Carrier 9.1 kW split system
$3,400–$4,800
estimated installed price
Cooling
9.1 kW
3.5 stars
Heating
10.1 kW
2 stars
Indoor noise
51
dB(A) sound power, quieter than 99% of its size
Running cost
$702
a year, average zone, at 33c/kWh
Short answer
The Carrier 9.1 kW split system (38QHB090N8-1/42QHB090N8-1) is a 9.1 kW reverse cycle wall split rated 3.5 stars for cooling and 2 stars for heating in the average climate zone. Installed, expect $3,400 to $4,800; the label's figures put running costs near $702 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
- 38QHB090N8-1/42QHB090N8-1
- Type
- Wall split, reverse cycle (heats and cools)
- Cooling capacity
- 9.1 kW
- Cooling power input
- 2.59 kW
- Heating capacity
- 10.1 kW
- Heating power input
- 2.9 kW
- Annual efficiency, cooling (AEER)
- 3.51
- Annual efficiency, heating (ACOP)
- 3.48
- Indoor sound power
- 51 dB(A)
- Outdoor sound power
- 64.4 dB(A)
- Refrigerant
- R32
- Power supply
- Single-phase
- Demand response capable
- Yes
- Country of manufacture
- China
- Energy Rating registration
- AAC8823
- Registration valid until
- 2030-06-15
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 | 4 stars | 3 stars | 2,316 kWh 2141 cooling, 175 heating | $765 |
| AverageSydney, Adelaide, Perth | 3.5 stars | 2 stars | 2,125 kWh 717 cooling, 1408 heating | $702 |
| ColdCanberra, Hobart, Melbourne | 4 stars | 1.5 stars | 4,554 kWh 448 cooling, 4106 heating | $1,503 |
How it compares with other 9 kW and up units
- Cooling stars (average zone): 3.5 against a median of 3 across 105 9 kW and up wall split units, better than 79% of them.
- Indoor sound power: 51 dB(A) against a median of 64.8 dB(A), quieter than 99%.
- Estimated installed price for this size: $3,400 to $4,800. Brand and install difficulty move it within that band.
See the quietest and most efficient rankings.
Alternatives at 9 kW and up from other brands
Westinghouse 9.1 kW split system
WSD91HWB-I/WSD91HWA-E
4 stars cooling · 61.7 dB(A)
ActronAir Serene 9 kW split system
WRC-090DS / WRE-090DS
4 stars cooling · 64.8 dB(A)
Midea EOS 9 kW split system
MFEP90VB-W/MFEP90VB-N
4 stars cooling · 64.8 dB(A)
Kaden 9 kW split system
KSI-9.0
4 stars cooling · 65.2 dB(A)
Midea Venus 9 kW split system
MFAG90VB-W/MFAG90VB-N
4 stars cooling · 65.2 dB(A)
Rinnai TX Series 9 kW split system
HONRTX90/HINRTX90
4 stars cooling · 65.2 dB(A)
FAQ
Carrier 38QHB090N8-1/42QHB090N8-1: common questions
How much does the Carrier 9.1 kW split system cost installed?
Typically $3,400 to $4,800 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 9.1 kW split system cost to run?
Using the energy label's annual figures at 33c/kWh: about $765 a year in a hot zone, $702 in an average zone and $1,503 in a cold zone. The label assumes typical use; yours will differ with hours, set temperature and insulation.
Where is the Carrier 38QHB090N8-1/42QHB090N8-1 made?
The Energy Rating register lists the country of manufacture as China.
Is the Carrier 9.1 kW split system quiet?
Its registered indoor sound power is 51 dB(A), against a median of 64.8 dB(A) for 9 kW and up wall split units, so it's quieter than about 99% 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.
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