Carrier and Trane are the two top tier American HVAC brands. Both make excellent equipment, both have strong dealer networks, and both run $500–$1,500 more than mid tier alternatives.

Carrier’s edge: better inverter lineup (Infinity 26), stronger app/thermostat integration. Trane’s edge: legendary Spine Fin coil durability, slightly better warranty registration UX. In Florida, we slightly prefer Carrier for humidity control.