Description

Who the Performance 18 suits

The Carrier Performance 18 (26TPA8) fits homeowners in McHenry County and Lake County, IL, and the surrounding Chicago suburbs and southeastern Wisconsin who want a step up from a single-stage air conditioner without moving to a variable-speed system. Its two-stage compressor can run at reduced capacity on milder days, which means longer, gentler cycles, steadier room temperatures and better humidity removal when it is muggy. It works with a standard two-stage thermostat, so it is a practical choice for a 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-ton replacement of an aging system.

What you get with the 26TPA8

• Two-stage cooling for even comfort. On mild days the unit runs on its low stage and only steps up to full capacity in peak heat. Fewer on-off cycles mean fewer temperature swings between rooms.
• Better humidity control. Longer low-stage run times pull more moisture out of the air than a single-stage unit that cycles off quickly, which helps the house feel less sticky on humid days.
• Up to 18.5 SEER2 / 14.5 EER2. Carrier’s product data rates the 2-ton size at 18.5 SEER2 (3-ton 17.0, 4-ton 18.0, 5-ton 16.5); carrier.com summarizes the line as “up to 18 SEER2.” Both figures are Carrier’s own, and the rating for your home depends on the size and the indoor coil it is matched with.
• Quieter low-stage operation. Sound levels start at 67 dBA on the 2-ton unit in low stage (see the table below for each size). On the 2-, 3- and 5-ton sizes the low stage runs quieter than the high stage.
• InteliSense features (optional). Carrier’s InteliSense features are available only when the 26TPA8 is paired with the ecobee for Carrier smart thermostat. A standard two-stage thermostat also works; InteliSense is not required.

The 26TPA8 uses Puron Advance (R-454B), the lower-global-warming-potential refrigerant Carrier uses across its current residential AC line. R-454B cannot be added to an existing R-410A system, and an existing R-410A system does not need to be replaced simply because of its refrigerant.

Price and estimate

Installed from $7,950 for a 2-ton system. The prices below are complete installed packages from GSHA Services, LTD, not equipment-only prices.

System size	Installed package price
2 ton (26TPA824W003)	$7,950.00
3 ton (26TPA836W003)	$8,538.75
4 ton (26TPA848W003)	$9,387.50
5 ton (26TPA860W003)	$10,038.75

Carrier does not build the 26TPA8 in 1.5-, 2.5- or 3.5-ton sizes. If a load calculation calls for one of those, we will recommend a suitable Carrier model such as the Performance 16 (26SPA6).

What can change the final quote: the system size your home actually needs, the condition of the existing indoor coil, refrigerant line set and ductwork (the 26TPA8 requires a factory-approved R-454B indoor unit, so the indoor coil is usually part of the job), any electrical upgrades, local permit fees, your thermostat choice, and how accessible the equipment locations are. The in-home estimate is free.

Request an Installation Estimate or call (224) 220-3660.

Financing available with approved credit. See financing options.

Specifications

Specification	Carrier Performance 18 – 26TPA8
Model numbers	26TPA824W003, 26TPA836W003, 26TPA848W003, 26TPA860W003
Series	Carrier Performance
Cooling stages	Two-stage scroll compressor
Efficiency	Up to 18.5 SEER2 / up to 14.5 EER2 (Carrier product data; carrier.com lists up to 18 SEER2 / 14 EER2)
SEER2 by size	2 ton 18.5; 3 ton 17.0; 4 ton 18.0; 5 ton 16.5
Sizes available	2, 3, 4 and 5 tons (no 1.5, 2.5 or 3.5 ton)
Sound level (low / high stage)	2 ton 67 / 69 dBA; 3 ton 68 / 69 dBA; 4 ton 71 / 71 dBA; 5 ton 70 / 73 dBA
Refrigerant	Puron Advance (R-454B)
Thermostat	Standard two-stage thermostat or Carrier Thermidistat; InteliSense features require the ecobee for Carrier smart thermostat
Indoor unit requirement	Factory-approved R-454B indoor unit with refrigerant dissipation board
Carrier limited warranty	10-year parts, including compressor and coil, when registered within 90 days of installation; 5 years if not registered

Source: Carrier product data sheet 26TPA8-01PD and the carrier.com 26TPA8 product page.

