York LX Series TCHE Review

The LX Series TCHE is York’s compact air conditioner that’s designed for homes where space is at a premium. It’s a high-efficiency model with relatively quiet operation and features to increase the longevity of the unit.

York has several air conditioners in their product line, and this TCHE model review will help you decide if this one is a good investment for your home.

The review will cover the TCHE’s average pricing in Canada, key features, common applications, warranty details, efficiency, and more. And so you can see what else York has to offer, the review will also compare the TCHE to three other models based on tier, features, and price.

The York TCHE in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3,000 to $4,500

Top Features

• Slim, compact design that fits in tight areas
• Smaller design thanks to the microchannel coil technology 
• Backed by a good warranty
• Can achieve a high-efficiency SEER when paired with a variable-speed blower
• An affordable mid-efficiency air conditioner 
• Has a stackable design in case you need more cooling power 
• Relatively quiet operation for a single-stage model
• Equipped with the QuietDrive system

The Bottom Line

The TCHE is a relatively basic air conditioner. It has a single-stage compressor, and that means it can only operate at 100 percent capacity. 

As such, this air conditioner only has a mid-efficiency SEER of 14, which falls short of the 16- to 18-SEER range that’s usually recommended for Canada. Consequently, it will likely perform best in smaller spaces. 

However, this model can reach a SEER as high as 16 when it’s paired with a variable-speed indoor blower, but even then, it depends on the model size and application. 

Further, this unit isn't ENERGY STAR certified, and that could negatively impact rebate eligibility.

The main draw of the TCHE is that it’s a compact unit with a slim design that only needs six inches of clearance. That means it can fit under decks, it’s great for smaller homes and apartments/condos, and it will fit where a standard air conditioner wouldn’t, such as zero-lot-line properties. 

In Depth Review

York TCHE Product Specifications

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tonnage: 2 to 4 tons

Features Overview

Along with being a compact system, the TCHE is also quieter than many single-stage air conditioners, and that’s thanks to the QuietDrive system, which includes an insulated compressor compartment and a swept-wing fan. 

Not only will this make your summer cooling more enjoyable, but it will also be less disruptive if you have neighbours close by.

And if you want to get the most from your system, consider finding a York Certified Comfort Expert that’s been specially trained to install and service York air conditioners.

Other Key Features

• Equipped with a coil guard to protect the coil and keep debris out of the system
• Uses an R-410A refrigerant that doesn’t harm the ozone layer
• Made in the United States
• Available in single- and three-phase styles
• Has a corrosion-resistant, automotive-grade powder paint to protect the cabinet

Warranty Information

The TCHE is backed by York’s standard warranty, which includes a 10-year parts warranty and a 10-year compressor warranty. They experimented with a one-year labour warranty, but they don’t offer that anymore.

To be eligible for those terms, you'll have to register your new air conditioner within 90 days of installation. Unregistered warranty terms are only for five years, though you do still get separate warranties for parts and the compressor.

The extra five years of coverage could save you a lot of money, so registration is recommended. Registration is easy. You just have to provide York with some basic information, including your contact details, the installation date, the air conditioner’s serial number, and the name of the dealer who installed it.

Comparable Models by York

Model Comparison by Price: TCHE versus LX Series YFK

The average cost of the LX Series YFK in Canada is $3,500 to $5,500, including installation. This model will undoubtedly cost more than the TCHE, but there are reasons why it’s probably a better investment. 

For starters, the YFK is a two-stage air conditioner, so it can operate in the energy-saving low mode for longer periods to maintain the temperature, but it also has a high cooling output for heat waves. 

It also has a SEER of 17.5 and ENERGY STAR certification. Not only will this model save you more on energy bills over the years, but it will also qualify for additional rebates, and it won’t have trouble keeping larger homes cool in the summer. 

What's more, the YFK is also compatible with York’s Hx™ and Hx3 thermostats, which can give you even more control over your comfort settings. 

Finally, the YFK has a compact footprint as well, and while it may not be able to fit into the same tight spaces as the TCHE, it’s still smaller than a standard air conditioner.

Model Comparison by Features: TCHE versus Affinity™ YXV 

The Affinity YXV 21 is York’s top-of-the-line model. It’s a variable-speed air conditioner that can make incremental adjustments to the cooling output, so it’s quieter, more efficient, and better at maintaining the ideal temperature in your house. 

It has a SEER of 21, ENERGY STAR certification, a lifetime compressor warranty, and a decibel rating as low as 53, making it one of the quietest air conditioners on the market. 

This model comes with all of York’s premium technologies, including a feature to make installation faster, a customizable climate setting, and compatibility with the Hx3 thermostat.

One thing to know about the YXV is that the SEER is more powerful than what most Canadians need, so it’s going to cost more, but you might not see additional energy savings compared to a more affordable 16- to 18-SEER air conditioner.

Model Comparison by Tier: TCHE versus TCHD

The TCHD is nearly identical to the TCHE. They're both single-stage air conditioners with mid-efficiency SEERs, and the same sound performance, microchannel coil technology, QuietDrive system, warranty, and compact footprint.

The main difference between the two is that the TCHD actually has an even lower SEER of 13, but like the TCHE, it can achieve a SEER as high as 16 when paired with a variable-speed indoor blower. 

A SEER of 13 is actually the lowest an air conditioner can have in Canada, so while this A/C will be among the most affordable ones from York, it may not be powerful or efficient enough for most homes.