Carrier Global (ICP)
Tempstar, Heil, and Comfortmaker are the same equipment from ICP (International Comfort Products), a subsidiary of Carrier Global. The same factories, the same components, the same part numbers. The brand name differences reflect different distributor channels and dealer relationships within Carrier Global’s ICP network.
If you have a Tempstar system, any Heil, Comfortmaker, or ICP-trained contractor can service it using the same parts from the same supply chain.
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What Tempstar makes
Tempstar’s product line mirrors Heil’s exactly:
Tempstar TempStar series (premium) — variable-capacity and two-stage equipment; ICP Ion communicating system for full variable-capacity staging.
Tempstar Performance series (mid-tier) — two-stage; standard 24V wiring; compatible with any thermostat.
Tempstar Achievement series (entry-level) — single-stage; 80% or 95% AFUE furnaces; standard efficiency AC.
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Is Tempstar a good brand?
Tempstar is Heil is Comfortmaker — same equipment, same factory, same components. The brand name you get depends on which ICP distributor and dealer channel your contractor works through.
At the mid-tier (Performance series), Tempstar is competitive with Rheem Classic Plus and York LX. At the premium tier (TempStar with Ion thermostat), it’s a genuine communicating system.
Tempstar vs. Heil: mechanically identical. Price depends on local dealer agreements and market pricing. If you get quotes for both, the difference (if any) is dealer margin, not equipment.
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What a Tempstar system costs (installed)
Data note: Cost ranges from BidSmart regional bid data. Tempstar typically prices similarly to Heil at the same tier. Get 2–3 local quotes.
| System type | Achievement (entry) | Performance (mid) | TempStar (premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace (replacement) | $2,800–4,200 | $4,200–6,500 | $6,500–10,000 |
| Central AC (replacement) | $3,500–5,200 | $5,200–7,800 | $7,800–12,000 |
| Heat pump (replacement) | $4,200–6,200 | $6,200–9,000 | $9,000–14,000 |
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How to find your Tempstar’s age
The rating plate is on the inside of the furnace front panel or the side of the outdoor unit cabinet. Tempstar serial numbers use ICP format — call ICP/Tempstar support at 1-888-442-7247 with the full serial and model number.
Record the decoded date — along with the model number, warranty, and service history — in HomeDoc. It keeps everything in one place when you need a service quote or are deciding whether to repair or replace.
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Tempstar furnace flash codes
Tempstar furnaces use the same LED flash code system as Heil, Comfortmaker, and other ICP/Carrier family brands. → See Carrier Furnace Fault Codes — codes are shared across the ICP brand family.
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Common Tempstar system problems
- Furnace not heating: Furnace Not Heating
- AC not cooling: AC Not Cooling
- Outdoor unit won’t start: capacitor — Capacitor Guide
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Thermostat compatibility
Tempstar Achievement and Performance series: standard 24V wiring. Compatible with any thermostat.
Tempstar TempStar variable-capacity: uses ICP Ion communicating system. Standard 24V works for basic operation; Ion thermostat required for full variable-capacity control.
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Tempstar vs. Heil vs. Comfortmaker
These three are genuinely the same physical equipment sold under different regional dealer badges, all manufactured by Carrier Global’s ICP division. If you’re comparing quotes across these three names, you’re comparing the same engineering with different nameplates and dealer support networks, not different underlying products. The more useful comparison is between your local dealers for each badge, not the brand names themselves.
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Buying guides and cost
- Best Furnace Brands — where ICP/Carrier Global brands rank
- How Much Does a New Furnace Cost? — installed cost ranges
- IRA Tax Credits for HVAC Equipment — qualifying heat pumps and 96%+ AFUE furnaces may be eligible for federal credits
