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Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler Review

The Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler offers homeowners comfort features and compatibility with various HVAC equipment and accessories. This unit has excellent humidity management, and its variable-speed motor increases its overall energy efficiency.

Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler Review

Recommend this Article:

Roger Bakies

Revised:

November 15th, 2023

In today's world, having a dependable, reliable, and affordable HVAC system is essential. That's why the Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler is a great option for many homeowners. Especially those looking to stay within their budget while still having a heating and cooling system they can count on.

For over a century, Carrier has produced dependable and affordable HVAC systems. Each system helps homeowners like yourself get the comfort they deserve. This Carrier comfort system has several benefits, features, and other aspects that make it worth investing in.

To help homeowners make an informed decision regarding their next HVAC system, this article will cover the following:

  • What is an Air Handler?
  • Carrier FV4 Air Handler: Your Key to Home Comfort
  • Next-Level Comfort: Features of the Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler
  • Maximizing Comfort with the Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler
  • The Carrier Performance Ecosystem: Finding the Perfect Match
  • Technical Specifications of the Carrier FV4 Air Handler
  • The Fire & Ice Experience: Making a Lasting Impression

What is an Air Handler?

Before we dive in too deep, it's important to know what an air handler is and why it's important. An air handler does exactly what its name entails: it "handles the air" as it moves through your HVAC system. An air handler (sometimes referred to as a fan coil) works by using a fan or heat strips.

When in use, it produces hot air using heat strips or cool air by using refrigerant. After the air is conditioned, the unit forces the air through the unit’s coil and distributes it into your home via ductwork. This allows your home to reach your perfect temperature. Sounds pretty "cool," right?

Now that we got that out of the way, it's time to discuss the Carrier FV4. So, without further ado, here is your Carrier Performance FV4 Review from your trusted professionals at Fire & Ice.

Carrier FV4 Air Handler: Your Key to Home Comfort

Having an HVAC system that can keep up with your temperature demands is key to a happy and comfortable home. This heating and cooling system has many benefits that make it worth your time, energy, and money. This includes improved energy efficiency, environmental factors, durability, and a 10-year warranty.

Improved Energy Efficiency

The Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler has improved energy efficiency from earlier models. This Carrier product can boost your existing systems SEER2 up to 1.0. Many Carrier experts will compare a system's SEER2 to a car's MPH (Miles Per Gallon).

Hand turning up a dial for more energy efficiency

That said if you have a heat pump, such as the Carrier Comfort (25SCA5), which has a SEER2 of 15.2, adding an FV4 Air Handler can boost the unit's efficiency by 1. In this instance, your SEER2 rating could exceed a whole decimal point. Thus, increasing your HVAC systems SEER2 to 16.2.

Carrier products are known for enhancing your HVAC system's performance. This is especially true when you match a Carrier air conditioner or heat pump with this unit. A compatible system will increase the energy efficiency of this unit. Thus, giving you, the homeowner, premium energy savings capabilities, which is great for you, your home, and your wallet.

Environmental Factors

One thing that makes Carrier products stand out among the rest is their commitment to going green. In fact, Carrier was the first brand to offer HVAC systems with Puron® refrigerant. Unlike other refrigerants, Puron® does not harm our environment and won't contribute to ozone depletion.

Carrier has worked with refrigerant regulators and researchers to ensure that this is the safest refrigerant on the market. Since Puron refrigerant meets the required codes and regulations for safe use, Puron refrigerant is the best HVAC solution to decrease the environmental impacts caused by our residential HVAC systems.

Carrier Durability: Built to Last

Another benefit of investing in Carrier products is their overall durability. Carrier understands that HVAC systems are a considerable investment for many homeowners. That said, this is why Carrier builds their systems to last.

The FV4 includes corrosion protection for the indoor coil and a high-tech composite base pan with an integrated sloped drain. Focusing on these aspects of the HVAC system allows positive draining and reduces the growth of airborne irritants.

Limited Warranty

Carrier products have some of the best warranties in the current HVAC industry. Carrier air handlers have a 10 year parts limited warranty if you register your new system within 90 days of installation. You can register your new HVAC equipment by filling out the Carriers Product Registration form online. To that end, it's important to note that you can only get protection if you're the original owner of the unit. If you are not the original owner of the unit, talk to a Carrier expert to see what options are available.

Next-Level Comfort: Features of the Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler

Along with several benefits, this HVAC system includes various features that improve the unit's overall efficiency. This includes a variable speed ECM motor, humidity management, and a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). Don't worry; this might seem as confusing as an HVAC manual, but this section will explain each feature more thoroughly.

