Carrier Performance™ Series 96 – 59TP6 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® 96 – 59TP6 Review

Thinking about a Carrier furnace for your home? You’re probably wondering, “Are Carrier furnaces good?” or “How much does a Carrier furnace cost?”
This detailed review of the Carrier Performance® 96 – 59TP6 will answer those questions and more.

The Performance 96 – 59TP6 is a two-stage, variable-speed furnace designed for exceptional comfort, quiet operation, and reliable heating performance — ideal for most Canadian homes.

Overview

Average Installed Price: $5,000 – $5,600
AFUE: 96.5%
Burner Type: Two-Stage
Blower Type: Variable-Speed ECM
ENERGY STAR® Certified: Yes

Key Features

Two-Stage Heating: Automatically adjusts between low and high stages for consistent warmth and improved energy savings.
Variable-Speed ECM Blower: Maintains steady airflow, enhances humidity control, and reduces noise.
Secondary Heat Exchanger: Maximizes heat transfer for higher efficiency and less fuel waste.
SmartEvap™ Compatibility: Works with your AC system to reduce humidity and moisture buildup.
Hybrid Heat® System Ready: Can operate as a dual-fuel system when paired with a compatible heat pump and thermostat.
Comfort Heat Technology: Learns your home’s heating patterns to deliver precise, even temperatures.
Quiet Performance: Heavy insulation and a sealed cabinet minimize noise and air leakage.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Can be used with ecobee or other compatible smart controls.

The Bottom Line

The Carrier Performance 96 – 59TP6 offers an excellent balance of comfort, efficiency, and performance.
Its two-stage burner, variable-speed motor, and secondary heat exchanger ensure consistent heating even during extreme Canadian winters — all while keeping noise to a minimum.

Although Carrier products come at a premium price, the Performance 96 is rebate-eligible and will deliver long-term savings on heating bills.
It’s an excellent choice for homeowners seeking high efficiency and dependable comfort without paying top-tier prices.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
AFUE	96.5%
Burner Type	Two-Stage
Blower Type	Variable-Speed ECM
ENERGY STAR Certified	Yes
Installed Price Range	$5,000 – $5,600

Features Overview

The Performance 96 – 59TP6 operates exceptionally quietly, thanks to its insulated cabinet and variable-speed blower.
It’s also equipped with SmartEvap™ technology, which reduces indoor humidity when paired with an air conditioner — keeping coils dry and air fresh.

When combined with a compatible thermostat and heat pump, the furnace can switch between gas and electric operation (Hybrid Heat®) for even greater energy efficiency.

Carrier’s Comfort Heat Technology is another highlight — it anticipates heating needs based on previous cycles, reducing temperature swings and enhancing comfort.

Additional Highlights

Insulated and heavy-gauge steel cabinet ensures durability and quiet operation.
Hot surface ignition system improves reliability and minimizes fuel use.
Multiple fan-speed settings available when paired with the right thermostat.
Aluminized-steel primary heat exchanger ensures long-lasting performance.
Propane convertible for flexible fuel options.
Two-speed inducer motor enhances efficiency and quiet operation.
Excellent humidity management when used with a humidifier or compatible two-stage air conditioner.

Warranty Coverage

Carrier provides a lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year limited parts warranty — provided the furnace is registered within 90 days of installation.

If registration isn’t completed, coverage drops to 20 years on the heat exchanger and five years on parts.
Always ensure your furnace is installed by a licensed HVAC professional to maintain full warranty protection.

While Carrier’s warranty is reliable, it’s not the most extensive in the market — some mid-range brands offer longer coverage periods.

Model Comparisons

1. Performance 96 – 59TP6 vs. Infinity 96 – 59TN6

Price: $6,000 – $6,600 (installed)

The Infinity 96 – 59TN6 is a premium-tier model with a slightly higher 96.7% AFUE and compatibility with the Infinity System Control and Ideal Humidity System™.
Functionally, the two furnaces are quite similar — both are two-stage, variable-speed units with excellent efficiency.

Verdict: The Infinity offers more advanced smart features, but for most homes, the Performance 96 provides nearly identical comfort for about $1,000 less.

2. Performance 96 – 59TP6 vs. Comfort 95 – 59SC5

The Comfort 95 – 59SC5 is an entry-level, single-stage furnace with a 96.5% AFUE and a multi-speed blower motor.
It’s more affordable but doesn’t match the quiet operation or consistent heating of the Performance model.

Verdict: The Comfort 95 is a good budget-friendly option for smaller homes, but the Performance 96 offers superior comfort and humidity control.

3. Performance 96 – 59TP6 vs. Performance 96 – 59SP6

Both belong to the same tier, but the 59SP6 is a single-stage furnace, making it less capable of maintaining even temperatures.
It shares the same AFUE and variable-speed blower but costs slightly less.

Verdict: The 59TP6 is the better choice for larger homes or colder climates due to its two-stage operation and enhanced comfort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quiet, energy-efficient, and reliable mid-range furnace, the Carrier Performance® 96 – 59TP6 is an excellent investment.
It offers many of Carrier’s top technologies without the premium price of the Infinity series — making it one of the best-value Carrier furnaces for Canadian homeowners.