Carrier Greenspeed Vs. Infinity Heat Pump For Your Home

When it comes time to replace your home’s HVAC system, you’ll likely consider heat pumps from industry leader Carrier. Two of Carrier’s most advanced heat pump lines are the Greenspeed and Infinity series.

But what exactly sets these heat pump systems apart?

Which Carrier heat pump is the better option for heating and cooling your home?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features and technologies of Carrier’s Greenspeed and Infinity heat pumps. We’ll look at efficiency ratings, heating and cooling capabilities, available features, warranties, prices and more.

By the end, you’ll understand the key differences between these two premium Carrier heat pump systems so you can determine which is better suited for your home.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Greenspeed	Infinity
Cooling Efficiency	Up to 22 SEER	Up to 21 SEER
Heating Efficiency	Up to 13 HSPF	Up to 13 HSPF
Compressor Type	Inverter-driven, variable-speed	Multi-stage (2-5 stages)
Temperature Control	Maximum precision with inverter	Good with multi-stage
Humidity Removal	Excellent	Very good
Operational Range	5°F to 130°F	0°F to 115°F
Noise Levels	As low as 56 dBA	As low as 66 dBA
Smart Home Integration	Carrier smart comfort controls	Carrier Infinity Touch Control
Warranty Length	Lifetime heat exchanger, 10 years compressor	Lifetime heat exchanger, 10 years compressor
Starting Cost	$5,500	$4,500

Overview of Carrier Greenspeed Heat Pumps

Carrier markets its Greenspeed heat pumps as its most energy efficient and advanced heat pump system. Greenspeed heat pumps utilize inverter-driven, variable-speed compressor technology to provide ultra-precise heating and cooling.

Here are some of the key highlights of Carrier’s Greenspeed heat pump systems:

• Efficiency: Greenspeed heat pumps achieve up to 22 SEER cooling efficiency and 13 HSPF heating efficiency, making them significantly more efficient than standard heat pumps.
• Inverter Technology: The inverter-driven compressor speeds up and slows down in small increments to precisely meet heating/cooling demands. This improves comfort and efficiency.
• Quiet Operation: By slowing compressor speeds, Greenspeed heat pumps operate very quietly, as low as 56 decibels. This is quieter than a typical conversation.
• Operational Range: Greenspeed compressors provide heating down to 5°F and cooling when outdoor temps reach up to 130°F. The extended operational range reduces need for inefficient auxiliary heating.
• Humidity Control: Precise comfort settings and variable-speed operation actively remove excess moisture in the summer for improved indoor air quality.
• Smart Home Integration: Greenspeed heat pumps work with Carrier’s advanced, app-based comfort controls for monitoring and adjusting temperatures remotely.

Carrier offers Greenspeed heat pumps in both split system air conditioner and heat pump configurations, ranging in size from 1.5-5 ton capacity. Overall, the Greenspeed line provides Carrier’s most advanced inverter-driven compressor technology for maximum efficiency and quiet operation.

Overview of Carrier Infinity Heat Pumps

The Carrier Infinity heat pump series offers many premium features and efficient operation. While not as advanced as Greenspeed’s inverter technology, Infinity heat pumps use multi-stage compressors to offer flexibility and performance.

Here are some key details on Carrier’s Infinity line of heat pumps:

• Efficiency: Infinity heat pumps achieve up to 21 SEER for cooling efficiency and up to 13 HSPF for heating efficiency. Models with dual fuel capabilities reach up to 80% AFUE gas furnace efficiency.
• Multi-Stage Compressors: Infinity compressors have 2 to 5 stages, allowing them to modulate heating and cooling based on current conditions. More stages generally increase efficiency.
• Durability: Infinity heat pumps feature heavy-duty stainless steel heat exchangers and compressor sound jackets for extended durability and lifespan.
• Capacity: Available in 1.5-5 ton capacities for homes that need standard or high-capacity HVAC. Larger 5 ton units are available as dual fuel gas furnace combinations.
• Controls: Infinity systems use Carrier’s Infinity Touch Control, an advanced smart thermostat with humidity monitoring, remote access and more.
• Limited Warranty: Heat exchanger has lifetime limited warranty, while compressor and other parts have 10 years of coverage.

Infinity heat pumps deliver premium performance and efficiency using multi-stage compressors. When paired with an Infinity gas furnace, they offer an efficient dual fuel HVAC system.

Differences Between Carrier Greenspeed And Infinity Heat Pumps

Now that we’ve reviewed some key specifications, let’s compare Greenspeed and Infinity heat pumps across several important categories.

• Efficiency Comparison

One of the most important considerations when selecting a heat pump is energy efficiency.

Let’s look at how Carrier Greenspeed and Infinity heat pumps compare for both heating and cooling efficiency.

For cooling efficiency, Greenspeed heat pumps edge out Infinity with efficiency ratings up to 22 SEER, compared to 21 SEER for Infinity.

While only a modest difference, the higher SEER rating means Greenspeed can deliver slightly lower energy bills during air conditioning season.

For heating efficiency, the maximum ratings are nearly identical between the two systems. Top-end Infinity heat pumps achieve 13 HSPF, equaling the highest ratings offered by Greenspeed. When equipped with secondary gas furnaces, Infinity dual fuel systems can match Greenspeed’s heating capabilities in cold weather.

