7 Benefits of Buying a New Air Conditioner

A new air conditioner will bring you cool, comfortable days and nights, but that’s not all. Other benefits of buying a new central air conditioning system, include saving money on energy bills, plus you won’t have to worry about noise and constant maintenance, and the new warranty will cover the cost of repairs for the foreseeable future.

Canada might not be associated with tropical resorts and beautiful sand beaches, but anybody who has lived here for a summer knows just how hot and sticky it can get here in the summer.

While it’s not always necessary to have an air conditioner for the summer months, most homes throughout the country do have them to help beat those hot days and muggy nights.

If you’re sick of putting up with the heat and looking to buy your first air conditioner, or are thinking it’s time to upgrade that heavy old rambler you’ve had for the past decade, then now is a great time to invest.

Check out our comprehensive Central Air Conditioner Buyer Guide for everything you need to know before you buy a new A/C.

And see how much air conditioning systems cost in Canada, and the Best Central Air Conditioners.

What’s Wrong with My Old Air Conditioner?

Air conditioners have lifespans, and if yours is 15 years or older, then you’ll do yourself and your home a big favour by upgrading.

One of the biggest problems with older air conditioners is they’re much less efficient, so you’re probably spending way more on cooling bills than you need to.

Beyond that, older units tend to be louder, less effective at reaching and maintaining the right temperature, and they can cause temperature swings and uneven cooling throughout the house.

Finally, an older air conditioner probably requires maintenance and service more often, and if the unit isn’t under warranty anymore, then you’re paying to continue operating a cooling system that’s already costing you.

And for homeowners who are thinking about buying their first air conditioner, know that modern units are quiet, efficient, and do their jobs well. You’ll get all the benefits of a cool house without any of the drawbacks associated with outdated technology.

 

Modern Air Conditioners Are Highly Efficient

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures how much fuel a unit consumes versus how much it uses, and it’s what you use to compare air conditioner efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the better the efficiency.

Depending on when you bought your current air conditioner, it could have a SEER rating of 10 or less. By comparison, modern units have SEER ratings between 13 and 21, but some are rated as high as 25.

Air conditioners with 25 SEER exist in Canada, but our summers don’t get hot enough to justify the higher cost of these ultra-efficient units.

 

New Air Conditioners Are Cheaper to Operate

The reason SEER is so important to homeowners is because you have to pay for all the fuel your air conditioner consumes, whether it uses that fuel efficiently or not.

You could reduce your summer energy costs by 20 to 40 percent by upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner because they use so much less fuel than units with low SEER ratings.

You might have to spend a couple thousand dollars to install a high-efficiency air conditioner, but at least you won’t break the bank keeping your home cool throughout the summer.

New Air Conditioners Have Improved Designs

Most older air conditioners have basic single-stage compressors, meaning the air conditioner is either running at full speed or it’s off. These compressors are less efficient and noisier than the technologies available today.

There are still single-stage air conditioners on the market, but if you’re looking for something quieter and energy-saving, then you’re better off investing in a two-stage or variable-speed air conditioner.

These models have two or more stages at which they can operate, so they can run at lower speeds to keep your home comfortable. Aside from using less energy, these more advanced air conditioners are also:

• Better at controlling humidity
• Much quieter when running
• More efficient and cheaper to operate
• Capable of providing more even temperatures
• Better at eliminating hot and cold spots

 

Cost-Saving Technologies and Cool Features

New air conditioners also have better features that increase efficiency, improve performance and longevity, enhance indoor comfort, and make operating the unit easier than ever.

Arguably one of the most important things to look for is ENERGY STAR® certification. That’s an independent verification that the unit performs better and more efficiently than similar models, so it’s worth the additional cost you might have to pay upfront.

There are plenty of other features you might want your new air conditioner to have, including:

• Additional dehumidification technologies
• Quiet and efficient scroll compressors
• Noise-reducing features
• Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operation
• Design features that increase longevity
• Easy installation that can reduce setup costs
• Improved filters
• UV air purification lamps
• Self-diagnostics that facilitate troubleshooting and reduce service time
• Programmable or smart thermostat compatibility

 

A New Air Conditioner Will Be Sized Properly for Your Space

Did you know that an air conditioner that’s not properly sized for your home can actually cost you even more to operate and maintain?

An air conditioner that’s too small will run constantly, have trouble keeping your house cool, and cost a fortune to run. Plus, it will wear out prematurely and you’ll have to invest in a replacement too soon.

An air conditioner that’s too large will cycle frequently, cause humidity problems, and require additional maintenance that you might have to pay for out of pocket.

When you install a new air conditioner with a trained HVAC professional, that expert will use years of experience and training to assess your home and calculate the size of air conditioner you need to cool your space. Your home will be comfortable, your air conditioner will perform optimally, you’ll get efficient cooling, and you’ll get the longest life possible from your system.

Compare free quotes from our Certified local HVAC partners today to find out what air conditioner might be right for your home.

 

Save Money on Service Calls with a New Air Conditioner Warranty

When looking at an air conditioner, don’t settle for anything that doesn’t have at least a 10-year warranty covering the compressor and parts. That’s the most standard warranty there is, and many models come with even better terms.

Especially with more expensive units, you might expect a lifetime compressor warranty, and possibly even a unit replacement warranty lasting anywhere from 10 years to the lifetime of the unit.

The longer the warranty, the more you’ll save on service calls over time. But more than that, a good warranty means the manufacturer stands behind their product, so you’ll be able to rest easy knowing you’re making a sound investment that’s protected by a long and comprehensive warranty.

 

Don’t Forget to Look for Rebates

Whether you’re upgrading an old model or buying your first air conditioner, you should look to budget at least a couple thousand dollars for your purchase, and more if you want a high-end name.

There are ways you can save yourself money, and government rebates are one of the easiest. Rebates are typically available for high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR models, and you might be able to get them through:

• The government
• Banks
• Local HVAC distributor promotions
• Utility companies
• Energy and environmental organizations
• HVAC manufacturers

 

Popular Air Conditioner Brands to Check Out

Air conditioner competition is fierce these days, so there’s plenty of choice out there.

There are budget-friendly brands like Comfortmaker and York, brands like Amana and KeepRite with great efficiency ratings, brands with extended warranties, such as Goodman and Trane, and high-end brand names like Carrier and Lennox. Here’s a list of other popular air conditioner brands in Canada.

• Armstrong
• American standard
• Bryant
• Coleman
• Daikin
• Continental
• Luxaire
• Napoleon
• Payne
• Rheem
• Ruud
• Tempstar

Find out how a new air conditioner could save you money and make your home more comfortable by comparing free, no-obligation estimates from a trusted contractor today.