Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump 25HCE4 Review

A heat pump is basically a two-way central air conditioner. In the summer, it works like any other AC, removing heat from the inside air and transferring cooled air back into the house. In the cooler months, it does the opposite, drawing heat from the outside air and moving it into your home.

The process is efficient and environmentally friendly because heat pumps don’t have to generate heat by combusting a fuel source. As the New York Times said, “Even the most efficient gas-powered furnace never converts 100% of its fuel into heat; it’s going to lose something in the conversion process.”

An electric furnace is 100% efficient, but it’s energy-intensive to fire up the heat strips that help heat your home. (The strips are like the coil in a toaster; they glow red-hot and a fan blows the heat through the ducts.) A heat pump just moves heat.

One of the downsides of heat pumps, though, is that they don’t last as long as central air conditioners or furnaces. They’re doing double duty, so they wear out sooner.

If your heat pump is 10 years old or more, it’s time to think about a replacement.

Are you considering replacing your existing heat pump, and looking for one that will reliably and efficiently heat and cool your home? Are you in the market for something that’s easy on your budget?

Allow us to suggest what might be the perfect solution: the Carrier Comfort 14 (model# 25HCE4) heat pump. This article will go over its benefits and cost and see who might benefit most from this system.

We’re Carrier dealers because we know a good product when we see one, and we stand behind this Carrier model because it delivers everything it’s advertised to do.

Then we’ll see who might be the best fit for this heat pump and look at its cost. By the end of this article, you’ll know if the Carrier Comfort 14 is right for you.

What Are the Features and Benefits of the Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump?

Let’s look at the benefits and standard featuresof the Carrier Comfort 14. For starters, its compressor is single-stage. This means the system operates at total capacity, 100%, every time it kicks on. This tried and true technology delivers consistent and reliable heating and cooling throughout the year.

A multiple-stage unit would be able to run at a lower speed. The more stages a system has, the higher the price tag. The Comfort 14’s configuration makes it affordable without sacrificing performance.

Another feature of note is its attractive and durable design. It’s fashioned with a WeatherArmor protection package that includes solid, durable sheet-metal construction, dense wire coil guard, and baked-on powder paint. It’s resistant to dings, dents, and other outdoor debris.

Here in Central Ohio, you will likely want to take advantage of its hybrid heat technology. When it gets too cold, the thermostat will automatically switch between electric or gas heat.

The Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump can continue providing heating in temperatures as low as -10º Fahrenheit. That’s far lower than most heat pumps on the market that struggle to provide heat when temperatures are in the mid-30s.

(Once the outdoor temperature goes below approximately 30⁰ F, a heat pump can continue to provide heat. However, it will use more electricity to do so, and the warmth will decrease. This is because there simply isn’t as much heating energy available, and the system will work longer to achieve the same indoor temperature. That’s why many air-source heat pump systems are installed with a supplemental heat source.)

The sound level is as low as 69 decibels (dB). According to the CDC, a whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine running is about 95 dB.

The Comfort System supports standard thermostat controls. There’s no need to buy a high-tech, smart thermometer to operate it.

You also get the peace of mind that comes with the 10-year limited parts warranty.

It’s an environmentally friendly system, which uses non-ozone-depleting Puron refrigerant.

Optional features include a sound blanket, a ducted humidifier and/or dehumidifier, and a Reme Halo Air Purifier.

What Is the Efficiency Rating for the Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump?

Heat pump efficiency is calculated with two efficiency ratings: one for the heating side and one for the cooling. For cooling, it is measured by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rating.

And heating efficiency is rated using a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF.

Both ratings measure the efficiency of heat pumps used during the average heating or cooling season. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. The Carrier Comfort 14 heat pump has a SEER rating of up to 14 and an HSPF rating of 8.2. For comparison, most heat pumps on the market range between 14 and 22 SEER and 7.7 and 11 HSPF.

Contrast that with a 10-year-old heat pump, which has a SEER of around 10. Your energy bill will decrease dramatically with the 14 SEER.

Read more: SEER, AFUE and HSPF Ratings in HVAC: Why They Matter 

What Equipment Can I Pair with the Carrier Comfort 14?

If you decide to buy the Carrier Comfort 14, be sure to ask your HVAC contractor what equipment it will work best with. If it’s matched to a furnace or air handler that has more bells and whistles, the communication between the units may be flawed, robbing you of some comfort and efficiency features.

It’s recommended that the Carrier Comfort 14 heat pump be paired with other Carrier Comfort line equipment. For all-electric homes, consider the Carrier Comfort Fan Coil (aka air handler) FB4C.

For those who have a dual fuel system, the Carrier Comfort Series 80, 92, or 95 gas furnaces would be excellent choices. (A dual fuel system would use two sources of energy. The heat pump would be powered by electricity, and the furnace would use natural gas or propane.)

Why Might I Have to Buy a New Air Handler or Furnace as Well?

The following are scenarios in which you might need to replace both your heat pump and your furnace at the same time:

• When your existing HVAC equipment isn’t the right size. It’s not uncommon for an HVAC contractor to install a unit that’s either too big or too small. In both instances, a mis-sized unit causes comfort and machine issues. Improper sizing can shorten a system’s lifespan by as much as 5-10 years.
• When you want to upgrade your furnace. Some furnaces have a variable-speed blower, which can run at slower speeds to optimize the heat with reduced energy.
• When you want to improve your comfort. A furnace with a variable-speed fan also improves comfort in the home, helping to eliminate hot and cold spots for even heat and cool.
• When you want to sync both warranties. You may not remember whether your existing system is under warranty, but when you replace both your furnace and air conditioner, you know both systems are under warranty for the same amount of time. And if either system needs repairs, neither the manufacturer nor a contractor can blame the issue on a system that’s not under warranty.

Who is the Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump a Good Fit For?

The Carrier Comfort 14 heat pump is designed to be a reliable, efficient piece of equipment that can fit into most budgets. So if you’re a homeowner on a budget looking for a straightforward system that can reliably heat and cool your home, this heat pump is for you.

And suppose you live here in Central Ohio, relying on electricity to heat your home. In that case, you’re likely to see some energy cost savings since this heat pump can continue to provide heat even in subzero temperatures.

Who is the Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump Not a Good Fit For?

On sales calls, we always ask if you have uneven temperatures or hot and cold spots in your home. If you do, you might want to invest more money and look into heat pumps that have more features, such as those with multi-stage compressors or communicating technology.

This is especially true if you’re going to be living in your home for 10 or more years. You might want to invest in a product that offers premium comfort.

How Much Does the Carrier Comfort 14 Heat Pump Cost?

The Comfort 14 costs between $4700-$6600 including equipment, labor, installation, and any additional fees. For comparison, a new, high-end heat pump can cost $15,000 and more.

And if this heat pump needs to be paired with a compatible electric air handler or furnace, expect to add $2,700 to $7,600 to the project.

Several factors can affect the price. For example, it varies depending on the size of the unit, additional indoor air quality products, and any ductwork modifications that may be needed during installation.

Buying a New Heat Pump in Columbus, Ohio

Let’s talk about what to do next. If you are considering a purchase of the Carrier Comfort 14 25HCE4 heat pump and want more information, enter your zip code in the graphic below to see if you’re in our service area. In many cases, we offer next-day installation.

We look forward to hearing from you.