There are a lot of bad reviews for Carrier on here. However, if you read Consumer Reports, Checkbook, Yelp or Angies List, they are loaded with information on how to avoid issues. The common theme in all of these publications/resources– Most problems, probably in excess of 90 percent, are caused by faulty installation and/or poorly trained personnel or lack of regular maintenance. When I talk to friends about replacing their equipment, I suggest a $26 subscription to Consumer Reports or a $30 subscription to checkbook.org. Their response: I am not spending that. It’s a waste. Really? You will drop down $3,000 to $10,000 to replace some or all portions of your HVAC system and risk having problems which may end up in you spending double and/or being miserable to avoid spending $30? What about maintenance–changing filters, having your system checked, coils cleaned, etc? Very few people have their unit serviced but most people change their filters. You should have your system totally checked out at least every other year. Would you drive your car 10-15,000 miles without changing the oil? You shouldn’t be surprised if you never maintain your system that you don’t have problems. In 2009, we installed a Carrier Infinity hybrid heat system with the above 2 stage 80 percent furnace, Infinity 19, 2 stage heat pump, Infinity air purifier, and whole house humidifier. I cannot say enough good about this system or the folks that installed it. It performs flawlessly, is extremely quiet inside and out, our utility bills are the lowest on the block and our house is very comfortable on all floors. About four years ago, we added the Carrier UV lights and I installed them myself. We have yet to have a cold or sinus infection but one or two times since I installed this system. Carrier runs promotions with cash rebates during portions of the year and there were tax credits galore during that time. The dealer that installed it and services it is a Carrier Presidential Award winner and the company has glowing reviews. The system has never needed repair. If you have a good company install it, let them come do the maintenance. Do your research before you call someone (and definitely don’t use Sears) and if you have problems–call a licensed, reputable Carrier dealer, not just any old company. I would make the same choice again with the equipment and the installer. More often than not good things are seldom cheap and cheap stuff is seldom good. Same for labor–good skilled labor isn’t cheap and cheap labor isn’t skilled. However, those folks who had Carrier condensing furnaces in pre-2010–those were riddled with problems. The two stage A/C and heat pump units that had Bristol 2-stage compressors—problems. Check with Carrier to see if there is recourse but always go through a properly licensed, reputable Carrier dealer.