Short answer: Trane, Carrier and Goodman all make dependable central air conditioners, and each offers a standard single-stage model, a mid-range model and a variable-speed premium model. The biggest differences are in the details: Trane’s Premier 20 reaches up to 24 SEER2, Carrier’s Infinity focuses on humidity control and remote diagnostics, and Goodman pairs variable-speed models with a unit replacement warranty. The brand matters less than choosing the right tier for your home and having it sized and installed correctly.
Lancaster is an authorized dealer for all three brands, so we sell, install and service each of them. Here’s how their lineups compare, using the manufacturers’ published ratings.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Trane | Carrier | Goodman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | Premier 20: up to 24 SEER2, variable speed (30–100%) Premier 18: up to 18.1 SEER2, variable speed |
Infinity 26VNA1: up to 21 SEER2, variable speed (25–100%) | GXV9S: up to 19 SEER2, variable speed GXV6S: up to 17.2 SEER2, variable speed |
| Mid-range | Priority 17: up to 17.1 SEER2, inverter multi-speed (70/100%) | Performance 26TPA8: up to 18 SEER2, two-stage | GLXT7C: up to 17.2 SEER2, two-stage GLXS5B: up to 16.5 SEER2 |
| Standard | Choice 14: up to 14.3 SEER2, single-stage | Comfort 26SCA5: up to 16.5 SEER2, single-stage | GLXS4B: up to 15.2 SEER2, single-stage GLXS3B: up to 15 SEER2, single-stage |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B (Puron Advance) | R-32 |
| Communicating controls | Trane Link (Premier models) | Infinity controls; InteliSense with the Carrier smart thermostat | ComfortBridge (GLXT7C); GXV6S works with Goodman communicating equipment |
SEER2 measures seasonal cooling efficiency: higher means less electricity for the same cooling. Each “up to” rating applies to a specific matched indoor coil and furnace or air handler, so your installed system may rate a little lower.
Single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed
- Single-stage units run at full capacity whenever they’re on. They’re simple and cost the least up front, but they cycle on and off more and remove less humidity in mild weather.
- Two-stage units have a low setting that handles most summer days, with high capacity for heat waves. Carrier says its two-stage Performance model improves summer dehumidification.
- Multi-speed: Trane’s Priority 17 sits between the two. Trane describes it as a bridge between a two-stage and a variable-speed air conditioner, and it works with your existing furnace and a two-stage thermostat.
- Variable-speed units adjust capacity in small steps (Trane’s Premier 20 varies in tenths of a percent) to match the heat coming into your home. You get steadier temperatures, better humidity control and quieter operation. Learn more about AC replacement options.
Trane
Trane’s lineup runs from the Choice 14, which Trane calls its best-value air conditioner, to the Premier 20, which has the highest SEER2 rating of any air conditioner in our catalog. The Choice 14 uses Trane’s Climatuff compressor and Spine Fin coil. The Premier 20 connects to Trane’s Link communicating controls, and the Premier 18 supports zoning with Link-enabled indoor units and a Quiet Mode that limits compressor speed to meet local sound ordinances.
Suits: homeowners who want the highest efficiency available, or a step up to multi-speed comfort without replacing a working furnace. See all Trane air conditioners.
Carrier
Carrier’s Comfort, Performance and Infinity lines map neatly onto the three tiers. The standard Comfort 26SCA5 has the highest SEER2 of the three standard models here. The Infinity 26VNA1 adds Carrier’s Ideal Humidity System, a compressor sound blanket, over-the-air software updates and remote dealer monitoring.
Suits: homes where summer humidity is a concern, and homeowners who like connected diagnostics. See all Carrier air conditioners.
Goodman
Goodman, part of Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, offers single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed air conditioners, all using R-32. Its GXV6S and GXV9S use an inverter-driven variable-speed compressor with a quiet mode and a boost mode for very hot days. The GLXT7C adds a two-stage Copeland scroll compressor and ComfortBridge communicating technology.
Suits: value-focused homeowners who still want two-stage or variable-speed comfort and a longer unit replacement warranty. See all Goodman air conditioners.
Sound and warranty
Sound ratings aren’t directly comparable between brands. Trane publishes overall sound power ranges (64–76 dB for the Premier 20, 70–72 dB for the Choice 14). Carrier publishes “as low as” figures (55 dB for the Infinity, 71 dB for the Comfort). Goodman’s variable-speed models go as low as 45 dBA in quiet mode. Within each brand, the variable-speed models are the quietest.
Warranty terms, as published by the manufacturers:
- Carrier: Consumer Choice Warranty. With timely registration, a choice of a 10-year parts limited warranty or 5-year parts plus 3-year labour limited warranty (where the dealer participates). Parts coverage drops to 5 years if you don’t register within 90 days.
- Goodman: 10-year parts limited warranty with online registration within 60 days. The GLXT7C, GXV6S and GXV9S add a 5-year unit replacement limited warranty.
- Trane: ask us for the current terms on the model you’re considering.
A note on refrigerant
Since January 1, 2025, US rules have barred making or importing new residential air conditioners that use refrigerants with a global warming potential above 700, which rules out R-410A (US EPA). Manufacturers moved their North American lines to lower-GWP refrigerants to match: R-454B for Trane and Carrier, R-32 for Goodman. Canada hasn’t banned R-410A in home systems (HRAI), and existing R-410A systems can still be serviced. Read more about the new refrigerant regulations.
Why sizing and installation matter
An oversized air conditioner cools the house quickly, then shuts off before it removes much humidity, leaving rooms cool but clammy. An undersized one runs constantly on hot days. The right size comes from a load calculation for your home, not the size of your old unit. Duct condition, refrigerant charge and airflow settings also decide whether a 24 SEER2 system performs like one. Annual AC maintenance or a service plan keeps it that way.
Which should you choose?
- Lowest upfront cost: a standard single-stage model. Carrier’s Comfort has the highest rating in this tier.
- Better comfort without changing your furnace: Trane Priority 17, or a two-stage Carrier Performance or Goodman GLXT7C.
- Humid summers or rooms that feel sticky: two-stage or variable-speed, such as the Carrier Infinity.
- Highest efficiency: Trane Premier 20.
- Variable speed with a unit replacement warranty: Goodman GXV9S or GXV6S.
- Your furnace is also old: consider a heat pump instead. It cools like an air conditioner and also heats, and heat pumps qualify for rebates, while central air conditioners currently don’t. Compare brands in our heat pump guide or browse all air conditioners.
Get a recommendation for your home
We’ll look at your home, ducts and furnace, then recommend a match from Trane, Carrier, Goodman or another brand we carry. Request a quote, and ask about financing.
