Air Conditioning Buying Guide

Repair or Replace?

Learn what's best for you.

An air conditioner is a long-term investment that will keep you comfortable for many years to come.   If your unit is more than 10 years old, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it with a newer unit offering greater efficiency and lower operating costs. The sooner you upgrade to a better, more efficient system, the sooner you could start to save money on your energy bill.

If you decide you are not ready to replace, be sure to keep your air conditioner running smoothly with regular maintenance.

It's all about energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of central air conditioning systems is compared using a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) value. SEER refers to the unit's cooling efficiency—the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the unit. The United States government's minimum standard is 13 SEER. An increase in SEER value from 10 to 11 represents an increase in efficiency of approximately 10% and a decrease in operating costs of approximately 10%.

When shopping, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol that clearly identifies energy-efficient products. By selecting an ENERGY STAR® labeled model, you could save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the life of your equipment.

Other things to consider

Size

When determining the size of unit best for you, you should consider the size of your home and the number of windows it has.  Bigger is not better.  In fact, an oversized unit will increase the purchase price and cause inefficient operation. In addition, it will not adequately lower the humidity, resulting in an unpleasantly cold and damp home.

Noise

The system rating for the sound level of central air conditioning is measured in Bels. The lower the Bels rating, the quieter the unit will be for you and your neighbours. The industry standard maximum sound for new air conditioning equipment is 7.6 Bels. For every 0.3 Bels lower, the sound is reduced by one half.

Scroll Compressor

The compressor pumps refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Many central air conditioners have a reciprocating compressor, which operates much like a small engine. Alternatively, a scroll compressor has fewer moving parts, which is quieter and more efficient.

2-Speed Outdoor Fan

An air conditioner with a 2-speed outdoor fan operates on low speed 90% of the time, automatically switching to high speed when the outside temperature soars. The result is lower operating costs plus less noise outside—something you and your neighbours will appreciate.

Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant

410a is an alternative refrigerant to R-22 Freon, which is damaging to the ozone layer because it contains chlorine. Look for 410a on select models from Bryant, Tempstar and Trane.

Air Filtration

If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to consider an air filtration system to help reduce symptoms. You can add an air filtration system to your central air conditioner.

Costs

The price of a new cooling system depends on factors such as the size of your home, the number of windows and trees nearby, whether ductwork needs to be installed, and more. One of our expert Comfort Advisors will be able to provide an estimate based on your home and your needs.