KeepRite CSA6 Ion 16 Model Review

Belonging to KeepRite’s popular premium tier of air conditioners, the CSA6 Ion 16 central air conditioner delivers efficient and reliable cooling comfort for the home. It comes with a SEER rating of up to 16 and ENERGY STAR® certification, which means it performs at a high-efficiency level while keeping the environment in mind.

This model review of KeepRite’s CSA6 Ion 16 will talk about pricing, warranty details, key features, efficiency, and important design elements. It will also help you decide if the Ion 16 is worth the investment for your home by comparing this model to three others from KeepRite based on tier, features, and price.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3500 - $5500

Top Features

• R-410A refrigerant delivers environmentally friendly performance with zero ozone depletion
• Standard summer dehumidification
• ENERGY STAR® certification plus the high-efficiency SEER mean increased rebate eligibility
• Backed by a good warranty that’s better than the industry standard
• Sound-reducing features for quieter operation
• Compatible with KeepRite’s smart thermostat, the Ion System Control

The Bottom Line

The CSA6 Ion 16 is a reliable and efficient central air conditioner. It includes some of the advanced design features and high SEER rating of a higher-end air conditioner, but it remains cost-effective.

This is a single-stage air conditioner with a single-speed fan, but it still promises energy-savings thanks to the high-efficiency SEER and ENERGY STAR certification.

Plus, the scroll compressor is more advanced than a standard compressor because it’s quieter, more efficient, and has fewer moving parts, so it may require less maintenance.

The Ion 16 is already an economical air conditioner, but it might also qualify for high-efficiency rebates that make it even more affordable for homeowners on a budget.

In-Depth Review

CSA6 Ion 16 Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 16
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 69
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons

Features Overview

The Ion 16 is compatible with the Ion System Control, a smart thermostat that gives you convenient access to your air conditioning system from anywhere with Wi-Fi connectivity.

The communicating control also has some other great features, including advanced diagnostics for easier maintenance, a Touch-N-Go feature that lets you change the system settings with one click, maintenance reminders, and easy access to temperature, ventilation, and humidity settings.

However, technological compatibilities and special features don’t mean much if your air conditioner isn't protected from damage. To ensure this A/C is performing at its best for a long period, the Ion 16 comes with a system protecting filter drier and a corrosion-resistant design to increase the lifespan of the unit.

Other Key Features

• The compressor is soft-mounted for quieter operation
• Equipped with a sound-absorbing compressor blanket
• EER rating of up to 12.2
• The durable galvanized steel cabinet is further protected by a high-gloss, baked-on powder coat finish
• Outfitted with protective corner posts
• The tight wire grille protects important components and makes it easy to clean the coil

Warranty Information

The CSA6 Ion 16 is backed by KeepRite’s 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty and a 5-Year No Hassle Replacement™ Limited Warranty. With such extensive coverage, KeepRite provides Canadian consumers with the reassurance they need when purchasing an air conditioning product.

KeepRite’s No Hassle Replacement warranty is an added level of protection because it means if there's a compressor or coil failure during the coverage period, then KeepRite will replace the air conditioner.

Just make sure you register the Ion 16 within 90 days of installation, otherwise you'll lose out on some of the warranty coverage.

Comparable Models by KeepRite

Model Comparison by Price: CSA6 Ion 16 versus N4A7 Performance 17

The N4A7 Performance 17 is from KeepRite’s value tier, but it actually falls into the same price range as the Ion 16.

There are a few pros and cons to the Performance model compared to the Ion model. In terms of cons, the Performance 17 isn't compatible with the Ion System Control, it doesn’t have any No Hassle Replacement warranty, and it lacks the additional features for quiet operation.

On the other hand, the pros of the Performance model include two-stage operation, a two-speed blower motor, and a slightly higher SEER of 17. Two-stage air conditioners offer more even temperatures throughout the house, enhanced dehumidification, and better efficiency.

And even though it lacks a few quiet operation features, the Performance model’s two-stage compressor is quieter than the Ion’s single-stage compressor, so the value model isn't that much louder.

Model Comparison by Features: CSA6 Ion 16 versus CVA9 Ion 19

The CVA9 Ion 19 is KeepRite’s top-of-the-line model, and also their most expensive. While it doesn’t have any special features or novel technologies above and beyond what the Ion 16 offers, it does have superior design elements.

The Ion 19 is a variable-speed air conditioner with five stages of operation. That means it can operate in the lower speeds for longer periods to maintain the temperature of your house while conserving as much energy as possible.

It also promises better moisture management, fewer hot/cold spots around the house, and quieter operation. Indeed, the Ion 19 has a SEER of 19 and a decibel rating as low as 56. Thanks to the better compressor and improved efficiency, the Ion model will be more than capable of keeping any Canadian home cool and comfortable in the summer.

Another thing the Ion 19 has is a longer 10-year No Hassle Replacement warranty. Finally, it’s got a more efficient variable-speed blower motor that offers more precise airflow.

Model Comparison by Tier: CSA6 Ion 16 versus CSA5 Ion 15

The Ion 15 and 16 are very similar models in terms of design elements, warranty, technological compatibilities, and efficiency. Although the differences between the two units are minor, they could make a big difference in the long term.

Both units are single-stage air conditioners, and they have the same features to reduce noise and preserve the integrity of the unit.

However, the Ion 15 has a slightly lower SEER of 15, and while this may not make too much of a difference in terms of summer cooling bills, the Ion 15’s SEER only qualifies as standard efficiency.

This model also doesn’t qualify for ENERGY STAR. That, combined with the standard SEER, could mean less rebate eligibility. In other words, while the unit might cost a little less than the Ion 16, you might not be able to save money through rebates, and that could mean the Ion 16 actually ends up being the more affordable model.