Equipment error code

Carrier code 26

High pressure trip — the compressor or control detected refrigerant pressure above the high-pressure switch or electronic threshold.

Equipment: air conditioner
Brand: Carrier
Source checked: 2026-03-01

What this code means

High pressure trip — the compressor or control detected refrigerant pressure above the high-pressure switch or electronic threshold.

Source: Carrier Infinity Control / Outdoor Unit Service Guide — Fault Code 26 (37-9000-01) · checked 2026-03-01

Which models show it

Carrier/Bryant Infinity and Performance series split systems with outdoor diagnostic codes — 24ANB1, 24ACC6, 24SCA5, and heat pump 25HCC5 variants.

What is actually happening

Outdoor unit shuts down; indoor fan may still run. Code 26 latches until reset after pressures fall to safe range.

Is it safe to keep running?

Do not keep restarting the AC while code 26 repeats. High head pressure can damage the compressor.

Shut it down when

Outdoor fan not spinning, burning smell at condenser, or repeated trips within an hour.

What a homeowner can safely check

Confirm the outdoor disconnect is on and nothing blocks the condenser coil (plants, debris).
Check that the outdoor fan runs when the AC is on — a stopped fan is a common trip cause.
Replace a dirty indoor filter — low airflow raises head pressure.
Verify all supply registers open; closed zones on some systems raise pressure.

When to stop

Fan does not spin at the outdoor unit.
Hissing at the line set or oil stains on copper.
Trips return after one clean filter cycle.

Likely causes ranked

1. Dirty condenser coil or failed outdoor fan motor
How a tech confirms: Measures head pressure and fan amp draw; cleans coil or replaces fan motor.
Typical repair: $175–$650 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide
2. Indoor airflow restriction (filter, coil, blower)
How a tech confirms: Static pressure and split measurement; inspects evaporator.
Typical repair: $150–$450 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide
3. Non-condensables or overcharge
How a tech confirms: Recover and weigh charge; pressure-temperature analysis.
Typical repair: $250–$750 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide
4. Failed high-pressure switch or stuck TXV
How a tech confirms: Verifies switch with gauges; tests superheat and subcooling.
Typical repair: $300–$950 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide

Is this the end of this unit?

Compressor damage from repeated high-pressure trips on units over 12 years often means full system replacement — compare repair to new SEER2 equipment.

How to clear the code

Fix airflow and outdoor fan issues, wait five minutes for pressures to equalize, then power cycle outdoor disconnect once.

Why clearing is not fixing it: Code 26 clears when pressure falls — without fixing fan, airflow, or charge, head pressure spikes again on the next run.

Which trade to call

Call a licensed hvac contractor who works on air conditioner equipment. Gas, refrigerant, and combustion faults are not general handyman jobs.

More codes from this brand

Symptom guide: Air Conditioner Not Cooling

FAQ

What does Carrier code 26 mean?

High pressure trip — refrigerant pressure exceeded the safe high limit.

Can a dirty filter cause code 26?

Yes. Low indoor airflow raises head pressure and can trip code 26 on split systems.

Should I add refrigerant for code 26?

No — high pressure usually is not low charge. Adding refrigerant without diagnosis can worsen damage.

Typical code 26 repair cost?

$150–$650 for airflow or fan issues; $300–$950 for charge, switch, or TXV work.

Code 26 in heat pump mode?

Same high-pressure logic applies in cooling and some defrost transitions — service gauges are required.

Source

Source — Carrier Infinity Control / Outdoor Unit Service Guide — Fault Code 26 (37-9000-01). Checked 2026-03-01.