Installation and warranty

Every installed package from GSHA Services, LTD includes the new outdoor unit set level on a composite pad, a new condensate line, sheet metal modifications and supply transition for a proper fit to the new indoor coil, a new electrical disconnect and whip with breaker or fuse protection per Carrier specifications, removal and disposal of the old equipment, refrigerant evacuation, vacuum, charge and leak test to EPA standards, permitting and inspection coordination, system start-up and safety inspection, homeowner orientation, and full system calibration with a follow-up performance check. Work is done to local code and safety standards.

Warranty, stated plainly. Carrier provides a 10-year limited parts warranty (including the compressor and coil) to the original owner when the equipment is registered with Carrier within 90 days of installation; unregistered equipment carries 5-year parts coverage. GSHA Services, LTD adds labor coverage for 10 years on this system. Taken together that is 10-year parts, compressor and labor coverage, but the labor portion applies only while the system receives annual GSHA maintenance, service by another company voids the labor coverage, and the equipment must be registered with Carrier. Our ComfortCare maintenance plan (two visits per year, heating and cooling) satisfies the annual maintenance condition.

GSHA Services, LTD is a Carrier dealer listed on carrier.com, with locations in Woodstock and Lake Bluff, IL. Read customer reviews on Google and the BBB. See our service area and the air conditioner installation page for how the process works.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Carrier Performance 18 (26TPA8) cost installed?

Installed packages from GSHA Services, LTD start at $7,950 for a 2-ton system and run to $10,038.75 for a 5-ton system. The final quote depends on system size, the condition of your indoor coil, line set and ductwork, electrical work, permits, thermostat choice and accessibility. The estimate is free.

What does two-stage cooling actually do for me?

It lets the air conditioner run at a lower capacity for longer stretches instead of running at full power and shutting off. You get steadier temperatures, better humidity removal and quieter low-stage operation on mild days; full capacity is reserved for the hottest afternoons.

Is the 26TPA8 rated 18 or 18.5 SEER2?

Both figures come from Carrier. The product data sheet rates the 2-ton size at 18.5 SEER2, while carrier.com summarizes the model as up to 18 SEER2. Ratings vary by size and by the indoor coil it is matched with: 3-ton 17.0, 4-ton 18.0 and 5-ton 16.5 SEER2 per the data sheet.

Do I need a special thermostat?

No. The 26TPA8 works with a standard two-stage thermostat or a Carrier Thermidistat. The optional InteliSense features only work with the ecobee for Carrier smart thermostat, which we can include in your quote if you want it.

What is R-454B, and does it affect my current air conditioner?

R-454B (Carrier calls it Puron Advance) is the lower-global-warming-potential refrigerant in Carrier’s current residential AC line. It cannot be added to an existing R-410A system, and your existing R-410A system does not need to be replaced just because it uses R-410A. GSHA Services, LTD continues to service and repair R-410A systems.

Is the 10-year labor warranty automatic?

No. Carrier’s 10-year parts warranty requires registering the equipment within 90 days. GSHA Services, LTD’s 10-year labor coverage applies only while the system receives annual GSHA maintenance; if another company services the system, the labor coverage ends.

Ready for a quote on the Performance 18?

Tell us about your home and we will size the system, confirm the indoor coil and line set requirements, and give you an installed price for your home. Request an Installation Estimate online or call (224) 220-3660.

Comparing Carrier models? See the Infinity 21 (26VNA1) variable-speed system, the single-stage Performance 16 (26SPA6) and Comfort 16 (26SCA5), or the full Carrier air conditioner price list.