KeepRite Brand Air Conditioner Review & Buying Guide

Your complete KeepRite air conditioner buying guide for 2022, including top models, prices, SEER ratings, features, warranty info, how the brand compares to others, and more.

This guide will help you decide if a KeepRite air conditioner is right for your home by talking about pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, and what real Canadian consumers and HVAC experts have to say about the brand.

Article Contents

• Review of Keeprite’s Strengths and Limitations
  • Strengths
  • Room for Improvement
  • Bottom Line
• Keeprite Air Conditioner Model Series Overview
  • Performance Series
  • Ion Series
• Model Breakdown and Comparison
  • CVA9 Ion 19
  • CCA7 Ion 17
  • CSA6 Ion 16
  • CSA5 Ion 15
  • N4A7 Performance 17
  • N4A6 Performance 16
  • NXA6 Performance 16
  • N4A4**C Performance 14
  • NH4A4 Performance 14
  • N4A5 Performance 14
  • NXA4 Performance 14
  • N4A3 Performance 13
  • Keeprite's Quietest Air Conditioners
• Exclusive Features
  • Ion™ System Control
  • SmartSense™ Technology
• Warranty Analysis
• Is a Keeprite Air Conditioner Right for Me?
• Keeprite Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats
• About the Company
• Keeprite FAQs

Should you be in the market for a new KeepRite air conditioner, we can help. This guide will give you comprehensive information on the KeepRite brand, as well as a comparison of their available units, warranty coverage, how they compare to the competition, unique features, and much more.

Also Read: The Best Central Air Conditioners for Canadians

Review of Keeprite’s Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Keeprite provides Canadian consumers with an array of affordable air conditioning units to suit their unique circumstances.

They have single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed models with SEERs ranging from 13 to 19. No matter where in the country you live or what type of space you need to cool, this brand is sure to have something for everyone—including people in harsher coastal regions.

The company puts emphasis on making durable air conditioners that have additional design elements to protect from corrosion, damage, debris, and basic wear and tear.

Many of Keeprite’s high-efficiency units boast ENERGY STAR® certification, and that could mean increased rebate eligibility. Keeprite already makes some of the most economical air conditioners on the market, but who doesn’t want to save as much money as possible?

Something else to like about Keeprite is that they offer a better warranty than some other brands when it comes to their premium-tier units.

Room for Improvement

If you’re searching for a simple and powerful air conditioner, then Keeprite is an excellent choice. However, if you want a cooling system that comes with a little more flair, then you’ll likely be disappointed with Keeprite’s limited selection of unique features.

The only special technology that Keeprite has is compatibility with their smart thermostat, the Ion™ System Control. This is only available with their premium-tier units.

While this device does give you access to some cool additional options and features, such as Wi-Fi access to your system settings, it’s nothing special compared to other smart thermostats, and you do have to purchase it separately from the A/C.

Another thing about KeepRite is that they haven't introduced any ultra-high-efficiency air conditioners. Their most efficient model has a SEER of 19, so this might not be the brand for people living in hotter climates like the Southern States. Mind you, Canadian summers are typically milder than that, and most people here don’t need an A/C that’s more efficient than SEER 18.

Bottom Line

Keeprite is a reliable economy-priced A/C manufacturer, so if you're looking for an air conditioner on a budget, then this is a great brand to consider.

They offer very comprehensive warranty coverage with their premium-tier models, they have a decent selection of air conditioners with standard- to high-efficiency SEERs, and they have a good choice of compressor styles.

Although KeepRite doesn’t really have any special features or unique technologies, they do build air conditioners that are designed to last, and KeepRite models are available at a more affordable price compared to a lot of other brands on the market.

➤ Get the BEST Prices on KeepRite air conditioners: Fill out a free quote request here

Keeprite Air Conditioner Model Series Overview

Value: Performance Series

One thing to know about Keeprite is that they have eliminated their mid-range air conditioner tier, and now they only have their entry-level Performance models and their premium-tier Ion models.

