Carrier Performance™ Series 96 – 59SP6 Review

Square Footage	Furnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home	40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home	60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home	60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home	80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home	100,000 to 120,000 BTU

Carrier Performance™ Series 96 – 59SP6 Furnace Review

The Carrier Performance™ Series 96 – 59SP6 is a mid-range, high-efficiency gas furnace that blends affordability with dependable performance. Featuring a single-stage burner and a variable-speed ECM blower motor, it’s designed to deliver consistent comfort, quiet operation, and notable energy savings.

With an ENERGY STAR®-qualified 96.5% AFUE efficiency rating, this model can significantly reduce your annual heating costs—especially if you’re upgrading from an older, less efficient furnace.

This detailed review will walk you through the Performance 96 – 59SP6’s key features, specifications, pricing, warranty, and comparisons with other Carrier models—so you can decide if this furnace is the right fit for your home.

About the Carrier Performance 96 – 59SP6

Average Installed Price: $5,000 – $5,600

The Performance 59SP6 offers reliable performance and impressive efficiency for its price point. Though it’s not the most advanced model in Carrier’s lineup, it delivers many premium features that enhance comfort and energy control.

Top Features

Secondary Heat Exchanger: Captures additional heat from exhaust gases, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.
Condensing Operation: Maximizes energy use while minimizing fuel waste and heat loss.
Variable-Speed ECM Blower: Provides quiet operation, improved humidity control, and consistent airflow.
Energy Efficient Design: Its high AFUE and ENERGY STAR certification make it eligible for possible rebates.
Advanced Motor Technology: ECM motors are quieter, more durable, and require less maintenance than traditional models.
Smart Thermostat Compatible: Works seamlessly with the ecobee or other compatible smart thermostats for enhanced climate control.

Bottom Line

The Carrier Performance 59SP6 is a solid option for homeowners seeking a reliable, efficient, and quiet single-stage furnace. While it lacks the multi-stage heating of higher-end models, it still provides superior comfort compared to basic furnaces thanks to its variable-speed ECM blower.

This blower adjusts airflow gradually, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduce humidity fluctuations, and eliminate hot or cold spots.

The inclusion of a secondary heat exchanger also enhances energy recovery from combustion gases—further boosting efficiency.

Though Carrier furnaces generally come at a higher price than many competitors, the 59SP6’s energy savings, rebate potential, and durability make it a smart investment for small to medium-sized homes in mild to moderately cold climates.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
AFUE Efficiency	Up to 96.5%
Burner Type	Single-stage
Blower Type	Variable-speed ECM motor
ENERGY STAR Certified	Yes
Average Installed Price	$5,000 – $5,600

Features Overview

As part of Carrier’s Performance Series, the 59SP6 is compatible with several of the brand’s comfort-enhancing technologies:

ComfortFan™ Technology: Allows you to control the fan’s ON mode speed directly through a compatible thermostat.
SmartEvap™ Technology: Works with your air conditioner to manage summer humidity, reducing moisture for better indoor comfort.
Hybrid Heat® Compatibility: Lets you pair the furnace with an electric heat pump for a dual-fuel system, automatically switching between gas and electric to optimize energy use.
Comfort Heat® Technology: Learns your home’s heating patterns and adjusts operation to maintain steady, even warmth with fewer temperature swings.

Other Key Features

Operates on natural gas but easily convertible to propane using a standard kit.
Fully insulated cabinet and sealed combustion system reduce noise during operation.
Can be paired with a two-stage air conditioner or heat pump for advanced humidity control.
Equipped with a two-speed inducer motor for smoother, quieter performance.

Warranty Information

Carrier provides strong protection for the Performance 59SP6 furnace:

Heat Exchanger Warranty: Lifetime (if registered within 90 days); otherwise, 20 years.
Parts Warranty: 10 years (if registered within 90 days); otherwise, 5 years.

⚠️ To receive full warranty benefits, the unit must be registered within 90 days of installation. Installation must also be performed by a licensed HVAC professional to keep the warranty valid.

Comparable Carrier Models

Model Comparison by Price: 59SP6 vs. Infinity 96 – 59TN6

The Infinity 96 – 59TN6 is a premium-tier model, typically costing about $1,000 more, with an average installed price between $6,000 and $6,600.
While both models have similar efficiency (up to 96.7% AFUE), the Infinity 96 includes two-stage operation, providing smoother performance, quieter heating, and improved humidity control.
The Performance 59SP6, however, remains a great value if you want high efficiency without the added cost of advanced controls.

Model Comparison by Features: 59SP6 vs. Infinity 98 – 59MN7

If you’re comparing the Performance Series to the best Carrier offers, the Infinity 98 – 59MN7 is the flagship model. It features modulating gas operation, variable-speed performance, and an exceptional 98.5% AFUE rating.

This top-tier furnace costs $7,500–$8,100 installed and includes Greenspeed® Intelligence, Carrier’s advanced technology that optimizes temperature, humidity, and sound performance for ultimate comfort.
While the 59SP6 doesn’t match the 59MN7’s sophistication, it offers excellent value at nearly half the cost.

Model Comparison by Tier: 59SP6 vs. Performance 59TP6

Both furnaces belong to the Performance Series and share many similarities—96.5% AFUE efficiency, variable-speed blower motors, and ENERGY STAR certification.

The Performance 59TP6, however, adds a two-stage gas valve, which allows it to run more efficiently at low capacity most of the time. This means quieter operation, steadier temperatures, and better humidity control—though at a slightly higher price point.

For homeowners seeking a balance of cost and comfort, the 59SP6 remains a strong mid-range choice.

Final Verdict

The Carrier Performance™ 96 – 59SP6 delivers excellent efficiency, dependable heating, and quiet operation in a mid-range package. While it lacks the two-stage or modulating features of premium models, it still outperforms most single-stage furnaces thanks to its variable-speed ECM blower and secondary heat exchanger.

If you want Carrier quality, ENERGY STAR efficiency, and long-term savings without the top-tier price tag, the Performance 59SP6 is a smart investment—especially for homes in moderate climates or those upgrading from older, less efficient systems.