Note that these are all the same which may enable you to find more dealers and lower prices:

• Carrier Infinity 18VS heat pump
• Bryant Evolution 288BNV Variable-Speed Heat Pump
• Heil HVH8 Ion 18 Variable-Speed Heat Pump
• Tempstar TVH8 Ion 18 Variable-Speed Heat Pump
• Comfortmaker CVH8 Ion 18 Variable-Speed Heat Pump

Also: Arcoaire and Day and Night brands

FE4

IMPO

SR

The 18VS heat pump (condenser) is a 5 speed machine. It makes odd noises (hissing sounds) when it goes into off cycle.

Essentially Carrier hinders this machine from being truly variable speed as the name implys. These came out about 3 or 4 years ago. I decided they were not good enough for my climate. Mostly the odd noise thing and the cheesy way they hinder this machine.

I ended up going with Bosch approximately a year later when they came to market here that gives me true 1% steps up and down in heating and cooling. The only thing similar to Bosch is the roughly 20-25% start up as the Bosch typically will initially rest in the 20-25% capacity range when it starts up.

If you go with the Carrier machine anyway, you will want to make sure this unit isn't installed anywhere too close to a bedroom window. This machine wouldn't be a bad choice if there weren't other choices that in my opinion are much better. Less noise, comfort in 1% steps up and down.

Bosch's are currently available in extremely limited fashion in my market Katy, Texas. If you are interested in this revolution in comfort don't procrastinate. ;-)

Where is the house located and what is the size? The Carrier Infinity 18VS heat pump and FV4 fan coil are very nice equipment but expensive. I am curious why you are looking at that particular model. If you do buy this pair, then I recommend you also install the Infinity thermostat.

Carrier claims the noise level for the condenser is 55 decibels. It is one of the quietest models. I did a search and have found no mention of loud noises when shutting down. You should ask the Carrier dealer if you have any concerns about noises.

I live in the southeast. The house is 4300 sq ft, so we'd put a 3-ton upstairs (which is the unit that has to be replaced now). A 4-ton unit will go downstairs in the next few months.

Summers are hot and humid - winters are fairly mild with a few days in the high 20's. We've had the ductwork evaluated, and it's in great shape, as is the insulation.

Hearing that the Carrier 18VS makes odd noises when going into the OFF cycle, makes me think twice about that choice because one of the reasons we were going with Carrier was for the quietness. Maybe the Infinity 24, which is truly variable, would be a better choice. However, I'm also wondering if the 2-stage units might also lower humidity, keep an even temperature, and still be quiet. The most difficult decision has been whether to go with a truly variable system, a 5-stage, or a 2-stage.

I believe you had created another post with your house information. Now I recall some of the details.

The Carrier Infinity 2-stage 25HBN6 would not be a bad choice in my opinion. The EER rating, which is the cooling performance efficiency at 95 F degrees is up to 13.5 versus the Infinity 18VS which has a EER peak of 12.5. Given your house size if you did get a 2-stage condenser I would think the two systems would run in the low stage most of the time and provide good humidity control.

The Carrier Infinity Green speed 25VNA4 has off the chart numbers of up to 24 SEER, 16 EER, and 51 decibels of noise. This is supposed to be truly variable. It would be very expensive if you bought two of these. You also have to consider the more complicated the machine, the more expensive it will be to repair. I think you would be comfortable with any of these. It is difficult to say how much the noise will be an issue.

That would be the Carrier Infinity 16, right? Would you recommend that over the Carrier Performance 17 or the American Standard Gold 17 (2-stage)? I'm also wondering where Rheem fits in with these choices because they also make a truly variable RP20.

Hearing that the Carrier 18VS makes odd noises when going into the OFF cycle, makes me think twice about that choice because one of the reasons we were going with Carrier was for the quietness.

Quietness from one brand or model to the next is typically referring to run time, while the unit is running. They will use words like "noise as low as"

If a unit is 50-60 DB when running vs a slightly noiser 70-72 DB you won't notice the difference between those "when running" -- it's unnoticeable by the human ear. The difference is in start up and in some cases shut off noises.

Those noises (start up / shut down) I doubt they are included in the noise level of the systems sound level as advertised. The hissing noise for this particular unit (Carrier 5 speed) --- I doubt you will find anything about it on line, except if you do a search on this board. The mfg's exist to sell you, not tell you of things you aren't going to like. That's my job, to inform you. (some on here like to roll eyes, stick noses up when I say anything here.)

There was a recent noise complaint on this board about Carrier install. Mike_home exhibiting some selective amnesia. That said the hissing noises the 5 speed machine makes when cycling off aren't what I would call "loud"... but noticeable. If you place it near a bedroom window, some people are light sleepers it would be annoying. That said it's not a good idea to place any condenser near a bedroom window. It's the quote unquote rule, for those that know better. ;-)

-------- The other problem that talks about repair costs and such --------

All major manufacturer's in USA in the all variable or inverter realm require their upper realm machine to be communicating or suffer a crippling of performance. These communicating attributes are things you pay for.

This is one such reason the Bosch Inverter stands alone. There are no communicating requirements to operate it. Start up and shut down of Bosch is virtually silent.

That would be the Carrier Infinity 16, right?

Yes it is the Carrier Infinity 2-stage 25HBN6.

Would you recommend that over the Carrier Performance 17 or the American Standard Gold 17 (2-stage)?

The Carrier website is showing a Performance 16 model number 25HCB6. The Performance 17 I believe is AC only. The Performance model efficiency numbers are similar for heating and cooling. The rated noise is 70 decibels. This model is probably the best value in terms of cost, efficiency, and features. It is also a 2-stage condenser.

The American Standard Gold 17 is also a 2-stage heat pump. The noise level is rated at 72-74 decibels. It may not the best choice if noise is a concern.

I recommend choosing the installer carefully. You may find equipment which is touted to be the absolute best, but it won't matter if the installer is not good or parts are not available when you need a repair. You need to consider this carefully before you make this big purchase.

Personally, I think the two stage systems are just fine if not oversized. The Carrier Performance two stage heat pump condenser paired with a FV4 air handler should have everything you need at a sensible price. The Performance 16 heat pump will give you 17 SEER with the FV4 air handler.

installer is not good or parts are not available when you need a repair.

Ironically enough I repaired a Carrier heat pump a few months ago in which the OEM motor wasn't available (back ordered). Customer had been told 5 to 6 weeks only to get that same response again 5-6 weeks later.

Equipment made here is merely assembled with parts that come from Mexico, China and else where. Did you hear about the chip shortage effecting autos? These kinds of shortages have the same type of effect on certain HVAC equipment / parts.

So regardless whether the unit was assembled in USA or not, part availability is a world problem. There is very little made in the USA. *assembled here* doesn't mean much when it comes to part availability.

If someone has what you want, you better buy it when you get the chance. NWO. Product availability (parts & equipment) is tight and there is no signs currently this is going to change anytime soon.

@sktn77a: "Personally, I think the two stage systems are just fine if not oversized."

I have a Carrier 50VR two-stage packaged heat pump controlled by a Honeywell T6 Pro thermostat. There are really three stages: two compressor-only stages plus a third auxiliary heat stage. Switching between stages 1 and 2 is completely controlled by thermostat but the thermostat provides the user some control over when auxiliary heat is invoked. The blower speed for stage-1 is set slower than that of stage-2 or stage-2+auxiliary. Result: heating is very quiet when the heat pump is in stage-1.

Yes, just for clarification, when I refer to "Two Stage" I mean a two stage condenser. Most (but not all) heat pump systems have electric strip Aux/Emergency heat built in to the air handler.