The KeepRite Performance air conditioners are affordable, entry-level models that promise standard to high SEER ratings and lasting, reliable performance.

The models in this value tier are some of the most economical ones on the market. There are single- and more powerful two-stage options, and they have SEERs ranging from 13 to 17. A few even have ENERGY STAR certification, and this could increase rebate eligibility.

The Performance series is also where you'll find KeepRite’s compact air conditioner and the model they’ve designed for coastal regions. One thing about these models is that they only come with standard warranty coverage, whereas the Ion models come with superior protection.

Premium: Ion Series

The most efficient options that KeepRite has to offer are found in the Ion Series of air conditioners. There are single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed models in this tier, and they boast SEER ratings between 15 and 19.

Along with having more high-efficiency options, the Ion models are also more powerful and more capable at cooling larger homes, and they’ll save you more on energy bills over time.

Furthermore, every model in the Ion line is compatible with the Ion System Control, a proprietary smart thermostat that has some great additional features that can reduce energy costs and enhance comfort.

These air conditioners also have some additional design elements that reduce operational noise, and the higher-end Ion models are among the quietest from the brand.

Finally, the Ion series offers better warranty coverage. It includes a standard parts warranty as well as a No Hassle Replacement warranty.

Model Breakdown and Comparison

CVA9 Ion 19

Read Full CVA9 Ion 19 Review

Featuring a high-efficiency variable-speed compressor with SmartSense™ technology, the CVA9 Ion 19 is the most efficient and powerful model that Keeprite has to offer. Thanks to the variable-speed compressor and variable-speed fan, this air conditioner can run most of the time at low speeds to deliver a constant supply of cool air to the house, all while reducing energy costs. With a whisper-quiet performance as low as 56 decibels, you’ll hardly realize that this unit’s delivering premium cooling the whole summer long. This model is also compatible with the Ion System Control, it offers excellent humidity control, and it comes with Keeprite’s premium-tier warranty. Plus, it has all the additional features the brand offers to reduce corrosion and protect the unit from damage.

• Compressor: Variable-speed
• SEER: Up to 19
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 56
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Canadians who need a capable cooling system to keep larger homes comfortable through extended heat waves or periods of high humidity. This type of air conditioner is among the most advanced on the market, and while it might be a little more powerful than most Canadians need, it’s still going to offer a decent balance between purchase price, energy savings, and efficiency.

CCA7 Ion 17

Read Full CCA7 Ion 17 Review

Hot weather is no match for the powerful two-stage operation of the premium-tier CCA7 Ion 17. The two-stage operation means the unit can run at the lower speed for longer periods to conserve energy and maintain the temperature. When the mercury rises, it also has a higher cooling output to keep up with the increased demand. The Ion 17 has a SEER efficiency rating of up to 17 and ENERGY STAR certification, so not only will it save you on energy bills, but it should also qualify for high-efficiency rebates. This model has been made with many features to extend the life of the system, and it’s compatible with the Ion System Control, a smart thermostat that can provide some great additional features.

• Compressor: Two-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Anybody in Canada who needs a powerful high-efficiency air conditioner that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and that isn't bogged down with too many special features or novel technologies. The Ion 17’s two-stage operation and high-efficiency SEER make it capable of cooling just about any home in Canada, all while lowering monthly energy bills.

CSA6 Ion 16

Read Full CSA6 Ion 16 Review

KeepRite’s CSA6 Ion 16 air conditioner is a premium-tier unit, but it’s one of the more basic ones. It has a single-stage compressor and single-speed fan, so it won’t offer quite the same efficiency or even temperatures as the two-stage or variable-speed models from the Ion series. But it does have an efficient scroll compressor, and it’s still an affordable high-efficiency model that will reduce your summer cooling costs. This model also has features to reduce operational noise and increase corrosion-resistance and longevity. Like the other Ion models, it’s compatible with the Ion System Control and has a unit replacement warranty, though it’s not as long as with the Ion 17 and Ion 19.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 16
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 69
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Homeowners with a smaller budget who want an affordable high-efficiency air conditioner that will keep their homes cool and cost less to operate than an older model with low or standard efficiency. The Ion 16 is a more basic single-stage model, but it still has a high-efficiency SEER and smart thermostat compatibility, so it will be capable of cooling most homes in Canada.

