a girl rides her bike through a sustainable environment

Sustainability

At Carrier, we are committed to building a sustainable future for all. We strongly believe that protecting our planet is the right thing to do. We understand the impacts our industry has on the environment and are committed to being stewards for the long haul. We go beyond minimum regulatory standards with our products and our efforts throughout the industry to ensure we are taking care of our planet. Read more about Carrier Corporation’s 2030 ESG goals.

two chairs, green grass, and trees in a sustainable environment

Clearing the Air with Industry-Leading Solutions

We keep the environment in mind every time we design a new product or improve an existing one. We set rigorous environmental performance targets and apply the newest innovations to create the most sustainable solutions, so we can help protect the planet while creating industry-leading, energy-efficient comfort for our customers.

Decarbonization

What is exactly is decarbonization and how does it contribute to the environment?

Decarbonization is the effort to reduce carbon emissions through a number of methods. Electrification, utilizing lower GWP refrigerants, increasing energy efficiency standards, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas, and increasing reliance on “clean” sources of energy are all parts of the equation. Here is a closer look how each of these can play a role:

Electrification

As the name implies, electrification refers to the process of replacing fossil fuel or natural gas burning equipment with similar electric equipment, appliances, or systems such as Carrier heat pumps or ductless units. , Heat pumps can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 38-53% over a 15-year period and reduce 20-year global warming potential by 53-67% when compared to a gas furnace.¹ Additionally, high-efficiency electric units can save homeowners on utility costs.

Optimizing
Efficiency

This involves installing and using higher efficiency electric appliances, vehicles, HVAC equipment, and more. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides tax credits as an incentive for installation of higher efficiency HVAC systems. Many local utility companies are assisting this cause with rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances such as the ones Carrier offers.

Lower GWP
Refrigerants

Current HVAC systems using refrigerant with higher GWP ratings can contribute to carbon emissions through instances of refrigerant escapes into the atmosphere. Puron Advance™ is Carrier’s refrigerant of choice and the best solution to minimize environmental impact and energy use as a low-to-no GWP refrigerant.

a carrier dealer focusing on sustainability services a carrier air conditioner

Where does the HVAC industry fit in?

Residential and commercial buildings are collectively one of the leading contributors to energy usage and emissions (when combining direct emissions and indirect, electricity-related emissions).² Breaking it down further, HVAC systems represent more than half of the energy use in residential applications.³ By offering higher-efficiency, all-electric comfort solutions, HVAC manufacturers like Carrier can play a significant role in decarbonization.

a carrier dealer offers the ecohome financing program to a couple outside

Financing a Greener Tomorrow

We know that going greener is important to you and purchasing a high efficiency HVAC system can help you achieve this goal. At Carrier, we’re committed to providing total comfort by offering financing options with convenient monthly payments.⁴ Learn how Carrier’s EcoHome™ Program can help you maximize Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 savings while improving sustainability. In addition, local utility rebates may be available on some products to help reduce the overall expense of installing a new heating and cooling system.

Search for local rebates in your area.

Carrier: Your Source for Decarbonized Comfort

To help accelerate decarbonization, Carrier offers a comprehensive collection of electric product offerings, including our award-winning heat pumps, ductless systems, VRF systems, and geothermal comfort systems. Our all-electric solutions can replace natural gas or propane in virtually any installation or climate. Low GWP refrigerants are part of the equation as well.

a forced air heat pump focused on sustainability

Forced Air Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pump technology has evolved over the last 20 years leading to improved indoor comfort, all year long, in all regions. Our best heat pumps can provide warm, energy-efficient heating, even when it is below freezing outside. And depending upon the model, Carrier heat pumps offer ENERGY STAR^® certified efficiencies and several leading-edge comfort technologies.

a ductless split system focused on sustainability

Ductless Split Systems

Our all-electric ductless split systems offer high-efficiency operation while reducing the energy loss associated with forced-air systems (up to 20% of heating/cooling energy can be lost as air travels through ductwork⁵). Ductless systems also save electricity by providing heating or cooling to designated areas, not the entire home.

a VRF comfort system focused on sustainability

VRF Comfort Systems

VRF systems connect multiple indoor evaporator units with a single outdoor condensing unit. These all-electric, high-efficiency systems provide a truly zoned comfort experience while also reducing energy waste associated with forced air systems. They differ from ductless mini-split systems with their ability to vary the refrigerant flow to each evaporator unit and can provide both heating and cooling to different areas simultaneously.

a geothermal heat pump focused on sustainability

Geothermal Comfort Systems

Geothermal heat pump systems tap into the energy in a homeowner’s backyard – transferring heat to or from the earth to heat or cool the home. As a renewable energy source, geothermal energy reduces a home’s carbon footprint – geothermal heat pumps cut CO2 emissions by 25-65%.⁶ Geothermal heat pumps can lower home cooling and heating operating costs compared to forced-air HVAC systems, with savings as high as 70 percent.⁷

Dual-Fuel Systems

We understand that for many homeowners, replacing a gas furnace with an all-electric solution can be a tough sell. The compromise is a dual-fuel system which can cost less than converting an existing home to all electric. Replacing an aging air conditioner with a heat pump can help the home reduce its carbon footprint by reducing its reliance on gas or propane heating. By pairing an electric heat pump with a gas furnace, the system will alternate between the two heat sources for maximum efficiency, depending on outside temperatures.

a carrier dealer works with a homeowner on a carbon neutral future

Work Toward a Carbon-Neutral Future with Carrier

Find a Carrier expert here.

1 Study completed by UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center

2 https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/68214.pdf

3 https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/homes.php

4 Subject to credit approval. Ask for details

5 https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling/duct_sealing/benefits

6 https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/making-difference-geothermal-heat-pumps

7 Savings calculated using Carrier LoopLink^® software. Comparison based on simulation in Dallas, TX. Carrier 6-ton unit vs. standing pilot propane furnace, standard air conditioner and local fuel rates. Actual savings will vary based on configuration, weather, and local energy costs.