Carrier 5.3 kW ducted system
$6,500–$10,500
estimated installed price
Cooling
5.3 kW
3.5 stars
Heating
5.7 kW
2 stars
Indoor noise
–
dB(A) sound power
Running cost
$399
a year, average zone, at 33c/kWh
Short answer
The Carrier 5.3 kW ducted system (38QSM053D8S/42QSM053D8S) is a 5.3 kW reverse cycle ducted rated 3.5 stars for cooling and 2 stars for heating in the average climate zone. Installed, expect $6,500 to $10,500; the label's figures put running costs near $399 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
- 38QSM053D8S/42QSM053D8S
- Type
- Ducted, reverse cycle (heats and cools)
- Cooling capacity
- 5.3 kW
- Cooling power input
- 1.55 kW
- Heating capacity
- 5.7 kW
- Heating power input
- 1.49 kW
- Annual efficiency, cooling (AEER)
- 3.32
- Annual efficiency, heating (ACOP)
- 3.7
- Indoor sound power
- –
- Outdoor sound power
- 60.7 dB(A)
- Refrigerant
- R32
- Power supply
- Single-phase
- Demand response capable
- No
- Country of manufacture
- China
- Energy Rating registration
- AAC6382
- Registration valid until
- 2026-12-05
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 | 4.5 stars | 2.5 stars | 1,232 kWh 1096 cooling, 136 heating | $407 |
| AverageSydney, Adelaide, Perth | 3.5 stars | 2 stars | 1,208 kWh 409 cooling, 799 heating | $399 |
| ColdCanberra, Hobart, Melbourne | 3.5 stars | 2 stars | 2,338 kWh 264 cooling, 2074 heating | $771 |
How it compares with other Under 10 kW units
- Cooling stars (average zone): 3.5 against a median of 2.5 across 281 Under 10 kW ducted units, better than 90% of them.
- Estimated installed price for this size: $6,500 to $10,500. Brand and install difficulty move it within that band.
See the quietest and most efficient rankings.
Alternatives at Under 10 kW from other brands
ActronAir Aspire 7.3 kW ducted system
LRC-071DS / LRE-071DS
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Kaden 7.3 kW ducted system
KDI-7.0
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Kaden 7.3 kW ducted system
KDI24 / KDI24
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Midea 7.3 kW ducted system
UCMI70OC/DUCMI70IC
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Rinnai Ducted 7.3 kW ducted system
DONSR07B1LA/DINLR07B1A
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
ActronAir 7.3 kW ducted system
LRC-071CS / LRE-071CS
3.5 stars cooling · – dB(A)
FAQ
Carrier 38QSM053D8S/42QSM053D8S: common questions
How much does the Carrier 5.3 kW ducted system cost installed?
Typically $6,500 to $10,500 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 5.3 kW ducted system cost to run?
Using the energy label's annual figures at 33c/kWh: about $407 a year in a hot zone, $399 in an average zone and $771 in a cold zone. The label assumes typical use; yours will differ with hours, set temperature and insulation.
Where is the Carrier 38QSM053D8S/42QSM053D8S made?
The Energy Rating register lists the country of manufacture as China.
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