CSA5 Ion 15

Read Full CSA5 Ion 15 Review

The CSA5 Ion 15 is KeepRite’s most basic and affordable premium-tier air conditioner. It has single-stage operation, a single-speed blower motor, a standard-efficiency SEER of 15, and no ENERGY STAR certification. This air conditioner should still be suitable for many homes in Canada, but it does fall a little short of the ideal efficiency range for this country, 16 to 18 SEER. Despite being a little more basic than the other premium-tier models, the Ion 15 still has the same sound-reducing features, design elements to protect the unit and increase longevity, and compatibility with the Ion System Control.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 15
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 74
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Canadians who don’t have high cooling demands through the summer months and want an economical air conditioner that will save money and reduce energy consumption compared to older and less efficient models. If you have slightly higher cooling demands and still want to save money, then you might want to consider a more efficient and slightly pricier model that will save you more on energy bills and might qualify for more rebates.

N4A7 Performance 17

Read Full N4A7 Performance 17 Review

Keeprite’s N4A7 Performance 17 is a quality air conditioner that has a number of selling features and boasts several advanced design elements. This is a two-stage air conditioner paired with a two-stage blower motor, so it’s going to be more efficient, quieter, and better at managing moisture and maintaining the right temperature. Not only is this an affordable high-efficiency model, but it’s also going to save you plenty on annual cooling bills, and it could be eligible for more rebates than standard-efficiency air conditioners. Thanks to the design elements, this Keeprite cooling system won’t have any trouble competing with summer heat waves or high humidity, even if you live in a larger home.

• Compressor: Two-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 71
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Homeowners on a budget who want a high-efficiency air conditioner that has some sophisticated design elements but not any novel features or cutting-edge technologies. The N4A7 has the perfect SEER for Canadian summers, and the two-stage operation will mean lower energy bills and a more comfortable home compared to an older and less efficient single-stage A/C.

N4A6 Performance 16

Read Full N4A6 Performance 16 Review

This ENERGY STAR-certified economy-tier air conditioner shows that effective cooling comfort doesn’t always have to come with a massive price tag. The KeepRite N4A6 Performance 16 is a dependable single-stage unit with a SEER efficiency rating of up to 17. This A/C should be capable of cooling most homes in Canada, despite the standard compressor and fan style. Furthermore, it will reduce your summer cooling costs compared to a less efficient air conditioner. Plus, the ENERGY STAR certification could increase rebate eligibility, which would make it an even more affordable choice for homeowners on a budget. This model doesn’t have any bells and whistles in terms of features, technologies, or compatibilities, but it has been designed with corrosion-resistance and easy maintenance in mind.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Canadians who are looking for an economical high-efficiency air conditioner that isn't laden with special features or unique technologies. The Performance 16 is a standard air conditioner, but it has been built with quality components that are designed to last. Not only is this model affordable to buy, but it will also be cost-effective to operate and could qualify for rebates.

NXA6 Performance 16

Read Full NXA6 Performance 16 Review

The budget-friendly NXA6 Performance 16 is one of the most affordable high-efficiency options that KeepRite has to offer. You can rest assured knowing that this ENERGY STAR-certified single-stage air conditioner can keep you comfortable throughout the whole summer, all while reducing energy bills month after month. This is a more basic air conditioner because of the single-stage operation, but it has a few design elements that increase efficiency and make it more capable of cooling homes with slightly higher demands for summer temperature control. The NXA6 is not only affordable and cost-saving, but it will probably also qualify for high-efficiency rebates that could save you even more money.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 16
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 76
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Canadians with a tight budget who are looking for a high-efficiency air conditioner that doesn’t cost a lot and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but that will perform reliably for many summers. The NXA6 is pretty basic in terms of design elements, but the high-efficiency SEER and ENERGY STAR certification mean better cooling performance, lower energy bills, and a higher chance for rebate eligibility.

