new equation, you might see a lower energy efficiency ratio for the same air conditioner unit; however, this does not mean it’s less energy efficient. If you have questions about your AC systems SEER2, feel free to ask one of our HVAC technicians on their next visit!
EER2
Before 2023, this was known as “EER,” which stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, also got an upgrade. This second version of the calculation measures the cooling capacity of a specific air conditioner, in this case, the Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner, through various testing climates, such as:
- An indoor temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit
- An outdoor temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- And a relative humidity of 50 percent
In Central Ohio and other similar climates, the relative humidity is between 80-90 percent. Remember, to get the most accurate EER2, your HVAC professional must divide the total cooling output of an A/C (or heat pump) into British Thermal Units (BTU) by the overall energy usage in watt-hours.
What’s the Difference Between a One-Stage Compressor and a Two-Stage Compressor Type?
The most notable difference between these two types of air conditioners is that a one-stage air conditioner has a compressor that is either 100% on or completely off. In contrast, a two-stage air conditioner has a compressor that can operate efficiently at two distinct speeds, not just “on” or “off.”
Related Content: One-Stage, Two-Stage & Variable-Speed ACs: Differences & Benefits
Technical Specifications of The Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner
Alright, now that we got the technical terms out of the way, we can focus solely on the technical specifications of the Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner, such as
- Price:- $8,400-$11,400
- Enhanced Energy Savings, Comfort Features, and Humidity Control
- Energy Star Certified
- Up to 17 SEER2
- Up to 13.5 EER
- Two-Stage Compressor
- Sound Performance as low as 71 decibels
- Industry Standard Comfort Features
With all these features, it’s no wonder why the Carrier Performance Series provides the perfect balance considering price, comfort, sound performance, and additional summer dehumidification.
*This price is subject to change; please contact your trusted Carrier comfort specialist to verify pricing*
Benefits & Features
Carrier is well-known for its commitment to testing its products at every stage of its production to maximize performance levels, provide quality control, and provide homeowners with technology and innovative features you won't find with any other residential HVAC brand.
This section will cover several benefits and features of the Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner, including its energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, durability, humidity management, and the limited warranty the Carrier Performance™ 17 A/C comes with.
Energy Efficiency
While the Carrier Performance™ 17 doesn't come with greenspeed intelligence, it is still one of the most energy-efficient air conditioning systems you can buy. As previously mentioned, the SEER2 measures your system's Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A good way to think of your SEER number is by comparing your air conditioner SEER to a car's MPG (miles per gallon).
It's important to remember that when it comes to your AC unit's SEER, the higher the number, the more opportunities for potential savings.
Durability
Our outdoor air conditioner units are made to withstand the severe heat and the frigid cold, and the Carrier Performance™ 17 is no different. Its cabinet is made from galvanized steel, with a steel coil guard and a powder paint that is “baked on” to defend against dings, bends, scratches, and other outdoor elements.
As a matter of fact, Carrier is the current front-runner for the toughest reliability testing standards throughout the HVAC industry. Their commitment to indoor air quality and comfort has provided a trusted product line that gives homeowners ultimate comfort, performance, and durable air conditioners for several years to come.
Environmental Sustainability
If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably heard your HVAC technician mention refrigerant. According to Carrier, refrigerant is a chemical compound that transforms a liquid into a gas, then back into a liquid. During this process, it helps transfer heat and humidity out of your home for cooling. However, most of these types of refrigerants are ozone-depleting.
Image Source: https://www.ecolife.zone/
To go against the grain, Carrier wanted to create an environmentally safe refrigerant. Thus, in 1996, they became the first company to offer their own blend of non-ozone-depleting refrigerant called Puron®.
Puron refrigerant is chlorine-free and doesn't destroy our ozone layer, and as the previous refrigerants get phased out of the industry, you can expect Puron refrigerant to become even more popular.
Humidity Management
As we like to say in the HVAC business, “He (or she) who controls humidity controls the comfort of their home.” Believe it or not, humidity is one of the biggest culprits for homeowners' discomfort inside their home.
Many HVAC experts agree that the sweet spot for a residential home's absolute humidity should be between 30-60%. That said, several effects happen when you have too much or too little humidity within your home. Let’s look at some common problems associated with your home's humidity:
Problems Caused by High Humidity:
● Dust Mites: These microscopic, insect-like pests feed on dead skin or dander flakes. If you have dust mites, chances are you have other insects stowed away in your home, like spiders, which feed on the dust mites.
● Mold & Mildew: Since basements are typically dark and humid, it's the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. To combat mold and mildew, you can invest in a whole-home dehumidifier, such as the Aprilaire E1000 Dehumidifier.
