CSA5 Ion 15 Model Review

The CSA5 Ion 15 central air conditioner is an affordable unit with standard efficiency. Its SEER rating of up to 15 and durable design guarantee that you can save energy for years to come compared to an older and less efficient A/C. This model is ideal for consumers looking for a more cost-effective option that still has some additional selling features.

This model review will evaluate KeepRite’s CSA5 Ion 15 in terms of pricing, efficiency, key features, design elements, and warranty. It will cover all these details, and compare the Ion 15 to three other KeepRite air conditioners based on those same factors.

By the end of the review, you'll have a good idea of what this air conditioner has to offer and whether it will be a good fit and wise investment for your home.    

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3000 - $5500

Top Features

• The R-410A refrigerant delivers non-ozone depleting performance
• EER rating of up to 12.23
• Sound reduction technology brings noise as low as 74 decibels
• Protected by a good warranty
• Has standard moisture management to help reduce humidity
• Compatible with the Ion System Control, which can unlock advanced features and options

The Bottom Line

With this model, you can enjoy good cooling comfort at a modest price without having to hear it. The CSA5 Ion 15 has built-in sound reduction technology, which includes a soft-mounted compressor and acoustic-absorbing compressor blanket.

Something to know about this premium-tier KeepRite air conditioner is that the single-stage compressor and single-speed blower motor won’t be as capable as two-stage or variable-speed air conditioners at delivering efficient and quiet performance, or at eliminating hot/cold spots and excess moisture.

This model also falls a little short of the 16 to 18 SEER range that’s typically ideal for Canada. It will be a little more affordable than KeepRite’s other premium-tier air conditioners, but because it doesn’t have ENERGY STAR® certification, it might not qualify for the same rebates as the other models.

In-Depth Review

CSA5 Ion 15 Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 15
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 74

Features Overview

KeepRite makes convenience a priority with its innovative remote access technology, which is available when you control the CSA5 Ion 15 with the Ion System Control. When you pair the two, you get Wi-Fi access to the system that lets you control and adjust the temperature, humidity, and ventilation settings in your home from anywhere.

The Ion System Control has a lot of other great features and options as well, including diagnostics for faster maintenance, a one-touch feature to change settings, energy use reports, and more.  

Beyond that, however, KeepRite doesn’t offer any special features or technologies for their air conditioners. But like all their other models, the Ion 15 has a number of additional design features to protect the unit from damage and give it the best chance at a long life.

Other Key Features

• Efficient single-speed fan motor
• Filter drier protects the system from unwanted contaminants
• The galvanized steel cabinet has a sleek appearance thanks to the high-gloss finish
• Cabinet is protected by a baked-on powder coat
• Equipped with wire grille panels that protect internal components and make it easy to clean the coil
• Corrosion-resistant components

Warranty Information

KeepRite has equipped the Ion 15 with a comprehensive warranty package to give customers peace of mind.

The CSA5 is backed by KeepRite’s premium 10-Year parts limited warranty and an additional three-Year No Hassle Replacement™ limited warranty, so customers have a range of options to fall back on if repairs are required.

The No Hassle Replacement warranty is a guarantee from KeepRite that they will provide you with a new air conditioner if the compressor or coil on the original unit should fail during the coverage period.

To be eligible for the full warranty coverage, you will have to register the unit within 90 days of installation, otherwise you'll lose some coverage. For example, an unregistered Ion 15 will only have a five-year parts warranty.

Comparable Models by KeepRite

Model Comparison by Price: CSA5 Ion 15 versus CVA9 Ion 19

The Ion 15 is a premium-tier air conditioner, but it will cost less than other premium KeepRite models because of the lower SEER.

By comparison, the top-of-the-line Ion 19 starts at $4,500, and could cost $5,500 or more to buy and install in Canada.

The reason for the higher price is that the Ion 19 is a variable-speed air conditioner that can operate at five different speeds to produce quiet, even, efficient, and cost-effective cooling for your home.

The Ion 19 also has a variable-speed blower motor, a SEER of 19, ENERGY STAR certification, and a 10-year No Hassle Replacement warranty.

Overall, the Ion 19 is a superior air conditioner that will have no trouble keeping any home in Canada cool and comfortable, even through extended heat waves or periods of high humidity. Plus, it will reduce your energy bills more than the Ion 15, and it will likely qualify for a lot more rebates.

Model Comparison by Features: CSA5 Ion 15 versus N4A4**C Performance 14

The N4A4**C Performance 14 is one of KeepRite’s value-tier Performance air conditioners, and yet it’s very similar to the Ion model in a lot of ways.

Both are single-stage air conditioners with single-speed blower motors, the Performance model has a similar SEER of 14, it’s not ENERGY STAR certified, and it has a 10-year parts warranty. However, the N4A4**C Performance 14 doesn’t come with any No Hassle Replacement warranty.

Aside from the warranty and slightly lower SEER, the only other real difference between the two units is that the Performance model has even more features to protect the unit from damage.

This is because it has been specifically designed to perform in coastal areas, where salt and other pollutants in the air pose unique challenges to air conditioners and other equipment.  

Model Comparison by Tier: CSA5 Ion 15 versus CCA7 Ion 17

The CCA7 Ion 17 is in the same premium Ion tier as the Ion 15, but the Ion 17 is a superior air conditioner in many ways.

For one thing, it has a more efficient, quieter, and more powerful two-stage compressor that delivers more even cooling comfort throughout the house. These types of A/C compressors also offer better humidity control. Plus, the Ion 17 is paired with a two-stage blower motor that delivers a more consistent flow of cool air.

With the superior compressor and blower motor, the Ion 17 is more efficient, with an ENERGY STAR qualifying SEER of 17.

Thanks to the better efficiency rating and ENERGY STAR certification, the Ion 17 is more likely to qualify for more rebates. While the Ion 17 will cost more than the Ion 15, you could save money through rebates, and the more efficient unit will cost less to operate.

Finally, the Ion 17 has a longer 10-year No Hassle Replacement warranty, and it’s a little quieter than the Ion 15.