I have another question; they are now telling me there is only one ARHI number for both the air handler and the condenser. Is this true? Everything I've researched said there should be one for each

No you want a matching system. In your case it appears you have an inside air handler with an outside condenser-either HP of AC. They must be an AHRI match to get your rating numbers for SEER. I can‘t spend the time looking this up because AHRI revised their format and it is too time consuming. I personally think you are concerned about nothing. 16 SEER, I doubt it.

IMO

I entered the model numbers in the AHRI Directory. I found the AHRI Number is 201767913 You need to copy and paste the number in the search field. Surprisingly it says the SEER is 17 and the EER is 13. Do you have an AHRI number from the contractor? If you do it is easy to search for the result.

The 24APB630 condenser is a 16 SEER unit. But paired with the variable speed FV4 air handler, it should give you 17 SEER. Not sure where the 14.5 came from(?)

Not sure where the 14.5 came from(?)

Most likely sizing / sticker misappropriation would be an unlucky guess.

As equipment sizing goes up, SEER rating decreases. The model tells the story...

24APB*6* - represents 16 SEER the 30 on the end represent 2.5 ton. So because it's a smaller unit capacity wise, energy efficiency is usually a couple clicks better than what a larger capacity unit would be.

However as already stated, the ultimate SEER rating *whatever it is for your particular installed system* will vary depending on what it is matched with (indoor equipment), whether the line set is appropriately sized, whether the equipment is properly charged, whether the duct work is properly sized, hung etc. (But AHRI rating doesn't compare or match those stats! --- all of them effect efficiency)

There are disclaimers on any literature that efficiency will vary.

So even if you follow all the parameters at the end of the day the AHRI number is a number based on testing that was done in a lab, under perfect conditions and everything sized appropriately.

Just because your system has a high or low AHRI rating doesn't necessarily mean efficient operation if the system was improperly installed, improperly sized etc. The AHRI number is an educated guess as to what the efficiency of the unit *should* be and under various conditions like OAT, DB, WB, IAT etc.

As an example: an improperly charged system will not be energy efficient. So the AHRI rating in that case means nothing.

If your system is not operating properly: you got sold vapor, based on an AHRI number.

Here is the Carrier 24ACC6 summary. This condenser is rated "up tp" SEER 17 and EER 13. That means when this condenser is matched with specific air handlers or furnaces and for some sizess the SEER and EER ratings can reach those limits. The EER rating is the more important number in my opinion.

Carrier does not always code the maximum SEER performance in to the model number. What you have is a matched Carrier Performance condenser and air handler. It is a nice equipment if it was properly sized and installed.

Can you post a photo of the "14.5 sticker"? I am curious what the sticker represents.

The EER rating is the more important number in my opinion. (in my opinion, it's fodder for the non pro space)

The EER rating only means something when temperatures do not change. Like in a lab for example.

The "S" in SEER stands for 'seasonal'... the other three letters are the same as the previously mentioned acronym. I've explained this to Mike countless times before, but he is only a home owner stuck in his own mystical ways in New Jersey.

'If you read it on the internet, there's a good chance it's not true.'