Updated 11 April 2026
Carrier Central AC Prices: Full Model Lineup and Installation Costs
Carrier is the world's largest AC manufacturer and the company that invented modern air conditioning. Here is what every Carrier model costs installed in 2026, from their budget Comfort series to the premium Infinity line.
Carrier Model Lineup
All prices are for a 3-ton system, fully installed.
| Model | Series | SEER2 | Compressor | 3-Ton Installed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24ACC636 | Comfort | 13.8 | Single-stage | $4,200 to $5,200 |
| 24SPA636 | Performance | 15.2 | Single-stage | $4,800 to $6,000 |
| 24SPA648 | Performance | 16.5 | Two-stage | $5,500 to $7,000 |
| 24VNA948 | Infinity | 19.0 | Variable-speed | $7,500 to $9,500 |
| 24VNA060 | Infinity | 24.0 | Variable-speed | $9,000 to $12,000 |
Comfort Series (Budget)
$4,200 to $5,200 installed (3-ton)
Carrier's entry-level line. Single-stage compressor, basic features, meets minimum efficiency standards. Good for budget-conscious homeowners who want the Carrier name and dealer network without the premium price. The 24ACC series has been a reliable workhorse for years. Comes with a 10-year compressor warranty when registered.
Performance Series (Mid-Range)
$4,800 to $7,000 installed (3-ton)
The sweet spot for most homeowners. Available in single-stage and two-stage compressor options. The two-stage 24SPA648 offers SEER2 16.5, qualifies for the $600 federal tax credit, and runs at low speed 80% of the time for better humidity control and lower noise. This is where the best value lives in the Carrier lineup.
Infinity Series (Premium)
$7,500 to $12,000 installed (3-ton)
Carrier's flagship. Variable-speed inverter compressor adjusts from 25% to 100% capacity. The top Infinity model reaches SEER2 24, the highest in the Carrier lineup. Features include Greenspeed intelligence (adapts to weather conditions), sound levels as low as 55 dB, and integration with the Infinity smart thermostat. Best for homeowners in hot climates who want maximum comfort and lowest operating costs. The energy savings and tax credit partially offset the premium price over 10 to 15 years.
Carrier Warranty Details
| Coverage | Registered | Unregistered |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | 10 years | 5 years |
| Parts | 10 years | 5 years |
| Heat exchanger (heat pumps) | 20 years | 20 years |
Important: You must register your system within 60 days of installation to get the full warranty. Unregistered systems drop to 5-year coverage. Registration is free at carrier.com. The warranty is transferable to a new homeowner, which adds value at resale.
Carrier vs Competitors
| Factor | Carrier | Trane | Goodman |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-ton installed (mid-tier) | $5,500 to $7,000 | $5,800 to $7,500 | $3,800 to $5,000 |
| Max SEER2 | 24 | 22 | 19 |
| Compressor warranty | 10 yr | 12 yr | Lifetime |
| Dealer network | Largest | Large | Large |