N4A4**C Performance 14 Coastal Design

Read Full N4A4**C Performance 14 Coastal Design Review

The N4A4**C is a single-stage air conditioner with a standard efficiency rating. What makes this model special is that it has been specially designed to withstand salt and pollutants in sea air, so it’s more durable and more corrosion-resistant than a standard air conditioner. This model will be great for people who live on the Pacific Coast or in parts of the Maritimes, but before diving in, make sure the unit will be powerful enough for your home. Because of the lower efficiency rating and basic compressor, it might not be able to handle extended heat waves or high humidity, especially if you're trying to cool a larger home.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 72
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Canadians who live in coastal areas and who have trouble with corrosion because of salt and pollutants in the air. This model has a standard-efficiency rating and single-stage compressor, so it will likely perform best in a smaller space or more temperate part of Canada.

NH4A4 Performance 14

Read Full NH4A4 Performance 14 Review

The NH4A4 Performance 14 is KeepRite’s compact air conditioner for multi-family housing. It has been specially designed with a smaller cabinet so that it fits in spaces where a standard-sized A/C wouldn’t fit, and that includes condos, townhomes, apartments, and duplexes or triplexes, as well as homes on narrow lots. Another thing that makes this model better for multi-family housing is the quiet operation, as it’s less likely to bother the neighbours. All that said, the NH4A4 is a rather basic air conditioner. It has a single-speed compressor, single-stage blower motor, and a mid-efficiency SEER of 14, so it will perform best in smaller spaces with lower cooling demands.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 66
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: People who live in multi-family housing and need an affordable air conditioner. The compact design of the NH4A4 makes it ideal for smaller spaces where standard air conditioners wouldn’t fit. Just be sure this model is powerful enough to keep your home cool because it only has standard components and a mid-efficiency SEER.

N4A5 Performance 14

Read Full N4A5 Performance 14 Review

The N4A5 Performance 14 is one of KeepRite’s most basic air conditioners. It’s one of their most affordable models and also one of the more economical ones on the market. However, it has a lower efficiency rating, a more basic single-stage compressor, a standard single-speed blower motor, and no ENERGY STAR certification. This value air conditioner doesn’t have any of KeepRite’s technological compatibilities nor any of the additional design features to reduce noise. Because of the more basic design and standard efficiency, it will perform best in homes with lower cooling demands during the summer months.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 75
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Canadians who live in parts of the country with milder summers that don’t have long heat waves or periods of high humidity. It could also be great for people in smaller homes that don’t need a lot of cooling power. If you have a small budget for a new A/C and aren't looking for an overly powerful model or special features, then the Performance 14 could be a great air conditioner to consider.

NXA4 Performance 14

Read Full NXA4 Performance 14 Review

The NXA4 Performance 14 is a standard air conditioner with a single-stage compressor, single-speed fan, mid-efficiency SEER of 14, and no ENERGY STAR certification. Because of the lower SEER rating and more basic design elements, this air conditioner will perform best in smaller homes, houses in temperate parts of Canada, or any home with lower summer cooling demands. Further, this unit won’t reduce energy bills the way a high-efficiency model could, and it might not qualify for a lot of rebates. All that being said, if this model is powerful enough for your home, then it will be an incredibly affordable and dependable air conditioner that keeps you cool for many summers.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 75
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Homeowners who have smaller homes or don’t mind keeping their houses on the warmer side in summer. The mid-efficiency SEER and single-stage compressor may not be powerful enough if you live in a large home or somewhere that gets hot or humid summers. But if you have lower cooling demands and are looking for a very economical air conditioner, then the Performance 14 might fit the bill.

