Since you have a Carrier Infinity furnace, then I would recommend you get the Infinity thermostat. It will control the two stages of the furnance intelligently, and provide diagnostics such static pressure readings.

What model coil do you currently have? Coils don't have a SEER rating. The SEER rating is a combination of furnace, coil, and condenser. You may be able to find a Carrier Performance condenser wiith an approved AHRI match.

Don't know the model of the coil. It wasn't replaced when we got the furnace a few years ago, so I was told that it would have to be replaced now. It's about 8 years old, and I believe I was told it could only handle up to a 12 SEER unit.

carjeff

what thermostat are you using at this time with your Carrier MVB80 two stg furnace?

Carrier Performance and Bryant Preferred AC condensers are basically identical to each other except for cosmetics. You would need the best matching "ATA" coil for performance/efficiency numbers.

You can not achieve full functionality of the MVB or MVC Infinity furnace without the matching Infinity controller. I would recommend the Performance 15 or Performance 16 condenser-same in Bryant Preferred line.

IMO

Tigerdunes,

I'm currently using a Honeywell thermostat (don't know the model #). What "functionality" of the Infinity furnace am I missing due to not having an Infinity controller - that's the exact info I'm trying to find. Do I need the full functionality of the Infinity controller, or is it overkill for my needs. Also, the Performance 17 is listed as a 2-stage scroll, while the Performance 15 isn't - is that a big deal. Thanks for your advice

Can your Honeywell thermostat operate a 2 stage furnace correctly. Worst case it only works in the high stage, or best case it starts in the low stage and after a fixed period of time goes to the high stage regardless of the indoor or outdoor temperature conditions. The Infinity controller will dedide which stage (low or high) to operate for best comfort.

The 2-stage condenser will provide better comfort on days were there is high humidity. The Infinity controller has a cool to dehumidify feature. It will operate the AC in the low stage for longer periods of time to lower the humidity. The doubt the Honeywell thermostat will be able to do this effectively.