Winner: Greenspeed, by a slim margin, for its leading 22 SEER maximum cooling efficiency.

• Heating and Cooling Performance

Beyond efficiency ratings, we also need to look at real-world heating and cooling performance. Key factors include:

• Temperature range for heating and cooling
• Ability to remove humidity
• Consistency and precision of temperature control

Due to its inverter-driven compressor, Greenspeed has a clear performance advantage. It can heat and cool across a wider range of outdoor temperatures, while also modulate in smaller increments to maintain precise temperatures and humidity levels indoors.

By comparison, Infinity multi-stage compressors operate in 2-5 stages. While this allows some modulation of capacity, it cannot match Greenspeed’s ultra-fine precision. Overall, Greenspeed delivers superior heating and cooling performance and control.

Winner: Greenspeed offers better heating and cooling performance thanks to its inverter-driven compressor.

• Features and Functionality

Both Greenspeed and Infinity heat pumps offer advanced features and functionality for optimal comfort and convenience. Let’s look at some of the key offerings with each system:

• Smart Home Integration: Greenspeed and Infinity both integrate with Carrier’s advanced comfort controls and mobile app for monitoring and adjusting temperatures remotely. This allows comprehensive smart home control.
• Zoning: Higher-end units in both product lines allow multiple-zone control for custom heating and cooling in different areas of your home.
• Air Quality: Infinity offers whole-home air purifiers while Greenspeed maximizes humidity removal. Both improve indoor air quality.
• Extended Operational Range: Greenspeed compressors operate efficiently across a wider temperature range from 5°F to 130°F heating and cooling.

When comparing features and functionality, the Carrier heat pump lines are relatively evenly matched. Both offer leading smart home integration, zoning potential, and air quality improvements. Overall, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.

Winner: Draw – both offer robust features and functionality. Greenspeed has wider operation range.

• Noise Levels

For many homeowners, a quiet HVAC system is a top priority. No one wants a noisy air conditioner or heat pump disrupting indoor environments.

Here again, Greenspeed heat pumps outperform thanks to their inverter-driven compressor:

• Greenspeed: Operates as low as 56 decibels, equivalent to the noise level of a typical conversation. The variable speeds allow the compressor to run smoother and quieter.
• Infinity: Still very quiet at as low as 66 decibels thanks to insulated compressors. But not as silent running as Greenspeed.

For the most discreet and unobtrusive operation, Greenspeed is the winner if low noise operation is important to you.

Winner: Greenspeed runs significantly quieter than Infinity heat pumps.

• Warranties

It’s always important to consider the warranties offered on major HVAC equipment. Longer warranties provide more protection in the event of premature parts failures or defects.

Carrier Infinity heat pumps come with excellent warranties:

• Lifetime limited warranty on the Infinity heat exchanger.
• 10 years on the Infinity compressor and other components.

For Greenspeed heat pumps, the warranties are comparable:

• Lifetime limited warranty on the Greenspeed heat exchanger.
• 10 year warranty on the compressor and other parts.

When comparing the warranties from Carrier, both the Infinity and Greenspeed lines provide industry-leading coverage against defects. There is no clear winner.

Winner: Draw, with both Carrier lines offering strong warranty coverage.

• Cost and Pricing

Usually, with greater efficiency and performance comes higher costs. Let’s see how pricing shakes out between Infinity and Greenspeed Carrier heat pumps:

• Carrier Infinity: Entry-level units start around $4,500, ranging up to $9,000 or more for the largest capacity dual fuel systems. Installation costs add several thousand more.
• Carrier Greenspeed: Starts at around $5,500 for the most basic model, ranging up to $11,000 or more for the top tier options. Installation is additional.

Across all capacity levels, Greenspeed heat pumps cost $1000 or more than comparable Infinity models. You’re paying a premium for Greenspeed’s advanced inverter driven compressor technology. Installation costs will also be similar between the two lines.

Of course, energy savings from Greenspeed’s greater efficiency may offset the higher initial cost over time. But upfront, Infinity offers similar performance for less.

Winner: Infinity heat pumps cost notably less than comparable Greenspeed models. Greenspeed comes at a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Based on our detailed comparison, here are some key takeaways on how Carrier’s premium Greenspeed and Infinity heat pumps compare:

• Efficiency: Greenspeed ekes out slightly higher maximum SEER ratings compared to Infinity, but heating efficiency is on par.
• Performance: Greenspeed’s inverter-driven compressor delivers superior temperature control and humidity removal capabilities.
• Features: Both lines offer robust functionality like zoning, smart home integration, and air quality improvements.
• Noise: Greenspeed compressors run significantly quieter than Infinity.
• Warranties & Cost: Warranties are similar, but Greenspeed costs $1000+ more than comparable Infinity units.

Overall, if highest efficiency and performance are your top priorities, Carrier Greenspeed is the superior heat pump option. But Infinity still delivers premium features and efficiency at a lower upfront cost.

For many homeowners, Infinity heat pumps represent the better mix of performance, features and value. But those wanting the ultimate in precision heating/cooling, energy savings potential, and quiet operation will appreciate the advantages of Greenspeed.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison gives you a clearer picture of both Carrier heat pump systems so you can make the best decision for heating and cooling your home.