N4A3 Performance 13

Read Full N4A3 Performance 13 Review

The Performance 13 is KeepRite’s most affordable and most basic air conditioner. It has a single-stage compressor paired with a single-speed blower motor, a standard-efficiency SEER of 13, and no ENERGY STAR certification. Because of the more rudimentary design specifications, this air conditioner will probably work best in smaller spaces. Alternatively, it could work well in milder parts of the country where heat waves and high humidity aren't an issue. You will have to be sure this model is powerful enough for your home, so it’ll be important to have a licensed HVAC installer do a proper load calculation. And just be aware that while this model will be very economical, it falls short of the 16 to 18 SEER range that’s typically perfect for Canada, so it won’t save you as much on energy bills compared to a high-efficiency model.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 13
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 74
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Homeowners with a smaller budget for a new air conditioner who have lower cooling demands because they live in a small space or a temperature part of Canada that doesn’t experience extreme heat/humidity in summer. The Performance 13 is a very basic air conditioner with a standard-efficiency rating, so it will be affordable to buy but will only produce moderate energy savings compared to a high-efficiency A/C.

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Keeprite’s Quietest Air Conditioners

Noisy air conditioners can make it harder to enjoy summer activities, and most manufacturers have started taking steps to reduce noise and encourage quieter comfort.

KeepRite’s Ion series air conditioners are all equipped with sound-reducing design elements, including a compressor blanket that absorbs noise, an aerodynamic fan, and soft mounts for the compressor. Plus, variable-speed compressors like the one that powers the Ion 19 are naturally quieter.

Thanks to these design features and other elements, some of KeepRite’s air conditioners are very quiet, and here's a list of their models with the best sound performance:

Exclusive Features from Keeprite

Ion™ System Control

How Keeprite describes it: Offering an easy-to-use touchscreen with full remote access, the Ion System Control is part of a complete communicating system that will reshape the way your KeepRite air conditioner can function. The Ion System Control can significantly increase efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and convenience.

What it is in plain language: The Ion System Control is KeepRite’s proprietary smart thermostat. Using Wi-Fi, you can get remote access to your air conditioner settings, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels.

Like other smart thermostats, the Ion System Control can enable you to program different comfort schedules for different times of the day and different days of the week.

It also has some other advanced features, including real-time energy reporting, zoning capabilities, local weather reporting, dual fuel system management, one-touch setting changes, away and vacation modes, maintenance reminders, and more.

Is it more than just hype? Smart thermostats have indeed proven themselves capable of reducing energy costs, and the Ion System Control does have some great options and features that can make your home more comfortable when you're there and save you money when you're away.

It has some advanced features that basic thermostats don’t offer, but it’s by no means unique to KeepRite. For one thing, KeepRite’s sister brands, Heil, Comfortmaker, and Tempstar, all use the Ion System Control as well.

Beyond that, many other HVAC brands have their own smart thermostats with sophisticated options, including:

• The Infinity System Control from Carrier
• The Observer Communicating Control from Heil
• EcoNet from Rheem and Ruud
• ComfortLink II from Trane
• Hx3 Communicating Zoning System from York, Coleman, and Luxaire
• iComfort S30 Thermostat from Lennox
• Daikin One+ from Daikin

Furthermore, there are even a few brands that offer built-in communicating technologies with some of their air conditioners, including Amana, Goodman, Daikin, and Trane.

SmartSense™ Technology

How Keeprite describes it: SmartSense technology is like cruise control for your air conditioner. It makes automatic adjustments to produce consistent and cost-effective cooling for your home.

What it is in plain language: SmartSense technology really just refers to the function of a variable-speed inverter compressor.

Variable-speed compressors make minute adjustments to the cooling output, so they operate at low speeds for long periods to produce consistent temperatures around the house, better humidity management, quieter operation, and more efficient performance.

Is it more than just hype? The idea behind SmartSense technology is great, but all variable-speed inverter compressors have this ability.

Variable-speed air conditioners are the quietest, most efficient, and best at eliminating hot/cold spots, but just about every HVAC manufacturer has at least one variable-speed model in their product line. KeepRite has just taken the product of variable-speed capacity and given it a fancy name.

