Carrier Performance 24APB6 Review

The Performance 24APB6 is part of Carrier’s mid-range series, and it’s equipped with a single-stage scroll compressor that can handle the heat in just about any Canadian summer climate.

Along with promising high-efficiency and quiet operation, the 24APB6 has also been designed to provide lasting performance through many cooling seasons, and it has several features that protect the unit from wear and tear, the elements, and common maintenance issues that might otherwise reduce the longevity of the unit.

This model review of Carrier’s Performance 16 24APB6 will help you decide if this air conditioner is worth the investment. It will discuss average pricing in Canada and the model’s key features and warranty details. And in case you're still shopping around, the review will also compare this model to three others in Carrier’s product line.

About the Performance 16 24APB6

Average Price (with installation): $4,500 - $6,000

Top Features

• One of the quietest air conditioners in Carrier’s mid-range series
• ENERGY STAR® certification and high-efficiency rating promise lower energy bills
• Protective features increase durability and longevity of the unit
• Compatible with smart thermostats that can further improve energy savings
• Uses a refrigerant that doesn’t deplete ozone
• Industry-standard warranty protection

The Bottom Line

When you choose to upgrade to a Carrier cooling system like the Performance 24APB6, you can rest assured that you're investing in a dependable and high-quality air conditioner that will keep your family comfortable and save you money.

One thing to know is that Carrier does charge more for their products than a lot of other brands, so you will have to put aside more money for the Performance 16 24APB6 than you would for most other single-stage air conditioners on the market.

Moreover, while this model does carry the prestige and reputation of the Carrier name, it doesn’t have any novel features or technological innovations.

At the same time, the Performance 16 24APB6 does have a quieter and more advanced scroll compressor, and the efficiency rating is perfectly suited for Canadian summers.

In Depth Review

Performance 16 24APB6 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 68

Features Overview

Three major advantages of the Performance 16 24APB6 are its efficient, quiet, and lasting operation, and there are a few features that deliver on this promise.

The special sound blanket dampens noise from the compressor, while the scroll compressor makes for quieter, longer-lasting, and more efficient operation.

As for longevity, Carrier has outfitted this air conditioner with several design features that ensure it will perform well through many summers.

The cabinet has the brand’s WeatherArmor Ultra protection, which includes a steel coil guard, galvanized steel exterior, and a baked-on powder paint. All of these elements protect the cabinet from corrosion and the elements, thereby keeping the internal components safe as well.

Other Key Features

• High- and low-pressure switches protect the unit from damage
• Filter drier that prevents moisture problems
• Microtube coil technology makes the unit smaller and protects important components from corrosion

Warranty Information

Most Carrier air conditioners—including the Performance 16 24APB6—that are registered within 90 days of installation are covered by two 10-year limited warranties: one for parts and one for the compressor.  

Unregistered units are still protected under warranty, but the coverage will expire after five years instead of 10.

Registration is simple and worth the few minutes it will take. You can do it online or by phone by providing the manufacturer with the air conditioner’s serial number and installation date, along with contact information for you and the licensed HVAC professional who installed it.

Comparable Models by Carrier

Model Comparison by Price: Performance 24APB6 versus Comfort 13 24ABB3

The Comfort 13 24ABB3 is one of Carrier’s entry-level air conditioners, so it could be significantly cheaper than the Performance model. On average, it costs Canadian homeowners between $3,500 and $5,000 to buy and install a Comfort 13 24ABB3.

This model is a single-stage air conditioner with a SEER of 13. However, the ideal air conditioner efficiency range for Canada is generally between 16 and 18 SEER, so the Comfort 13 24ABB3 may not be suitable for medium or larger homes that need more cooling power.

Because of the lower efficiency rating, this model doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification. That could mean it’s not eligible for the same rebates as the Performance unit, and those rebates could make the purchase price of the models units more comparable.

Finally, the Comfort model doesn’t have a compressor sound blanket, so it’s a little louder than the Performance air conditioner.

Model Comparison by Features: Performance 24APB6 versus Infinity 26 with Greenspeed Intelligence 24VNA6

The Infinity 26 with Greenspeed Intelligence 24VNA6 isn't only one of Carrier’s premium-tier air conditioners, but it’s also their top-of-the-line model.

It will be significantly more expensive than the Performance 16 24APB6 because it has a variable-speed compressor, a SEER of 26, an inverter that further improves efficiency and performance, compatibility with Carrier’s Infinity System Control, and it comes with an additional 10-year warranty for unit replacement.

While the SEER of 26 means this unit is probably too powerful for most parts of Canada, the variable-speed compressor is a marked improvement over the Performance’s single-stage compressor. That’s because variable-speed compressors are quieter, more efficient, and better at eliminating excess moisture, and they deliver a consistent temperature throughout the entire house.

Model Comparison by Tier: Performance 24APB6 versus Performance 16 24ACC6

The Performance 16 24ACC6 is nearly identical to the Performance 16 24APB6 in almost every way. They're both single-stage air conditioners with 17 SEER, 10-year warranties, and ENERGY STAR certification. They also fall into the same price range, and they have the same design elements to protect the units from damage.

One of the few main differences between the two is that the 24ACC6 has a decibel rating of 72, so it’s slightly louder despite having the same compressor blanket. Whereas the 24APB6 is considered quiet, the 24ACC6 offers what Carrier refers to as standard sound performance.