Installing a new central air conditioning system in your home is a big decision. With so many different brands available, there are many options to consider. You’ll want to look at how energy efficient the units are, including the SEER ratio, the warranty, cost, and what features come with the air conditioner.
It’s important to know that the square footage of your home will help determine the cost of your air conditioner installation. The bigger the home, the most costly the unit and installation. Before looking at the best central air conditioner brands, it’s good to know what a SEER is, and how it may affect your decision.
What is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Each air conditioning unit has a SEER rating, letting you know its level of energy efficiency. The SEER rating is the cooling output during the summer, divided by the total electric energy input of the air conditioner during the same cooling-season. You want an AC unit with a higher SEER, as that means it is more efficient. It will keep your home cooler while costing you less on your monthly energy bill.
Canada’s 8 Best Central Air Conditioners
1. Carrier
When it comes to energy efficiency, Carrier is one of the best. Carrier air conditioners have one of the highest SEERs on the market right now, scoring a 21 SEER rating to make them a top contender. They also come with a great warranty so, in the rare case you were to encounter any problems, you will have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered.
You want an air conditioner that comes with many great features, and Carrier covers its bases. For example, the Carrier Performance Series 24ACC6 was in the top last year for top innovative features. That model comes with an air cleaner system to improve the quality of your home’s air, an evaporator UV lamp, as well as built-in ventilation to keep your home cool and the air clean. While the price range can be higher than other models and brands, repairs tend to be affordable. With Carrier, you know that you’re getting your money’s worth. With great customer service and special financing, Carrier is an reputable company to consider buying from.
There are many different models of Carrier air conditioners, including Performance 17 24ACB7, Performance 16 24ACC6, Performance 13 24ACB3, Infinity 21 24ANB1, Infinity 19VS 24VNA9, and many more. Costs of installation and units will vary depending on the selected model and square footage of your home.
Cost: An air conditioner from Carrier Air Conditioners can cost between $1750 – $2200 plus installation fees, depending on the square footage of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
2. Goodman
Goodman has been a dependable company for a long time. Their air conditioner units are also very energy efficient, the units scoring up to a 19 SEER, making them a good choice for air conditioners. They also come with a great warranty. Last year, the Goodman model GSXC18 was considered to have one of the best central air conditioner warranties in Canada against several other brands. That model comes with a 10-year unit and part replacement, as well as a lifetime compressor warranty. Another great feature about Goodman model air conditioners is the price. These models’ prices tend to veer lower compared to other brands.
Goodman has many models to choose from for your home’s central air conditioning. These models include but aren’t limited to the Goodman DSXC18, the Goodman DSXC16, the Goodman GSX16, and the Goodman GSX14. With great features and a great price, this brand is one of the best air conditioner brands in Canada. If you’re looking for a mid-range price option that will still give you the quality you’re looking for, Goodman may be the brand for you.
Cost: An AC unit from Goodman Central Air Conditioners can cost between $1100 – $2000 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
3. Trane
Trane has become a household brand when it comes to the best air conditioners in Canada. One of the features that Trane is known for is their extensive warranties and long lifespan. Similarly to Goodman, they have a 10-year warranty for labour and parts. While their energy efficiency is still decently high, scoring a 14 SEER, it’s more of a mid-range option for efficiency. They also have great customer service and special financing options which might appeal to some homeowners.
One model to look out for is the Trane model XL18i TruComfort. This particular air conditioning unit comes with one of the highest warranties on the list. It comes with a 12-year warranty on the compressor and a 10-year warranty for parts. It also scores higher on the SEER scale than their other units, coming in at an 18. Another notable model is the Trane model XL16i. It comes with an advanced diagnostics system, allowing the unit to recognize and locate any problems the unit or system may be experiencing.
Again, prices will vary depending on the size of your home and which unit you decide to go with. Some popular air conditioning models from Trane include the Trane XR14, the Trane XL16i, the Trane XR16, the Trane, XR17, and many others. If you’re looking for a great warranty on parts and labour, an advanced diagnostics system, and many other great features out of your air conditioning unit, check out Trane.
Cost: An AC unit from Trane Central AC Units can cost between $2250 – $3200 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
4. Rheem
All around, Rheem central air conditioners have great features, prices, and warranties that make the company one of the best air conditioner brands in Canada. Their units are incredibly efficient, with SEER ratings climbing all the way to 20, and come with long-lasting warranties to ensure you’re covered for many years to come. Their prices are some of the lowest you’ll see on the market, as well as this list. For instance, their model the Rheem Classic RA14 has a low unit and installation cost of around $3450.
Rheem takes pride in the various air conditioning models they offer. These models include the Rheem Classic RA13, the Rheem Classic RA14, the Rheem Classic RA16, the Rheem Classic Plus RA17, and the Rheem Prestige RA20. Rheem air conditioners come with low prices, great warranties, and many features offering the best central air conditioning in Canada to consider for your home.
