KeepRite NH4A4 Performance 14 Model Review

The NH4A4 Performance 14 was built as a space-saving air conditioner that’s also reliable and affordable.

This no-nonsense central air conditioner belongs to KeepRite’s Performance value tier. Its sleek, compact design allows for stackable installation, so you don’t have to worry about fitting the unit into tighter spaces.

This air conditioner won’t be right for every home, and this NH4A4 Performance 14 model review will help you determine if it’s a wise investment for yours.

Along with talking about the model’s pricing, key features, warranty details, and efficiency, the review will also compare it by tier, features, and price to three other KeepRite air conditioners.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3000 - $4500

Top Features

• EER rating of up to 12.2 cooling
• Quiet operation
• Compact and space-saving design is ideal for multi-family dwellings
• Industry-standard warranty protection
• Very affordable for homeowners on a budget
• Equipped with a more efficient scroll compressor
• Durable design is built to resist corrosion, debris, and extreme weather conditions

The Bottom Line

For most homeowners, the main draw of this air conditioner will be the small footprint. It has a compact cabinet that’s stackable, which makes it perfect for spaces where real estate is at a premium.

This air conditioner could be ideal for people who live on narrow lots or in apartments, condos, townhomes, triplexes, and other types of multi-family housing.

While the NH4A4 could be perfect for some homes, it may not be suitable for homes with larger cooling demands, such as bigger detached homes or houses in hotter parts of the country.

That’s because the NH4A4 only has a single-stage compressor, single-speed blower motor, and mid-efficiency 14 SEER rating. Compared to a high-efficiency model, the NH4A4 won’t save as much on energy bills, and it might not be eligible for certain rebates.

In-Depth Review

NH4A4 Performance 14 Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 66
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons

Features Overview

When choosing a central air conditioner, it’s important to keep the environment in mind. Since the previous R-22 refrigerant has been phased out of the industry, most modern air conditioners use the R-410A refrigerant.

The Performance Series NH4A4 uses this superior refrigerant to prevent the depletion of the ozone layer.

Another selling feature of this air conditioner is the scroll compressor that powers it. Scroll compressors have fewer moving parts than traditional alternatives, so they operate more efficiently and quietly, and they tend to have fewer maintenance requirements.

[sc name="inline-cta-shortcode" ][/sc]

Other Key Features

• Filter drier protects the system from moisture and acid
• High-gloss, baked-on powder coat finish over galvanized steel for improved rust- and corrosion-resistance
• Compatible with most thermostats to maximize convenience
• Many components have been equipped with protective features to resist corrosion and reduce material breakdown
• Compressor is housed in an extra-thick shell that increases longevity
• Unit has a top-discharge design for better airflow and quieter operation
• Copper or aluminum coil tubing increases heat transfer
• The control panel is readily accessible to reduce maintenance times
• Exterior grille makes it easy to access the coil for cleaning

Warranty Information

The NH4A4 is backed by an industry-standard 10-year parts warranty. Unlike KeepRite’s premium models, the Performance air conditioners don’t come with any unit replacement warranty.

To qualify for the full 10-year parts warranty, you'll have to register the air conditioner within 90 days of installation. Registration is quick and easy. You just have to provide the manufacturer with your name, the serial and model number of the A/C, details about the licensed HVAC installer, and the installation date.

Should you fail to register the Performance 14, then it will only be covered by a five-year parts warranty.

Comparable Models by KeepRite

Model Comparison by Price: NH4A4 Performance 14 versus CCA7 Ion 17

When it comes to cost, the price difference between the NH4A4 and a premium-grade air conditioner like the CCA7 Ion 17 is considerable. The average cost of the Ion 17 in Canada is between $4,000 and $5,500+, whereas the Performance 14 will fall near the lower end of the $3,000 to $4,500 price range.

Spending less on the initial purchase will save you a lot of money, but it’s important to consider SEER ratings, which will guarantee you greater savings on energy bills in the long-run.

The Ion 17 is a two-stage air conditioner with a SEER of 17 and ENERGY STAR certification. In other words, it will cost more to buy, but it will save you more on energy bills, it has a superior warranty, and it could be eligible for cost-reducing rebates that make it more affordable.

Further, the Ion model isn't going to have any trouble cooling larger homes, even during heat waves and periods of high humidity. If you have the space and room in the budget, then the Ion 17 will probably provide better value.

Model Comparison by Features: NH4A4 Performance 14 versus CVA9 Ion 19

KeepRite doesn’t put a lot of emphasis on novel technologies, but any special features they do have are available with their top-of-the-line model, the CVA9 Ion 19.

The Ion 19 is a variable-speed air conditioner, and the compressor can operate at five different stages to produce consistent, efficient, and quiet cooling for your home. It boasts as SEER of 19, ENERGY STAR certification, extremely quiet performance, and an excellent warranty that includes a 10-year No Hassle Replacement warranty.

The Ion model will be capable of keeping any home in Canada cool and comfortable through long, hot summers. It will also save you plenty on energy bills over the years, and it could be eligible for additional rebates thanks to the high-efficiency performance.

Lastly, this air conditioner is compatible with the Ion System Control, a smart thermostat from KeepRite that can give you energy reports, Wi-Fi access to your air conditioner, self-diagnostics, and more.

Model Comparison by Tier: NH4A4 Performance 14 versus N4A7 Performance 17

The N4A7 Performance 17 is another value-tier offering from KeepRite, and while it will be pricier than the Performance 14, it could offer better value if you have the space and the money.

The Performance 17 has a superior two-stage compressor, so it’s got a low cooling output for energy savings and temperature maintenance plus a high output for when the mercury starts to rise.

The two-stage model is more efficient, with a SEER of 17 and ENERGY STAR certification. Not only will it be more capable of cooling larger homes, but it will also reduce your energy costs by more than the NH4A4, and it could qualify for rebates that make it more economical if you're on a tight budget.

One thing about the Performance 17 is that it’s not compact, so if space is a concern, then it might not work for your home.