Carrier 2.6 kW split system
$1,500–$2,500
estimated installed price
Cooling
2.6 kW
6 stars
Heating
2.8 kW
3.5 stars
Indoor noise
55.3
dB(A) sound power, quieter than 34% of its size
Running cost
$141
a year, average zone, at 33c/kWh
Short answer
The Carrier 2.6 kW split system (38QAG026N8/42QAG026N8) is a 2.6 kW reverse cycle wall split rated 6 stars for cooling and 3.5 stars for heating in the average climate zone. Installed, expect $1,500 to $2,500; the label's figures put running costs near $141 a year in an average-zone home.
Prices are estimates, not quotes (how we estimate them). Rebate rules checked September 2026.
Compare 3 quotes for my houseFull specifications
- Brand
- Carrier
- Model numbers
- 38QAG026N8/42QAG026N8, 38QHG026N8/42QHG026N8-1, 38QRG026N8/42QRG026N8
- Type
- Wall split, reverse cycle (heats and cools)
- Cooling capacity
- 2.6 kW
- Cooling power input
- 0.53 kW
- Heating capacity
- 2.8 kW
- Heating power input
- 0.53 kW
- Annual efficiency, cooling (AEER)
- 4.98
- Annual efficiency, heating (ACOP)
- 5.16
- Indoor sound power
- 55.3 dB(A)
- Outdoor sound power
- 57.8 dB(A)
- Refrigerant
- R32
- Power supply
- Single-phase
- Demand response capable
- Yes
- Country of manufacture
- China
- Energy Rating registration
- AAC7705
- Registration valid until
- 2028-08-12
Star ratings and running cost by climate
The Zoned Energy Rating Label rates each unit for three climates. Annual energy is the label's estimate for typical use in that zone; the cost applies 33c/kWh, around the 2026–27 default electricity offer. Use the running cost calculator for your own hours and tariff.
| Climate zone | Cooling stars | Heating stars | Energy a year | Cost a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HotBrisbane, Darwin | 6.5 stars | 4 stars | 459 kWh 418 cooling, 41 heating | $152 |
| AverageSydney, Adelaide, Perth | 6 stars | 3.5 stars | 427 kWh 146 cooling, 281 heating | $141 |
| ColdCanberra, Hobart, Melbourne | 6.5 stars | 3 stars | 822 kWh 91 cooling, 731 heating | $271 |
How it compares with other 2.5 kW units
- Cooling stars (average zone): 6 against a median of 5 across 247 2.5 kW wall split units, better than 91% of them.
- Indoor sound power: 55.3 dB(A) against a median of 54.5 dB(A), quieter than 34%.
- Estimated installed price for this size: $1,500 to $2,500. Brand and install difficulty move it within that band.
See the quietest and most efficient rankings.
Alternatives at 2.5 kW from other brands
AUX 2.6 kW split system
ASW-H27A4/CAR3DI
7 stars cooling · 52.4 dB(A)
Rinnai JX Series 2.6 kW split system
HONRJX25/HINRJX25
7 stars cooling · 52.4 dB(A)
Rinnai T Series 2.6 kW split system
HONRT25B / HINRT25B
7 stars cooling · 54.3 dB(A)
Hisense Air Q 2.5 kW split system
HAWU9KR
7 stars cooling · 59.2 dB(A)
Haier 600 Series Q 2.5 kW split system
1U25MAEFRA / AS25QCEHRA
7 stars cooling · 61.9 dB(A)
ActronAir Serene 2.6 kW split system
WRC-026CS / WRE-026CS
6.5 stars cooling · 50 dB(A)
FAQ
Carrier 38QAG026N8/42QAG026N8: common questions
How much does the Carrier 2.6 kW split system cost installed?
Typically $1,500 to $2,500 supplied and installed in 2026 for a standard job at this size. Longer pipe runs, a new circuit, a second storey or removing an old unit add to it. Get up to three local quotes for your actual install.
How much does the Carrier 2.6 kW split system cost to run?
Using the energy label's annual figures at 33c/kWh: about $152 a year in a hot zone, $141 in an average zone and $271 in a cold zone. The label assumes typical use; yours will differ with hours, set temperature and insulation.
Where is the Carrier 38QAG026N8/42QAG026N8 made?
The Energy Rating register lists the country of manufacture as China.
Is the Carrier 2.6 kW split system quiet?
Its registered indoor sound power is 55.3 dB(A), against a median of 54.5 dB(A) for 2.5 kW wall split units, so it's quieter than about 34% of them. Brochures quote a lower sound pressure figure on the lowest fan speed; the register measures every model the same way.
Brand names and logos are trademarks of their owners, shown to identify the brands we compare. We are independent and not affiliated with any manufacturer.
Get quotes for your air con
Free and takes about two minutes. Check your rebate, then up to three licensed local installers quote the job.
Compare 3 quotes