Cost: An AC unit from Rheem Air Conditioners can cost between $950 – $1900 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
5. Lennox
Lennox air conditioners are well-known for their astonishing energy efficiency. Their SEER ratings are higher than their competitors on most models, including models with a score of 23.5. That is the highest SEER rating on the list. One model of theirs, the Lennox Elite Series model XC16, comes with a smart system that can learn what temperature your family prefers and assist with thermostat programming. It works with your thermostat to keep your home temperature regulated to your liking and can be easily adjusted for your changing needs.
Another model that has received praise is the Dave Lennox Signature Collection’s model SL18XC1. It comes with a good sound rating, because homeowners can barely hear it when it’s in operation. Along with their premium efficiency, sound, and temperature regulation scores, they also come with a long-lasting warranty to keep you covered.
Their air conditioning units fall on the more pricey side, and installation costs will also vary. While the price of these units may not be the most compelling part about Lennox units, the remaining features are. Lennox models consistently do well with homeowners, because they are built with quality and have a good reputation for durable HVAC products. Its energy efficiency, smart system, and many other advantages have been keeping homeowners cool and happy for many years.
Cost: An AC unit from Lennox HVAC Units can cost between $2000 – $4000 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
6. York
Another very energy-efficient air conditioning brand is York. York has been keeping customers satisfied for many years with their quality units. A unit that was praised for its energy efficiency from York is the York Affinity Series model YXV has a SEER up to 19.5, making it a contender in the market. They also have a notable warranty attached to each unit. For instance, the previously mentioned unit comes with a 10-year parts warranty, 1-year labour warranty, and a limited lifetime compressor warranty. Another thing homeowners like about York air conditioning units is how quiet they are. They come with a feature called QuietDrive, where the system is installed with a feature designed to keep your air conditioning unit quiet.
York central air conditioners come in a wide range from budget starter units to advanced systems for larger homes. With a large selection, noise reduction features, and high SEER ratings for many units offered by this company, York remains a top contender for the best central air conditioner in Canada.
Cost: An AC unit from York AC Units can cost between $1100 – $2400 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
7. Ruud
Another well-rounded brand is Ruud. The energy efficiency of a Ruud air conditioning unit is good, with an average SEER rating of around 16 for its units. This makes it a mid-range option, which will work fine for many homes. For something a little better, the Ruud Achiever Plus Series model UA17 has a SEER of 17, making it both cost-effective and energy-efficient. The warranty that comes with these units is also an attractive selling point. The previously mentioned model comes with a long-lasting warranty. The parts have a 10-year warranty, and the unit itself comes with a 10-year conditional warranty as well. This way, if you ever find yourself having problems with your central air conditioning system, you’ll be covered for a decade at least. With great customer service and special financing features as well, Ruud is definitely a contender.
Ruud Central Air Conditioners has many different models that range in energy efficiency. These include the Ultra UA20, the Achiever Plus UA17, the Achiever 16, the Achiever 14, and so on. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient option that doesn’t come at too high of a price, consider a Ruud air conditioner.
Cost: An AC unit from Ruud Central Air Conditioners can cost between $1100 – $1700 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
8. Heil
Heil offers some of the best central air conditioners in Canada. Top end models have a SEER score of 19. Along with the energy efficiency, there are many other benefits to these units. They come with 10-year comprehensive warranties. Heil air conditioners also come with an advanced noise reduction system. Many of these features are found in the Heil QuietComfort Series model HSA5. These units are built to keep quiet in your home.
Some Heil air conditioners also come with different features to ensure that your unit keeps going strong throughout the years. This includes protective corner posts, steel features, components that will resist corrosion over time, and a baked-on finish to keep your unit strong and protected for many years to come.
Heil Air Conditioning has an incredibly wide range of AC units. Some of the units with the best SEER rating are the Deluxe 19 HVA9 Smart Sense, the Deluxe 17 HCA7, the Quiet Comfort HSA6 16, the Performance N4A7, and the Performance N4A5. This brand offers durable AC units with mid-range efficiency. Also, you’ll find a Heil at a price much lower than their competitors.
Cost: An AC unit from Heil Air Conditioners can cost between $895 – $1400 plus installation fees, depending on the size of your home. For more complex installations, like HVAC systems that need retrofitting, the cost will be higher.
Install your new air conditioner this summer
No matter what air conditioner unit you choose, make sure you hire a reputable and experienced HVAC company to install it. They can help you purchase the right air conditioner system for the size of your home and specific needs. If your cooling system is not sized properly for your home, you’ll lose in either home comfort or in energy efficiency. When hiring a pro, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’ll install it correctly. In some cases, your current HVAC and ductwork will have to be retrofitted for your new central air conditioner. For expert advice, quality products, and customer service, always hire a reputable HVAC company to purchase and install your air conditioner.
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