Warranty Analysis

The warranty terms

Like most HVAC brands, KeepRite has different warranty terms for different models. With the value-tier Performance line, every air conditioner comes with a 10-year parts warranty.

With the premium-tier Ion models, KeepRite offers superior coverage. On top of a 10-year parts warranty, every Ion A/C also comes with a No Hassle Replacement warranty. The coverage period depends on the specific model:

• The CSA5 Ion 15 has a three-year No Hassle Replacement warranty
• The CSA6 Ion 16 has a five-year No Hassle Replacement warranty
• The CCA7 Ion 17 and CVA9 Ion 19 have a 10-year No Hassle Replacement warranty

The No Hassle Replacement warranty means that KeepRite will provide you with a new air conditioner if the coil or compressor fails on the original unit during the coverage period.

Registration is required

All HVAC manufacturers encourage customers to register new products, and they accomplish this by offering standard warranty terms and registered warranty terms. The terms listed above are KeepRite’s registered warranty terms.

Once you install a new KeepRite air conditioner, you'll have 90 days to register it with the company. Should you fail to register, the air conditioner’s parts warranty will only be valid for five years, and you might not get any No Hassle Replacement warranty.

Registration is quick, easy, and worth the few minutes. You can do it online or by phone. You'll have to provide KeepRite with details about:

• The air conditioner’s application (such as residential versus commercial)
• Your contact information
• The licensed HVAC installer
• The installation date
• The model and serial number of the A/C

Conditions and restrictions

Every warranty comes with conditions, and that means there are things you'll have to do if you want to keep your coverage valid.

For example, the full warranty is contingent on you registering the air conditioner after installation. But that’s not the only thing you'll have to do if you want to get the most from your warranty. Here are some examples of other common air conditioner warranty conditions:

• You'll have to hire a licensed HVAC professional to install the unit
• Take care of annual maintenance
• Address repairs promptly
• Only install manufacturer approved parts when doing repairs
• Don’t try to perform installation or repairs yourself

How the Keeprite warranty measures up to the competition

Standard warranty coverage for an air conditioner includes a five-year parts warranty, which typically becomes a 10-year parts warranty with registration. This is the minimum coverage you can expect with the purchase of any air conditioner from any brand, so the warranty KeepRite offers with their Performance air conditioners is standard for the industry.

Because the Ion models come with an additional No Hassle Replacement warranty, they come with coverage that’s better than average. Not all brands offer unit replacement warranties, and that includes premium brands like Lennox.

While KeepRite’s premium-tier warranty protection is great, there are other brands that offer comparable coverage, including:

• American Standard and Daikin offer 12-year compressor warranties
• Goodman and York offer lifetime compressor warranties
• Amana offers lifetime unit replacement warranties

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase a KeepRite air conditioner. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.

Is a Keeprite Air Conditioner Right for Me?

What’s your budget like?

KeepRite is an economy HVAC brand. Their air conditioners tend to cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,500+, and that includes installation. Along with brands like Goodman and York, KeepRite has some of the most economical air conditioners on the market.

And if you opt for a high-efficiency unit with ENERGY STAR certification, then you might qualify for rebates that make your new air conditioner even more affordable. However, you will be looking at the higher end of that price range if you want a two-stage or variable-speed air conditioner with a cost-saving SEER.

That being said, if you have more room in your budget and are interested in mid-range or premium brands, then you might want to check out Trane, Lennox, Carrier, or Rheem. With those brands, you’d be looking at a price range between $3,500 and $7,500+.

Will you be there long enough to enjoy it?

There are a few ways that you can get money back from your air conditioner investment in the long term, including through energy savings and warranty coverage.

If you replace a standard- or mid-efficiency model with a high-efficiency one, then you can reduce your monthly cooling costs and save money over time. Similarly, if your new A/C comes with good warranty coverage, then you can save money on maintenance and repair costs over the life of the unit.

In order to take advantage of these savings, however, you have to be in the same house and use the air conditioner over a period of several years.

