York YCG Review

York’s LX Series YCG single-stage air conditioning system promises excellent durability and efficiency. You can save a lot more on long-term costs with the LX YCG thanks to its energy-saving performance.

The YCG is an excellent option for a lot of Canadian homes, and this model review will explain its main features, average pricing, warranty details, and efficiency so that you can see if it’s a good investment for your house.

The review will also compare the YCG to three other York models so you can see what other features York has, what's available in a different price range, and what else is in the LX series.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3500 - $5500

Top Features

• ENERGY STAR® certification and high-efficiency SEER mean guaranteed performance and energy savings
• High rebate eligibility
• Direct-drive fan reduces vibrations and noise
• Swept-wing fan blade design also reduces operational sound
• Backed by a good warranty
• Relatively quiet operation for a single-stage model
• Microchannel coil technology
• Compact cabinet is ideal for tight spaces
• Made in the USA

The Bottom Line

The LX Series YCG has it all: durability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. In addition to its top-quality features, this economical air conditioner also promises a high-efficiency SEER of 18.5, even with the more basic single-stage compressor.

There are a few design elements that help the YCG achieve such a great SEER, including the more efficient scroll compressor and the ECM fan motor.

In Canada, air conditioners with a SEER between 16 and 18 offer the best balance between purchase price and long-term energy savings, and the YCG is right on the cusp.

There are several ways this unit could save you money: York air conditioners are already some of the most affordable on the market, it will reduce your summer cooling bills drastically, and it’s likely to qualify for rebates because of the high SEER and ENERGY STAR® certification.

In-Depth Review

LX™ Series – YCG Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 18.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 72
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons

Features Overview

York’s microchannel aluminum coil technology promises increased reliability, better heat transfer, and smaller unit sizes. This way, your unit will operate more efficiently with a smaller outdoor footprint.

Speaking of which, one of the draws of York air conditioners like the YCG is that they're smaller than standard air conditioners, so they can fit in tighter spaces, such as under decks or on balconies.

Further, this model has a top discharge design, so warm air is blown up and away from the structure, allowing the unit to fit in more compact locations.

Other Key Features

• Coils protected with a steel coil guard
• Coil promises effective airflow and heat transfer
• Cabinet is protected with a durable automotive-quality powder-coat paint
• Reliable ECM ball bearing fan motor preserves performance
• Environmentally friendly CFC-free R-410A refrigerant doesn’t deplete the ozone layer

Warranty Information

This model is covered by York’s value-tier warranty that includes a 10-year limited parts warranty and a 10-year limited compressor warranty. A few years ago, they offered a labour warranty with all their air conditioners, but they’ve since removed that.

Just remember that you have to register the unit within 90 days of installation to qualify for those full terms. Unregistered units only come with a five-year parts warranty and five-year compressor warranty.

To register, go to York’s website and fill out the registration form. It’ll ask for your name, the HVAC dealer’s information, the A/C’s serial number, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by York

Model Comparison by Price: YCG versus TCHE

The TCHE is a more affordable air conditioner, costing an average of $3,000 to $4,500. There are trade-offs with the cheaper model, however. While both the YCG and TCHE are single-stage models, the TCHE only has a mid-efficiency SEER of 14.

That means it won’t save you as much on energy bills, it falls short of the ideal SEER range for Canada, and it won’t be as capable at cooling larger homes, especially if you experience heat waves or periods of high humidity.

Further, the TCHE probably won’t qualify for the same rebates as the YCG. Because rebates can sometimes total up to $1,000, you might actually be better off applying for rebates and getting the more expensive model that’ll save you more in the long-term.

Model Comparison by Features: YCG versus YXV

The YXV is York’s top-of-the-line unit, so it comes with the highest efficiency rating, the best specifications, the most features, and the highest price.

This is a variable-speed air conditioner with a SEER of 21, so it’s going to deliver a more consistent temperature around the house.

It’s also one of the quietest air conditioners available, and it has all of York’s premium features, including Charge Assistance for faster installation, a customizable climate setting, and a lifetime compressor warranty.

However, the SEER rating is higher than you'll probably need, so the YXV might not deliver additional energy savings compared to the YCG.

Model Comparison by Tier: YCG versus YFK

One air conditioner that gives the YCG a run for its money is the YFK. It’s a two-stage air conditioner with a SEER of 17.5 and ENERGY STAR certification, so it may not save you quite as much on energy bills, but it will provide a more consistent supply of cool air and better humidity management than the YCG.

It also might cost a little more because of the superior compressor, but it should qualify for the same rebates, which would equalize the cost.