Carrier 12.3 kW ducted system
$8,000–$15,000
estimated installed price
Cooling
12.3 kW
3.5 stars
Heating
13 kW
2.5 stars
Indoor noise
–
dB(A) sound power
Running cost
$857
a year, average zone, at 33c/kWh
Short answer
The Carrier 12.3 kW ducted system (38QSM125D8S/42QSM125D8S) is a 12.3 kW reverse cycle ducted rated 3.5 stars for cooling and 2.5 stars for heating in the average climate zone. Installed, expect $8,000 to $15,000; the label's figures put running costs near $857 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
- 38QSM125D8S/42QSM125D8S
- Type
- Ducted, reverse cycle (heats and cools)
- Cooling capacity
- 12.3 kW
- Cooling power input
- 3.62 kW
- Heating capacity
- 13 kW
- Heating power input
- 3.22 kW
- Annual efficiency, cooling (AEER)
- 3.36
- Annual efficiency, heating (ACOP)
- 3.98
- Indoor sound power
- –
- Outdoor sound power
- –
- Refrigerant
- R32
- Power supply
- Single-phase
- Demand response capable
- Yes
- Country of manufacture
- China
- Energy Rating registration
- AAC6779
- Registration valid until
- 2027-06-20
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 | 3.5 stars | 3,095 kWh 2846 cooling, 249 heating | $1,021 |
| AverageSydney, Adelaide, Perth | 3.5 stars | 2.5 stars | 2,596 kWh 970 cooling, 1626 heating | $857 |
| ColdCanberra, Hobart, Melbourne | 3.5 stars | 2.5 stars | 4,798 kWh 617 cooling, 4181 heating | $1,584 |
How it compares with other 10 to 14 kW units
- Cooling stars (average zone): 3.5 against a median of 2.5 across 473 10 to 14 kW ducted units, better than 88% of them.
- Estimated installed price for this size: $8,000 to $15,000. Brand and install difficulty move it within that band.
See the quietest and most efficient rankings.
Alternatives at 10 to 14 kW from other brands
Brivis 13.6 kW ducted system
AONSR15B1/AINHU15B1
5 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Brivis 10.3 kW ducted system
AONSR13B1/AINHU11B1
4.5 stars cooling · – dB(A)
ActronAir 10.5 kW ducted system
LRC-100CS / LRE-100CS
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Brivis 12 kW ducted system
AONSR13B1/AINHU13B1
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Kaden 10.5 kW ducted system
KDI36 / KDI36
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
Midea 10 kW ducted system
UCMI105OB/DUCMI105IHB
4 stars cooling · – dB(A)
FAQ
Carrier 38QSM125D8S/42QSM125D8S: common questions
How much does the Carrier 12.3 kW ducted system cost installed?
Typically $8,000 to $15,000 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 12.3 kW ducted system cost to run?
Using the energy label's annual figures at 33c/kWh: about $1,021 a year in a hot zone, $857 in an average zone and $1,584 in a cold zone. The label assumes typical use; yours will differ with hours, set temperature and insulation.
Where is the Carrier 38QSM125D8S/42QSM125D8S made?
The Energy Rating register lists the country of manufacture as China.
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