That’s why if you plan to move soon and need an air conditioner upgrade, then you're probably better off buying a more affordable unit. You're not going to be around to reap the benefits of the long-term investment, and a fancy A/C won’t increase your home value, so you might want to spend less if you don’t plan on being there for long.

Does Keeprite have the SEER rating you want?

KeepRite has air conditioners with SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 19. An air conditioner with a SEER of 16+ is considered high-efficiency, so KeepRite has some more affordable mid-efficiency models and some pricier high-efficiency ones.

In Canada, a SEER between 16 and 18 is generally considered to offer the best balance between purchase price and energy savings. Anything below 16 might not be powerful enough to cool your home effectively and affordably. Anything above 18 is going to cost a lot more, and you might not recoup the money through increased energy savings.

That being said, if you live in a particularly large home or in a place with extended hot or humid summers, then you might need a more expensive air conditioner with an ultra-high efficiency rating. In that case, KeepRite doesn’t have any models with SEER ratings beyond 19, and you might have to look at other brands that do.

Ultimately, KeepRite has a decent selection of air conditioners in the 16 to 18 SEER range, so most Canadians should be able to find something in their product line that meets their needs.

Just remember that if you plan to apply for rebates, then most rebates are for high-efficiency air conditioners that have ENERGY STAR certification, so you'll have to keep that in mind when shopping around.

Does the brand have your dream features?

KeepRite doesn’t really have any novel features or unique technologies. They focus on making reliable and durable air conditioners, but they haven't put much effort into developing or adopting state-of-the-art tech the way some other brands have.

The main features that KeepRite has for some of their units are design elements that include corrosion- and rust-resistance, compatibility with the Ion Smart Thermostat, the SmartSense technology with their variable-speed model, and a few components to reduce noise.

With some of these features, such as Wi-Fi capability (through a smart thermostat) and quiet operation, you'll have to opt for a pricier Ion model.

In case you're in the market for an air conditioner that offers a little more, then here are some examples of features/technologies that are available from other brands:

• Lennox, American Standard, Armstrong, Napoleon, and Trane all have special coil designs
• Amana, Goodman, Daikin, and Trane all make air conditioners with built-in communicating capabilities
• Amana and Goodman have models with built-in self-diagnostics
• Coleman, Luxaire, and York have A/Cs that come with customizable climate settings based on whether you live somewhere dry, temperate, or humid
• Rheem, Ruud, and York have design features that make it faster and easier to install/maintain the units

Are you concerned with warranty coverage?

KeepRite has a great warranty for their premium-tier units, so if long-term protection is important for you, then you might want to look at their Ion series air conditioners.

At the same time, there are other brands that offer more comprehensive coverage, including Amana, Goodman, York, American Standard, and Daikin, all of whom offer longer warranty protection than KeepRite.

On the other hand, there are plenty of brands that don’t offer coverage as good as what KeepRite has, and that includes pricier brands like Carrier and Lennox.

When warranty protection is an important selling point, just remember that all brands have similar conditions and restrictions. In other words, no matter what air conditioner brand you go with, you'll still have to pay for professional installation, annual maintenance, and regular repairs to keep the coverage valid.

What's more important than brand?

It can be tempting to think that brand is the most important consideration when buying a new air conditioner. However, that’s not true, and there are two things to remember about this.

The first is that most air conditioners on the market are made by a handful of manufacturers. For example, KeepRite air conditioners are made by the same company that’s responsible for Heil, Comfortmaker, and Tempstar, so the products from all four brands are going to be somewhat similar. At the same time, the parent company responsible for those brands is owned by the same company that makes premium Carrier and Bryant air conditioners.

However, if you're the type of person who’s concerned with brand name products, then you might want to look at pricier premium companies like Lennox, Trane, and Carrier. They all put a lot of time and money into cultivating their brands and making their names known, and they all have reputations for high-quality products.