Variable Speed ECM Motor

A diagram showing the different stages of variable speed

Many air handlers feature an ECM motor for optimal airflow, comfort, and energy efficiency; however, Carrier takes the cake. The performance series variable speed fan coil delivers more comfort features, consistent air temperatures, better humidity control, and quieter operation. On top of that, the quality of this variable speed technology saves homeowners more energy dollars on their monthly utility bills.

Humidity Level Management

Carrier is well known for their need to have top-of-the-line quality while keeping their systems affordable. In fact, the FV4 Air Handler is equipped with Carrier's ideal humidity system technology. This new and improved technology saves homeowners money even in slightly warmer temperatures.

This also allows your system to change the humidity levels within your home without changing the overall temperature. On top of that, the ideal system technology allows your HVAC system to adjust its overall performance for better summer humidity control.

This leads to a wide range of benefits for your residential heating and cooling system, including, but not limited to:

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Faster service calls
  • Better indoor air quality
  • Quieter operation
  • Enhanced comfort features

Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV)

When you invest in a Carrier HVAC system, you're not only buying the unit, but you're also buying the brand. Carrier is well known for their high-quality heating and cooling products. What sets them apart is their units' exceptional internal mechanisms, including TXV refrigeration management.

The TXV maintains proper refrigerant levels and flow. This is true even when indoor/outdoor conditions change. The TXV regulates the rate at which it releases refrigerant. After that, the refrigerant passes through the liquid line into the evaporator coil and into your living spaces.

A Homeowners Guide to The Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler: A Good Fit vs. A Bad Fit

With so many HVAC systems out there, it's hard to know what type of system would best fit your lifestyle. While everyone deserves optimal comfort, certain systems would make more sense to invest in than others. Let's see if the Carrier FV4 is the right fit for you, your home, and your budget.

Two hands giving thumbs down and a thumbs up

A Good Fit

The Carrier FV4 is an excellent fit for many homeowners, especially those who are living in their "forever home." It's great for homeowners who want a good all-electric heating system without spending too much money. The FV4 is incredibly energy efficient, which can save you money in the long run. Plus, it has features like variable speed technology and indoor humidity management that ensure comfort all year round.

A Bad Fit

While this is a great unit for most homeowners, it's not a "one size fits all" type of HVAC system. This air handler is not suitable for landlords who rent their homes, use their homes as an Airbnb, or if you plan to move in the next 3-5 years.

However, it's important to remember that this unit is best suited for an all-electric home. That said, if you have a traditional gas or propane HVAC system, this unit would not be the best choice to invest in. But if you're thinking of switching to an all-electric heating and cooling system, this unit would be a wonderful place to start.

The Carrier Performance Ecosystem: Finding the Perfect Match

A person pressing a perfect match button on a keyboard

Finding the appropriate model to match this HVAC system can seem like a daunting task. However, when it comes to your residential HVAC system, your Carrier experts at Fire & Ice have you covered! Below is a list of compatible HVAC equipment/ accessories for the Carrier FV4 Air Handler.

Smart Thermostats: Google Nest, Carrier Infinity, or the Ecobee Premium Thermostat

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): REME HALO, HALO LED, Aprilaire Humidifier, and Aprilaire Dehumidifier. You can also add an Aprilaire air filter into the mix to achieve ultimate IAQ

Air Conditioners: Since this is a mid-level HVAC system, it will have the best connection with the Carrier Performance 24SPA6 or 24TPA7

Heat Pump: This system will pair well with the Carrier Performance 25SPA5

Gas Furnace: For a dual-fuel option, you can pair this unit with the Carrier Performance 59TP6

 

Technical Specifications of the Carrier Performance FV4 Air Handler

  • Brand: Carrier
  • Price: $5,600- $9,200
  • Fuel Type: Electric
  • Efficiency Boost: Up to 1.0 SEER2
  • Blower Motor: Variable Speed ECM
  • Warranty: 10-Year Limited Parts, registration required

The Fire & Ice Experience: Making a Lasting Impression

Woo-hoo! You made it to the end of this article! At Fire & Ice, we understand that buying a new HVAC system is a significant investment. That's why we provide homeowners with useful information to help them make informed decisions about their next HVAC purchase.

A person pressing a perfect match button on a keyboard

Are you a homeowner, and you're still trying to decide what type of HVAC system is right for you? If so, click below to schedule an in-home estimate with one of our residential sales professionals.

And remember, your trust IS our business.

 

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