Carrier air handlers are also called fan coils – Carrier’s preferred term. While a Carrier fan coil will work with any brand equipment, they are typically installed with Carrier complete split HVAC systems – Carrier heat pumps or central air conditioners. They include the blower motor and fan plus the indoor coil through which refrigerant from the outdoor unit circulates. In HVAC literature, fan coils are often abbreviated FCUs (fan coil units) and AHUs (air handler units).
If you’d like to learn more about air handlers/fan coils before getting into the specifics of Carrier air handlers, our Air Handler Buying Guide provides comprehensive research.
Introduction to Carrier Air Handlers
Carrier makes six split-system fan coils in the brand’s typical basic/better/best series. Our list starts with the top model, the Infinity air handler. The table below lists the current models and their features.
| Model | Communicating | Blower Speed | Capacity/BTUH | Coil | Recommended Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity FE4 | Yes | Variable ECM | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | Infinity |
| Infinity FE5 | Yes | Variable ECM | 24,000-42,000 | All-aluminum | Infinity |
| Performance FV4C | No | Variable ECM | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | Performance Edge |
| Performance FZ4A | No | Multispeed ECM | 24,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | Performance Edge |
| Comfort FX4D | No | Multispeed ECM | 18,000-60,000 | Tin-plated copper | Performance/Comfort |
| Comfort FB4C | No | Multispeed ECM | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | Performance/Comfort |
Notes:
1). System Options: All Carrier air handlers can be outfitted with electric resistance heat units of 5kW-20kW for backup/emergency heat or occasional heat in AC-only split systems.
2). Communicating systems: The Infinity FE4 and FE5 models must be installed in a system supported by a communicating control. The wiring is not the same as wiring for non-communicating controls. A communicating system is one that uses data communicated to the thermostat control from indoor and outdoor air temperature sensors and from the AC or heat pump. The purpose is to optimize heating and cooling efficiency and comfort based on precise climate-control data. Communicating systems also alert homeowners and technicians to the need for system maintenance and repair before minor issues progress to major repair problems. Carrier currently makes three Wi-Fi communicating controls:
- Infinity system control SYSTXCCITC01-B
- Infinity Remote Access touch control SYSTXCCITC01-A
- Infinity Remote Access touch control with wireless router SYSTXCCITW01-A
The brand makes one communicating control that is not Wi-Fi:
- Infinity Touch control SYSTXCCITN01-A
3). BTUH/Tons: Carrier lists its fan coil capacities by tons, 1.5 tons to 5.0 tons. Each ton is the equivalent of 12,000 BTUH, which is the amount of heat the unit can move per hour.
We’ve completed model overview tables and price tables (see below) for other top brands. For comparison, see our air handler guides to:
Carrier Air Handlers Features Analysis
Carrier Infinity and Performance Series fan coils can be outfitted with the brand’s Ideal Humidity System technology that monitors indoor humidity at the thermostat and will automatically run the system in fan-only mode between AC cycles. The result is improved dehumidification while air conditioning your home. Lower humidity makes air more comfortable at higher temperatures, so you can save money by setting your thermostat to 76 rather than 72, for example, and feel just as cool. Infinity fan coils matched with Infinity Touch Control models and a system humidifier will deliver ideal humidity levels when heating your home too.
Carrier ArmorTech coil protection is available on all Carrier fan coils. It is a coil coating that protects the coil against corrosion. Across the HVAC industry, companies have struggled to find ways to prevent corrosion caused by sea salt in the air but also by common household products such as wet paint, aerosol spray and cleaning products. ArmorTech coating is Carrier’s answer on all models. Carrier uses an additional coating called ArmorCoat on its tin-plated copper coils.
Infinity and Performance air handlers are equipped with washable air filters, which reduce maintenance costs if you prefer to wash them. They can also be replaced when dirty by non-Carrier branded air filters, though some consumers report that finding the right size replacement filters is difficult.
Carrier Air Handler (Fan Coil Unit) Prices by Models
Here are current Carrier fan coil prices for all models for you to compare using the Trane, Lennox and Goodman air handlers guides here on PickHVAC.
Carrier Fan Coils Models | Unit Price | Unit with Installed | |
| Infinity FE4 | $1,135 | $1,335-$2,400 | |
| Infinity FE5 | $1,250 | $1,450-$2,515 | |
| Performance FV4C | $1,025 | $1,225-$2,165 | |
| Performance FZ4A | $1,095 | $1,295-$2,100 | |
| Comfort FX4D | $795 | $995-$1,355 | |
| Comfort FB4C | $950 | $1,150-$1,685 | |
Note: The Above cost is based on 3 ton air handler unit.
These prices are for the fan coils/air handlers only. Installation is an additional cost. Depending on the amount of refrigerant required (determined by unit size and length of the refrigerant lines) and the complexity of the installation, expect estimates of $1,200 to $2,000 for Carrier fan coil installation costs. Setting up a zoned heating and air conditioning system might incur slightly higher costs. Carrier thermostats start at about $100. Wi-Fi touchscreen models exceed $250 in price. Keep in mind that non-communicating air handlers can be run by any brand control including popular brands like nest, ecobee and Honeywell Lyric.
Carrier Air Handler (Fan Coil Unit) Prices by Size
Air Handler Size | Home Size | Unit Only | System Installed |
| 1.5 ton | 600-1000 sf | $730 | $880 to $1,835 |
| 2 ton | 1001-1300 sf | $870 | $1,010 to $1,975 |
| 2.5 ton | 1301-1600 sf | $945 | $1,140 to $2,055 |
| 3 ton | 1601-1900 sf | $1,025 | $1,225 to $2,165 |
| 3.5 ton | 1901-2200 sf | $1,170 | $1,360 to $2,270 |
| 4 ton | 2201-2600 sf | $1,330 | $1,570 to $2,400 |
| 5 ton | 2601-3200 sf | $1,570 | $1,800 to $2,670 |
How to Get the Best Carrier Air Handler Prices
Making it your top priority to get the lowest price on installation could lead to problems. Cheap contractors often cut corners or don’t size the unit properly, and these issues lead to mechanical failure and a house that isn’t as comfortable as it should be.
Firstly, When you looking for the best deals for air handler, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project.
- So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates for you local contractor, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
At last, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.
