York TCHD Review

The LX Series TCHD air conditioning system is a single-stage model belonging to York’s value tier. It’s ideal for homeowners with a tight space, thanks to its slim design that allows for installation in smaller areas.

This model has a mid-efficiency SEER of 13. Although it can reach a higher efficiency rating under certain circumstances, it’s not going to be suitable for all homes. This TCHD model review will help you decide if it’ll work for yours.

The review will talk about pricing, features, warranty, and situations where the TCHD might be appropriate. It will also compare the TCHD to three other York models so you can see what else the brand has to offer.

In a Nutshell

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

Top Features

• SEER rating of up to 13, which can reach as high as 16 with additional equipment
• Environmentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant promises zero ozone depletion
• Swept-wing fan allows for more efficient and smoother airflow for reduced noise
• Has York’s QuietDrive system
• Standard warranty
• Additional design features to increase longevity and durability
• Designed and assembled in the United States
• Compact size is great for smaller spaces
• Microchannel coil technology

The Bottom Line

The value-tier TCHD is one of York’s most basic and most affordable air conditioners. It has a single-stage compressor and a mid-efficiency SEER of 13. However, in certain applications, some sizes of this model can reach a SEER as high as 16 when paired with a variable-speed indoor blower.

Because of the more basic design and lower SEER, this model will work best in homes with lower cooling demands. The TCHD falls short of the 16- to 18-SEER range that’s usually best for Canada, so it’s going to be better for smaller houses, cottages, or homes in milder parts of the country.

A SEER of 13 is also the lowest efficiency rating an air conditioner in Canada is allowed to have, and while this model will be more affordable, it’s not going to save you as much on energy bills compared to a high-efficiency model.   

In-Depth Review

Affinity Series™ – TCHD Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 13
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons

Features Overview

As long as the TCHD is powerful enough for your needs, then you'll enjoy some of the design features that make it quieter and more reliable.

It comes with an automotive-grade powder coating for an attractive, long-lasting finish, as well as a coil guard to protect this important component and keep it safe from debris.

Speaking of coils, the TCHD is equipped with York’s microchannel coil technology that reduces the size of the system and increases heat exchange.

Further, the scroll compressor that powers this model is quieter and more efficient than standard compressors, and it should require less maintenance as well.

Finally, the TCHD is outfitted with the QuietDrive sound reduction system that uses a combination of a swept-wing fan, composite base pan, and a sound cloak that make it quieter than a lot of single-stage models out there.

Other Key Features

• Requires only 6 inches of clearance from the structure
• Ideal for zero-lot-line properties, balconies, under decks, and other tight spaces
• Units can be stacked for more cooling power
• Available in single- and three-phase models

Warranty Information

Canadian customers will have peace of mind with York’s good warranty coverage. The LX Series TCHD is backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty and a 10-year limited compressor warranty.

Some documentation says the brand still offers a one-year labour warranty, but it’s out of date.

As for registration, if you don’t complete the process during the 90-day window, then the TCHD will only have a five-year parts warranty. Registration is fast and easy. You just have to provide York with information about yourself, the air conditioner’s model number, the HVAC dealer who installed the unit, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by York

Model Comparison by Price: TCHD versus YFK

The YFK falls into a slightly higher price range, costing an average of $3,500 to $5,500 to buy and install in Canada.  

There are reasons why you might want to invest a little more for the YFK, including that it has a superior two-stage compressor. Two-stage air conditioners are more efficient, and they deliver a steadier and more constant supply of cool air, which translates to a more even temperature around the house.

The YFK also has a high-efficiency SEER of 17.5 and ENERGY STAR certification, and it’s in the ideal SEER range for Canada.

Not only will it be more capable of cooling larger homes, but it could also qualify for rebates that make it more affordable, and it’s going to save you more money in the long run thanks to lower energy bills.

Model Comparison by Features: TCHD versus YXV

The YXV is part of York’s premium tier and is their top-of-the-line air conditioner. It has a sophisticated variable-speed compressor that can make incremental adjustments to the cooling output for consistent and quiet cooling.

It has a SEER of 21, which means it’s a little more powerful than most Canadians will need, but because it’s a York, it might still be within budget. Plus, it will reduce your energy bills by a lot more than the TCHD, and will qualify for additional rebates.

The YXV is also quiet, with a decibel rating of 53. It’s also compatible with York’s Hx™3 thermostat, has a customizable climate setting, is designed for easy installation, and has a lifetime compressor warranty.

Model Comparison by Tier: LX Series TCHD versus LX series YCG

The LX series YCG is the most advanced model in the value line. It has a single-stage compressor, but it manages to achieve a SEER of 18.5.

That means it’s far more powerful and capable of cooling larger spaces efficiently and effectively, it will save you more on energy bills, and it’s more likely to qualify for rebates thanks to the ENERGY STAR certification.

The YCG has many of the same selling features as the TCHD, including the quieter swept-wing fan, the protective features, a compact cabinet, and the same warranty terms.