York YCD Review

The LX™ Series YCD air conditioning system is a model from York’s value-tier LX™ series. This mid-efficiency single-stage model is ideal for consumers with a small budget and space restrictions, as it has a compact footprint that guarantees easier handling, transportation, and installation.

York’s Lx Series YCD won’t be powerful or efficient enough for some homes in Canada, and this model review will explain why. It’ll talk about the YCD’s average price, key features, warranty details, efficiency, and situations where it might be suitable.

In case the YCD isn't the right air conditioner for you, the review will also compare it to three others from York based on price, tier, and features.

In a Nutshell

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

Top Features

• R-410A refrigerant promises environmentally friendly performance with zero ozone depletion
• Mid-efficiency SEER will deliver decent energy savings
• Compact cabinet fits in smaller spaces
• Powered by a more advanced scroll compressor
• Comes with standard warranty coverage
• An affordable option for homeowners on a budget
• Direct-drive fan reduces vibrations
• Microchannel coil technology

The Bottom Line

The LX Series YCD is a no-nonsense air conditioning system. It has a more basic single-stage compressor, and doesn’t have any of the premium features or technological compatibilities available with York’s premium models.

This model does have a quieter and more efficient scroll compressor, but the single-stage operation and mid-efficiency SEER of 15 mean this air conditioner falls just short of the 16- to 18-SEER range that’s usually recommended for Canada.

The YCD will likely perform best in homes with slightly lower cooling demands. That could include small homes, apartments and condos, cottages, or homes in parts of the country with milder summers.

Even with the SEER of 15, this air conditioner will still cut summer cooling costs compared to an older A/C with standard efficiency, but it may not qualify for certain rebates.

In-Depth Review

LX™ Series – YCD Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 15
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 74
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons

Features Overview

If you’re seeking a simple but relatively efficient air conditioning model that can fit into smaller spaces, then the LX Series YCD is ideal for you. This model discharges air up and away from the structure so that you can install multiple units in a compact location for increased cooling power.

Another interesting feature of the YCD is the microchannel aluminum coil, which delivers reliable performance and improved heat exchange while reducing the size of the unit. This makes it better for spaces where a standard air conditioner might not fit, such as under a deck, near a property line, or on a balcony.

 Other Key Features

• Steel coil guard protects from damage and debris
• Reliable ball bearing motor
• Cabinet is protected by a powder coat paint
• Available in single-phase and three-phase
• Design has undergone a five-year accelerated-wear test

Warranty Information

York’s standard warranty coverage will reassure Canadian consumers. The YCD is backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty and a 10-year limited compressor warranty.

To be eligible for the full terms, you will have to register your new air conditioner within 90 days of installation. To register, you just provide York with your name, the name of the HVAC dealer, the air conditioner’s serial number, and the installation date.

Unregistered units will only be covered by a five-year parts warranty and a five-year compressor warranty.

Comparable Models by York

Model Comparison by Price: YCD versus YFK

The YFK is a more expensive air conditioner, costing an average of $3,500 to $5,500. There are reasons for the higher price, and if you can afford it, then you might be better off with the YFK.

It has a more powerful two-stage compressor, ENERGY STAR certification, and a high-efficiency SEER of 17.5.

As such, it’s going to save you more on energy bills, will qualify for additional rebates, and will be more capable of cooling larger homes. It’s also going to deliver a more consistent temperature in your home and manage humidity better than the YCD.

Model Comparison by Features: YCD versus YXV

The YXV is York’s premier air conditioner. It has the highest efficiency rating and the most features, so it’s also their most expensive model.

The YXV has a variable-speed compressor, ENERGY STAR certification, and a SEER of 21. That’s more powerful than you'll probably need in Canada, but it will produce better energy savings than the YCD, and it will be eligible for more rebates.

The premier model is compatible with proprietary York thermostats that can enable Wi-Fi remote access to your system settings. It also has Charge Assurance to make installation and maintenance easier, and it has the Climate Set feature that enables the installer to customize the system for your climate.

Finally, the YXV has a much better warranty that includes lifetime protection for the compressor.

Model Comparison by Tier:

The YC2E is another value-tier model from York, and it’s very similar to the YCD in most ways. It’s also a single-stage air conditioner with similar sound performance, the same warranty, microchannel coil technology, and a compact footprint.

The one real difference is the YC2E has a slightly higher SEER of 16.5, so it falls into the range that’s ideal for Canada. It will cost a little more than the YCD, but it will generate slightly higher energy savings over the years, and it’s going to be a bit more capable of cooling your home effectively.