I have a couple of Panasonic units which work well but my choice for the new house is down to these two brands that work out at virtually the same price. Without getting sidetracked into other makes, which gets your vote?

Carrier seem to have a good service and dealer network, their EER values look ok too, Don't think much of the Panasonics I have seen after a few years running.

I do not have any experience in Carrier but my house has 6 Panasonic Inverter air conditioners. They are super quiet and energy saving. I am very satisfied with their performance.

Relevant link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p50bdw3JCOU

I have several 9k Panasonic's (only one run full time) and when buying new unit chose Mitsubishi and very happy with that choice as much more sturdy construction and quiet and much stronger fan - but choice was based on a much higher EER for inverter model than the Panasonic. The Panasonic is rather noisy (but that is an advantage where used).

Carrier seem to have a good service and dealer network, their EER values look ok too, Don't think much of the Panasonics I have seen after a few years running.

I looked at mitsu and samsung, the samsung was half the price nearly for a 12k btu, its quiet and I figure after 2 years i can throw it out and get a new one and still be in front.

Go for Samsung air conditioner and LED TV. Past 15 years one small problem only with one of my air.

Carrier makes Units for other brands sold here.Just a different bage.Cant remember the names,you can see it after you look at a Carrier.I use Saijo Denki Inverters now.Bit too quiet,foreget to turn them off.