Napoleon Air Conditioner Review

This guide will cover everything you need to know about Napoleon air conditioner units, including information about the brand, areas where the company excels and how they could improve, what models they have available, the price range of their units, the warranty they offer, and more.

Napoleon is a decent choice if you're in the market for a new air conditioner, especially if buying from one almost the only local brands. Their made-in-Canada heating products are fairly durable, reliable, and made with quality components and materials.

However the company is somewhat newer to air conditioner manufacturing compared to fireplaces, heating systems, and BBQs. So while their units may not be perfect, they’ve made strides over the years to match the production levels of their other product lines.

This guide will help you determine if a Napoleon air conditioner is right for you, tell you what you can expect to pay, and help you decide which model is a good fit for your home.

Napoleon, at a glance

Strong Points

One thing Canadians love about Napoleon is that their products are proudly made in Ontario. Just as importantly, their air conditioners are made with durable components that are designed to last, and their cooling systems have been specially engineered for efficient and reliable performance.

Something else that consumers like about Napoleon air conditioners is that they're compact, and that means they can fit in smaller spaces (like under decks) and use less refrigerant, which is a bonus for the environment.

Napoleon’s products are also designed for quiet operation, and that means the sound of your air conditioner isn't going to disturb your relaxing summer afternoons.

Finally, the brand backs their air conditioners with a good warranty, so you get peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected for several years.

Room For Improvement

Napoleon air conditioners are reasonably reliable and decent quality, but the company has a very small selection of central air conditioners to choose from (though they do have a slightly larger selection of ductless models).

In fact, there are only three models in their entire central air conditioner product line, and they're all single-stage air conditioners with single-stage fans.

Similarly, only one of the models qualifies as a high-efficiency air conditioner, and it’s also the only one Napoleon makes that has ENERGY STAR® certification. It’s worthwhile mentioning that Canadian summers don’t typically get hot enough to justify the cost of an air conditioner that has a SEER above 16 to 18, but Napoleon’s highest SEER air conditioner is 16, so there isn't a lot of choice.

Another thing lacking from the Napoleon line is additional technologies and features. The brand has some great proprietary designs and unique component features, but they don’t have special tech like Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced humidity control, or any of the other bells and whistles that some other brands offer.

The Bottom Line

Napoleon is a great brand for homeowners who are familiar with the brand, and want a solid air conditioner to match their Napoleon furnace. The company boasts their air conditioner units are made of durable materials, is made in Canada, and is guaranteed to last.

The brand might not offer the selection, the higher efficiency models, or the features and technologies that some other brands have. But they do make dependable air conditioners that are compact, environmentally responsible, relatively affordable to operate, and built to perform reliably for many summers.

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Napoleon Average Price Range

$3,500 to $6,000 (with installation)

As you can see, the final cost of an air conditioner upgrade can vary greatly, and there are a number of factors at play.

Where you live can make a difference because living in a rural area that doesn’t have a lot of HVAC companies operating there can increase prices. On the other hand, prices tend to be lower in cities and larger centers where there are more HVAC technicians who don’t have to travel as far for service.

Similarly, the installation prices can vary depending on how simple or complex the job is, and those labour costs can account for a good chunk of the total cost of upgrading.

Beyond that, the specific air conditioner you want will also impact the price, and that includes things like the compressor style, efficiency rating, size and cooling output, whether it has ENERGY STAR certification, and what additional features it has.

The last thing you'll want to pay attention to is the tier of air conditioner you buy. Most manufacturers have several tiers (economy/entry-level, mid-range, and top-tier/premium), and while the entry-level models will be more basic and more affordable, the models in the higher tiers will be more sophisticated and pricier. Napoleon’s air conditioner prices can be broken down roughly like this:

• Entry-level models: $3,500 to $4,350
• Mid-range models: $4,350 to $5,150
• Top-tier models: $5,150 to $6,000

One last important thing to note about air conditioner prices: there's always a chance to save money with rebates, and these can come from the government, utility companies, energy/environmental organizations, HVAC dealers, and directly from the manufacturer.

Napoleon Furnace Series

Basic

It’s easy to break down Napoleon air conditioners into three separate tiers because they currently only have three models available, but there isn't much difference between the models.

Their most basic offering is the NT Series 13 SEER, and the main thing that sets it apart from the other Napoleon air conditioners is the SEER rating: the NT Series 13 has a SEER rating of 13, which is quite low, even for our milder Canadian summers.

Better

The NT Series 14 SEER is a mid-efficiency air conditioner. It’s single-stage, has a PSC fan motor, and has the same design elements and features as the other Napoleon models, including having the same compressor style, fan design, and environmentally friendly refrigerant.

Best

The NT Series 16 SEER air conditioner from Napoleon is their highest efficiency air conditioner, and the only one in their lineup that has ENERGY STAR certification. This unit will not only save you more on monthly cooling bills, but the ENERGY STAR could also make this model eligible for rebates that wouldn’t be available with the lower-efficiency models.

Aside from the higher SEER rating and certification, however, the stats and design of the NT Series 16 isn't much different from Napoleon’s other air conditioners.