● Health: Did you know that mold spores can grow if you have high humidity? Mold spores are tiny reproductive cells in your home's air cycle. If untreated, they can spread throughout your home, causing mold to grow, thus negatively affecting you and your loved one's well-being.
● Hot Upstairs: Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t usually a temperature control issue; it's a humidity problem. As we’ve all heard, heat rises, and since humidity is a type of heat, it can cause the upper floors of your home to become unbearably hot and humid.
● Trouble Sleeping: If you're a homeowner that suffers from night sweats, it could be because of your home's humidity.
It’s important to note that a good air conditioner SHOULD solve most of your humidity problems; however, if you are experiencing any of these humidity problems in your home, it may be due to an undersized/oversized unit or your AC wasn’t installed correctly.
Limited Warranty
Another benefit that comes with the purchase of a new Carrier Performance™ 17 Air Conditioner is a ten-year parts limited warranty. This warranty is an agreement between Carrier and the customer that they will replace failing or recalled parts for the next ten years.
However, to take advantage of this offer, your new Carrier Air Conditioner needs to be registered within the first 90 days after installation. Nevertheless, if you forget to register your new air conditioner within the first 90 days, your ten-year warranty will decrease to a five-year warranty.
That said, it’s important to note that this warranty cannot be transferred from homeowner to homeowner, so before you invest in a new air conditioner, you may want to ensure you’ll be at your house for several years to come.
How Much Does the Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner Cost?
At this point, you’re probably thinking: “All of those benefits and features are nice, but how much does it cost?”
When purchasing an air conditioner, they usually fall into three price ranges:
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Range
- High-End
*The Carrier Performance™ 17 2-Stage Air Conditioner is a mid-range air conditioner ranging from $8,400 to $11,400.*
Nevertheless, the Carrier Performance™ 17 offers homeowners various features and benefits, not to mention the premium energy savings on your monthly utility bill you will see after switching to an ENERGY STAR air conditioner.
*This price is subject to change, and you should contact your trusted Carrier comfort specialist to verify pricing*
What Type of Homeowner Is a Good Fit for the Carrier Performance™ 17 Central Air Conditioner?
This air conditioner is a good fit for homeowners with high humidity, especially in their basement. As mentioned earlier, since heat rises, so does humidity, making upper floors hot and muggy.
If you are a homeowner trying to be environmentally friendly, this AC is energy star certified. On average, Energy Star air conditioners can save homeowners 10%-50% on home cooling costs.
This AC is also a good fit for anyone living in a two-story or split-level home since it can operate at lower speeds to eliminate hot and cold spots. If you want to learn more about the Carrier Performance 17 Central AC, click the button below to schedule an estimate with one of our sales professionals.
What Type of Homeowner Is Not a Fit for the Carrier Performance™ 17 Central Air Conditioner?
This air conditioner is not a good fit for a homeowner with a ducted multi-stage furnace, who lives in a ranch home, or who has a finished basement. While you could see some benefits from investing in a new AC, investing in the Carrier Performance 17™ Air Conditioner would be unnecessary.
Furthermore, if you have a finished basement, there are better fits for your home than this AC. This air conditioner must have a line set, and to install a line set, an HVAC installer will need to run new wires, which is nearly impossible to do with a finished basement.
At Fire and Ice, we only use the best line sets in the industry, Airex. In fact, we are proud to be the first authorized dealer of Airex products in the nation and continue to be the only Airex dealer in Central Ohio.
What HVAC Equipment Can I Pair With the Carrier Performance™ 17 Central Air Conditioner?
In the eyes of any good HVAC technician, the Carrier Performance™ 17 is one of the best 2-stage air conditioners on the market. It’s great at saving energy, has the standard Carrier comfort features, a low sound level with quiet operation, and humidity control. On top of that, it’s available in several sizes to accommodate almost all homeowners.
However, remember that since this is a 2-stage air conditioner, only certain Carrier furnaces can be paired with it, such as the 80% and 96% Carrier Performance series and the Carrier Infinity series 80% and 90%. Nevertheless, you can pair any Carrier smart thermostat, UV lights, or air purifier, such as the Reme Halo.
What’s Next?
After reading this article, we hope you have learned more about the Carrier Performance™ 17 Central Air Conditioner and that you are confident in making your next home comfort system purchase.
However, if you’re still not convinced, you can take a look at our other Carrier product reviews, including:
- Product Review: Carrier Infinity 26 (24VNA6) Air Conditioner
- Product Review: Carrier Infinity 19VS 24VNA9 Air Conditioner
- Product Review: Carrier Infinity System Control Thermostat
Are you ready to start your HVAC journey with Fire and Ice? If so, our HVAC services include installation, replacements, repairs, and your annual tune-ups. Click below to schedule your free in-home estimate and help you and your loved ones breathe easier with one of Carriers Performance Series Air Conditioners.
