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Continental Air Conditioner Review
Your complete Continental air conditioner buying guide, including top models, prices, SEER ratings, features, warranty info, and more. Get your free quote quickly & easily!
If you’re on the fence about a Continental air conditioner, you may want to check out the guide below. We’ve compiled some handy facts to assist you in making an informed decision, and we offer comparisons to help make the task easier. We sort through the strengths and weakness of the brand, look at warranty options and cover special features that are unique to Continental. We’ve also contrasted models side by side so you can determine what suits your needs.
Also Read: The Best Central Air Conditioners for Canadians
Continental Air Conditioners, At a Glance
Strong Points
Continental has a fair amount of features that make it a good buy for the long-term. Most parts pull double-duty, such as the swept fan blades that maximize airflow and also reduce noise from the operation. The filter drier operates similarly, keeping out dust and debris from your unit but also increasing longevity by preserving performance.
Room For Improvement
There are only three models and various sub-models that differ by weight. Of these models, just a few are ENERGY STAR® certified. Though all units are efficient and have nifty features, there may not be enough selection for a homeowner.
The Bottom Line
Continental offers a good warranty for parts and the compressor if you register soon after purchase. The air conditioning units are solidly built and are meant to be reliable since the brand truly cares about their customers. The lack of choices though may deter some people, but the options that exist are decent contenders in the market.
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General Price Range for Continental Air Conditioners
$3,000 – $6,000 (with installation)
The final cost is a composite of dealer and manufacturer promotions, the price of the model tier, and the cost of installation. If your unit is harder to install because it’s in a tricky spot or requires special techniques, a technician will charge more for the job. Prices cited may also vary due to seasonal and regional promotions in your area along with these other factors:
- Unit size and BTU cooling output
- Where you live (rural versus urban, HVAC competition in the area, licensing requirements in your city or town, etc.)
- Efficiency rating
- Installation complications
- Energy efficiency or other rebates
Introduction to the Continental Air Conditioner Series
Good – 13 SEER
This affordable unit has a SEER of 13 and is a reliable cooling unit for your home. The filter drier improves air quality as well as ensures your air conditioner stays running as it should, which maintains longevity. The eco-friendly refrigerant that is part of your unit doesn’t impact the ozone in the environment, and refrigerant use is minimized in the first place since the micro-channels use less fluid, to begin with.
Better – 14 SEER
This air conditioner is efficient and keeps your home cool. It uses micro-channel coils to enhance cooling while using less refrigerant. It also doubles as a dehumidifier, so your home remains comfortable. Air quality is also taken care of by the filter drier that keeps our dirt and debris from your refrigerant. Swept wings operate quietly, so you’re not bothered by the noise when outside.
Best – 16 SEER
The only Continental model that is ENERGY STAR certified with a 16 SEER rating. It has all the quality touches of a Continental air conditioner, meaning that the filter drier keeps your home air environment clean and the swept wings ensure that your unit doesn’t make more noise than necessary. It also features a dehumidifier that makes your home comfortable during those hot summer days.
Model Breakdown and Comparison
What are Warranty and Overall Grades? These grades are calculated using FurnacePrices.ca's own proprietary algorithm which weighs a range of criteria to generate an easy-to-compare score.
Warranty Grades take into account several warranty terms & exclusions found in the fine print to make it easier for ordinary homeowners to compare warranty coverage without having to tediously dig through dense warranty documents.
Overall Grades weigh general factors like efficiency and features, as well as the warranty grade. Note that a model with a low grade is not necessarily a bad choice (more affordable models will usually always score lower). The grades are meant more to make it easier to compare the relative strength of different models. A high end model will score better but also cost a lot more and not necessarily be the ideal option for everyone, just like a sports car will score higher than a minivan in many aspects but isn't necessarily the ideal choice for the average family (despite what your significant other may try to argue!)
Comparison of Continental’s Top Models
16 SEER
This premium model has a 16 SEER and can dehumidify your home in addition to cooling it. It is ENERGY STAR certified, so you are eco-friendly with this air conditioner unit as well as saving dollars on your energy bills.
Micro-channel condenser coils are durable and use less refrigerant for the same effect. The filter drier ensures that your air quality remains high and consistent, keeping debris out of your unit. WHISPER QUIET™ technology reduces the sound from your unit as it works.
16 SEER
SEER – 16
Air conditioner type – Split-system
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Premium
14 SEER
This 14 SEER air conditioning unit that is eco-friendly since it uses micro-channel condenser coils. It means less refrigerant is used and the overall unit can be smaller. The swept fan blades dampen the sound of operation and increase airflow.
The filter drier keeps your home air quality clean and ensures that your air conditioner operates ideally and for a long time. Chlorine-free refrigerant doesn’t contribute to the ozone depletion so you can rest easy knowing your unit is environmentally-safe.
14 SEER
SEER – 14
Air conditioner type – Split-system
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Mid
13 SEER
This Continental model is quiet and efficient, with a 13 SEER rating and various technologies to dampen the sound. Swept fan blades provide optimal airflow and reduce noise. The added air filter helps to keep your air quality consistent and clean, by removing debris.
The unit is designed to last a long time and be easy to maintain and micro-channel condenser coils mean the overall size of the group is smaller and that less refrigerant is used.
13 SEER
SEER – 13
Air conditioner type – Split-system
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Low
Exclusive Continental Features
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WHISPER QUIET™ Operation
Swept fan blades help to minimize noise while maximizing air flow. They are made of aluminum, and the hub is made of plated steel to last you years to come.
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Micro-Channel Condenser Coils
These coils are small, which allows for your typical unit to be physically smaller and weigh less. The tiny coils also mean less refrigerant is used to cool your home, which is environmentally-friendly.
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Filter Drier
Protects your air conditioner by keeping debris out of your refrigerant and lets it run optimally to preserve the longevity.
Important Warranty Information
Continental has pretty good coverage for their air conditioners. With registration, you get a 10-year limited warranty on the compressor and a 10-year limited warranty on parts. However, if you don’t register, you’re still applicable for the base warranty, which knocks the 10 years down to 5.
Be a happy homeowner when you purchase an Continental air conditioner. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.
CONTINENTAL – ABOUT THE COMPANY
Continental was founded in Barrie, ON by Wolfgang Schroeter in 1976 and started with wood stoves. Eventually, they grew into HVAC, and their market expanded throughout Canada and America. They worked with customers to design what their market wanted and coming up with innovations that make being a homeowner a joy. Their commitment to reliability and honesty makes them a contender in the air conditioner market.
Eager to learn more about Continental air conditioners? Fill out an online quote request, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.
