York YXV Review

The Affinity™ Series YXV air conditioner belongs to York’s premium tier, and it’s their top-of-the-line offering. This model comes standard with all of York’s premium features and design elements, including a variable-speed compressor and an ultra-high SEER of 21.

The YXV might actually be more efficient than you need in Canada, and that could mean it costs more than you want to spend. The YXV will explain why, and talk about the model’s features, efficiency, warranty, pricing, and situations where you might need an air conditioner with this much power.

If it turns out the YXV is more air conditioner than you need, you can see what York models might be more suitable for your needs in the model comparison section.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4500 - $5500+

Top Features

• QuietDrive™ system reduces operational noise
• One of the quietest air conditioners on the market
• ENERGY STAR® certification and high-efficiency SEER mean energy savings and high chance for rebates
• Charge Assurance™ for faster installation
• Compatible with the Hx™ and Hx3 thermostats
• Supports zoning
• Backed by an excellent warranty
• Has the Climate Set feature for customized cooling

The Bottom Line

The YXV has energy-saving features like a variable-speed scroll compressor that makes incremental adjustments to the cooling output to reduce energy use and keep your home at the perfect temperature. It has a remarkably high SEER rating that will significantly cut energy costs compared to older models.

It also has a number of features to reduce noise, and it’s extremely quiet when it’s running.

One thing about this model is that the 21 SEER rating is probably more than you're going to need in Canada. Air conditioners like this are for hotter climates with longer summers, like the Southern U.S.

Air conditioners with SEERs above 18 are going to be more expensive, but in our milder climate, they won’t return enough additional energy savings to offset the higher cost.

That being said, York air conditioners are some of the most affordable ones on the market, so this might still be a feasible option. It will save you money on summer cooling costs, and there's a good chance it will qualify for rebates that lower the price.

In-Depth Review

The Affinity™ Series YXV Specifications:

• Compressor: Variable-speed scroll
• SEER: Up to 21
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 53
• Tonnage: 2 to 5 tons

Features Overview

The YXV is York’s premier air conditioning system, so it’s equipped with all the brand’s special features and technologies.

Perhaps the most integral part of this system is the proprietary Hx or Hx3 thermostat compatibility. These thermostats enable consumers to monitor and adjust their system from anywhere in the world.

The YXV also has the QuietDrive™ system, which includes a swept-wing fan and composite base that reduce vibrations and noise. Another cool feature is Climate Set, which enables HVAC technicians to customize the fan setting for your climate when the unit is being installed.

And for faster and easier installation and maintenance, the YXV has Charge Assurance, which includes a built-in touchscreen that displays important data like system pressure and refrigerant charge.

Other Key Features

• High-quality powder paint promises the best protection from corrosion and harmful UV rays
• Swept-wing fan design reduces sound by allowing smoother, more efficient airflow
• Next-generation R-410A refrigerant that doesn’t deplete the ozone layer
• Has a tube-in-fin coil
• Dual fuel compatible

Warranty Information

The YXV comes with York’s premium-grade warranty coverage that includes a 10-year limited parts warranty and a lifetime limited compressor warranty.

These warranty terms require registration. Registration is recommended because it gives you additional coverage, but even without it, this model still comes with a 10-year compressor warranty and a five-year parts warranty.

To register, go to York’s website and provide them with your name, the serial number for the A/C, the HVAC dealer’s name, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by York

Model Comparison by Price: YXV versus YFK

The YXV is York’s most expensive model, and we already mentioned that it’s going to cost a lot more because of the high SEER.

If you're looking for something more affordable that still offers a high-efficiency SEER, then you might want to check out the YFK, which costs between $3,500 and $5,500 in Canada.

The YFK arguably offers better value than the YXV. While it’s a less advanced two-stage air conditioner with fewer features and a shorter compressor warranty, it still promises consistent temperatures and efficient cooling.

Not only will it cost less than the YXV, but it will also deliver similar energy savings and should be eligible for all the same rebates.

Model Comparison by Features: YXV versus TCHD

The TCHD is at the opposite end of York’s product line: it’s their most basic and most affordable air conditioner with the fewest features.

It doesn’t have Charge Assurance, Hx thermostat compatibility, Climate Set, or any other of York’s advanced features.

Moreover, the TCHD only has a SEER of 13 and a single-stage compressor, and that means it probably won’t be powerful enough to cool larger homes, especially during heat waves or high humidity. It will be a lot cheaper than the YXV, but it won’t qualify for high-efficiency rebates and won’t save you nearly as much on monthly cooling bills.

Model Comparison by Tier: YXV versus YXT

The YXT is another premium-tier model from York, and while it’s a little less advanced than the YXV, it could be a better and more affordable option.

It’s a two-stage air conditioner with a SEER of 19.75 and ENERGY STAR certification, so it will still qualify for rebates and deliver excellent energy savings. It also has the same warranty as the YXV, as well as the QuietDrive system.