The second thing to keep in mind is that the HVAC contractor you work with is far more important than the name on the A/C. Hiring a licensed, trained, and experienced contractor is a must when you need a new air conditioner, and that’s because they’ll be able to:

• Assess your home and your needs and guide you toward a make and model that’ll work for your house and budget
• Do a load calculation so you get an air conditioner that’s properly sized for your home
• Install your air conditioner properly so that it functions at peak efficiency
• Make sure the warranty isn't voided during the installation process
• Install any thermostat or other HVAC add-ons you want
• Source manufacturer-approved parts when you need repairs
• Help you down the road if you need maintenance, repairs, or emergency service
• Integrate your new air conditioner with your existing HVAC equipment
• Help you with the rebate application and registration processes

Keeprite Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats

Air Scrubbers

Air scrubbers are mobile electronic devices that clean the air. KeepRite’s OptiClean™ air scrubber is equipped with a long-life HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. While air scrubbers are great for commercial settings and places like restaurants, dental offices, and schools, you're probably better off with an air purifier if you're just looking for a device to clean the air in your home.

Air Purifiers

When you need air purification for the house, then KeepRite’s air purifier is an excellent whole-home solution. This device is installed near the furnace, and it uses an electronic charge and a MERV 15 filter to trap and eliminate up to 99 percent of certain viruses and bacteria and up to 95 percent of airborne particles. Air purifiers are great for people who are concerned with air quality or the spread of pathogens, people with asthma or allergies, or anyone who wants to breathe cleaner air.

Fan Coils

Fan coil units are a heating and cooling solution for homes that lack ductwork. They can work as stand-alone units to heat and cool spaces, or they can be integrated with ductless air conditioners and heat pumps. KeepRite has a number of models available, including variable-speed Ion fan coils with communicating capabilities, more affordable multi-speed units, and even models specifically designed for multi-family dwellings.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps use the more constant temperature of the ground (compared to the air temperature, which fluctuates more) to heat and cool homes, and some can also provide domestic hot water. KeepRite has several options for geothermal systems, including packaged systems, split systems that are dual fuel compatible and can be paired with a furnace, and hydronic systems that can be used with in-floor radiant heat and can provide the home with hot water. Geothermal systems are expensive to install, and they don’t work with all landscapes.

Thermostats and Zoning Systems

KeepRite makes the Ion System Control as a smart thermostat option, but they have programmable models and zoning systems as well. For thermostats, they have a basic programmable thermostat and another programmable model with enhanced humidity control and dual fuel system management. They also have a zoning system for Ion products that can allow you to have eight separate temperature zones within your home. There are also smart sensors that detect temperature and humidity levels in a zone.

About the Company

A major brand in Canada for over 50 years, Keeprite is a subsidiary of the International Comfort Products Corporation (ICP). Backed by superior engineering, KeepRite’s dedicated to producing top of the line heating and cooling systems so that you can focus on the things that matter most.

The brand’s selection of available air conditioning units at a variety of competitive price points means that there is an option for any Canadian home, no matter the climate. And with their No Hassle Replacement™ warranty, the comfort of your home is guaranteed.

Eager to learn more about Lennox 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.

Keeprite FAQs

Who makes KeepRite air conditioners?

KeepRite is owned by International Comfort Products, which is also responsible for the brands Heil, Tempstar, and Comfortmaker. In turn, International Comfort Products is owned by Carrier Global Corporation, which makes air conditioners under the names Carrier, Bryant, and Payne.

Is KeepRite a good brand?

KeepRite is an economy brand with a reputation for making quality air conditioners. Their products are designed to withstand the elements, corrosion, rust, debris, and material breakdown. Overall, KeepRite provides a lot of value: they offer decent quality at lower prices than a lot of other brands, and they stand behind their products with a good warranty.

How long do KeepRite air conditioners last?

Modern air conditioners typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. You can also get an idea of how long an air conditioner might last based on the warranty. KeepRite offers 10-year parts warranties for all their models, so you can safely bet you'll get at least that long out of a KeepRite A/C. At the same time, you can help to prolong the life of a unit with annual maintenance and prompt repairs.