Napoleon’s Top Models Compared

NT Series 16 SEER

Napoleon’s NT Series 16 SEER is their most efficient and highest-tier air conditioner, but it’s quite basic compared to the high-end models offered by other manufacturers. This is a single-stage air conditioner paired with a PSC fan motor, meaning it’s one of the most standard air conditioner styles on the market.

Nonetheless, there are lots of things to love about the NT Series 16, including the compact size, the Whisper Quiet technology, and the low-vibration compressor that further reduces noise. This unit also uses a chlorine-free refrigerant that doesn’t deplete ozone and can extend the life of the air conditioner.

Like other Napoleon air conditioners, the NT Series 16 is also easy to access and service, and is equipped with special micro-channel condenser coils that reduce the size of the unit and the amount of refrigerant required.

Air Conditioner Stats

SEER: 16
Compressor: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR® rated? Yes
Tier – Best
BTUs: 19,100 to 56,500
Price range: $5,150 to $6,000
What's great: It’s Napoleon’s only high-efficiency air conditioner, and the only one with ENERGY STAR® certification, so it will save the most on summer cooling bills.

NT Series 14 SEER

The NT Series 14 is almost identical to the NT Series 16 in most ways. The main differences are this model has a SEER of 14, and it doesn’t have ENERGY STAR® certification. Beyond that, the two units are very similar: the NT Series 14 is a single-stage air conditioner that has the micro-channel condenser coils, uses the same refrigerant, has the Whisper Quiet technology, comes equipped with an industry-leading filter drier, and promises easy access for service and maintenance.

Air Conditioner Stats

SEER: 14
Compressor: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR® rated? No
Tier – Mid
BTUs: 18,800 up to 53,500
Price range: $4,350 to $5,150
What's great: A well-made, mid-efficiency air conditioner that’s backed by a good warranty.

NT Series 13 SEER

As promised, Napoleon’s NT Series 13 SEER is almost identical to the NT Series 14, with the only real difference being the slightly lower SEER with the NT Series 13. The models are virtually the same aside from that one difference, including in regards to the refrigerant used, the Whisper Quiet system, the single-stage compressor, the micro-channel condenser coils, and everything else.

Air Conditioner Stats

SEER: 13
Compressor: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR® rated? No
Tier – Entry
BTUs: 18,000 - 52,000
Price range: $3,500 to $4,350
What's great: An affordable air conditioner that’s compact and easy to service.

Napoleon Exclusive Features

• • Feature 1 – Easy Maintenance

    Napoleon cares about their customers, and that’s why they have designed all their air conditioners to have easy access for maintenance and service. Easy access can mean shorter service calls, and that translates to lower labour costs.

    Every one of their air conditioner models has refrigerant connections and service valves easily accessible on the exterior of the cabinet, and all the electrical components are readily available using a removable service panel.

• • Feature 2 – Advanced Filter Driers

    Filter driers are an important additional element that some manufacturers build into their air conditioners, but Napoleon takes it to another level.

    Filter driers eliminate acid, dirt, and other contaminants from the refrigerant that runs through the system, so the filter driers reduce maintenance and extend the life of the system.

    Napoleon air conditioners are equipped with state-of-the-art Emerson EK filter driers for improved performance and longevity.

• • Feature 3 – Whisper Quiet System

    We've mentioned the Whisper Quiet system a few times because all of Napoleon’s cooling units are equipped with this. The system involves a special swept-wing fan technology that improves air flow, increases efficiency, and reduces noise. Thanks to the special fan design, Napoleon air conditioners operate as low as 74 decibels.

    Beyond that, the fan blades are also made with a more durable plated steel hub and aluminum blades, so they tend to last longer than other fan components.

• Features 4 – Advanced Coil Technology

  The micro-channel condenser coils we’ve been talking about are an important design feature in Napoleon air conditioners because they allow the units to be smaller and more compact while also requiring less refrigerant. Furthermore, the coils are made of aluminum, which is longer-lasting than copper and promises easier maintenance.

Warranty

Some manufacturers offer different warranty lengths based on the tier and price of the model, but Napoleon offers the same warranty terms for all of their air conditioners. Any Napoleon air conditioner you buy will be covered by a 10-year parts warranty and a separate 10-year compressor warranty.

Just make sure you have the unit installed by a professional HVAC technician if you want to keep your warranty intact. This is a good idea because the warranty could save you plenty of money over the next 10 years in repair and maintenance costs.

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase a Napoleon air conditioner. Fill out our online form to get a free quote.

NAPOLEON – ABOUT THE COMPANY

Napoleon was founded in 1976 in Barrie, Ontario as a steel fabrication company, and while they have branched out into heating and air conditioning since then, their HVAC manufacturing facility is still located in Barrie.

Although Napoleon might not be known for their cutting-edge technologies, they do have a reputation for making well-designed and high-quality air conditioners that last, and they stand behind their products with a good warranty.

Eager to learn more about Napoleon’s central air conditioners? Fill out a request for an online quote, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.