There are times when an AC unit needs to be replaced, unfortunately it’s just one of the necessary elements of being a homeowner. Replacing an air-conditioner in Vancouver doesn’t have to be the hassle that one might expect it to be however.
When buying a new central AC in Vancouver, pricing, size, and brand name are the three big pillars of a purchase. There are of course other factors to consider as well such ENERGY STAR® and SEER rating, financing, promotions and rebates, etc.
At Furnace Prices we have created this guide about central AC cost, what to look for in a contractor, energy efficiency factors, and more:
Average central air conditioner cost in Vancouver (including installation):
$4,800 – $5,800
When talking about Vancouver air conditioner price, the number is much more than a number. Higher model units are more likely to last longer, so your annual cost for a top-of-the-line AC is actually a bit lower than lower budget models. Of course cost is also not the only metric to determine life span (maintenance, frequency of use, and sometimes good old fashioned luck).
Another thing to note about Vancouver AC price is that the higher the energy efficiency of the unit, the lower your utility bills will be. This means whatever finances may be saved in a lower cost air-conditioner may be gobbled right back up in higher priced cooling bills.
The price on a unit is also not the final price that a homeowner will be spending. You can find an ever-changing list of government rebates here as incentives are offered to purchase highly efficient units that put less strain on the grid.
Having a warranty is also an important part of any HVAC installation and in fact may be required by some homeowner insurance companies. New AC installations in Vancouver can be an incredibly detailed process, and customers always want to be covered for parts and labor for at least the first year.
Finally, some contractors may offer incentives from certain brands that they’ve partnered with so homeowners may get a better deal if they purchase a Lennox brand unit instead of Carrier for example.
Higher than average
Slightly above-average price range, which may be due to factors like a more complicated installation, or purchasing a top-of-the-line unit or premium brand.
Typical price range: $4,800 – $5,800
The average price range for a typical high-efficiency unit with a typical installation from an established, fully licensed & insured local HVAC contractor. Prices will vary within this range based on installation factors, brand & model, unit size/BTU output & efficiency, among other things.
Lower than average
Below-market pricing; be careful if the price is exceptionally low. The lower the price is below average, the higher likelihood that you may receive a more hastily done installation, low-end or used components, limited labour warranty coverage & ongoing support, or the company may be less established or lacking in insurance and/or licensing & certification.
What to look for when choosing a heating & air conditioning contractor
People often fret over the brand of air conditioner to buy, but choosing the best contractor in Vancouver is every bit as important.. Not only is the quality of the workmanship and installation crucial to the air conditioner’s lifespan, the company you choose will be relied on for future servicing and warranty coverage.
Always choose an established company that has:
- Good, independently-verified feedback
- A solid track record and no outstanding disputes
- Verified insurance, licenses, and certifications
- Experienced staff, with manufacturer training
- Registered to offer rebates
Checking all of these things is difficult and time-consuming.
That’s why we’ve already done it for you!
Learn more about our independent local HVAC contractor Certification program, designed to help you get a reliable heating system at a fair price, from reputable local dealers.
Who Are Our Top Vancouver Air Conditioner Contractors?
Purchasing a High-Efficiency Central Air Conditioner in Vancouver
When you invest in a new high-efficiency central air conditioner for your Vancouver home, you’ll want to pay close attention to the SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Central air conditioners available in Vancouver have ratings between 13-20+, a higher rating signals higher performance efficiency.
The size of your home should dictate what size central A/C system you buy, and a qualified HVAC professional will make an appropriate recommendation. A system that is too small will frequently cycle on and off and be very inefficient at cooling your space. An overly large unit, on the other hand, will not be able to extract humidity sufficiently.
Deals Available
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Up to 12 months deferral payment, no interest no payment.
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Get Heating or Cooling and Don’t Pay For 12 Months
Government Rebates Available
Vancouver residents who invest in a new high-efficiency central A/C system can benefit from the government rebates and incentives available to reward energy-efficient home ownership. Click here to view central air conditioner rebates available to Vancouver homeowners. Your HVAC distributor can also advise you on which ones you qualify for as well as how to apply for them.
Popular Central Air Conditioner Brands
Homeowners in Vancouver have access to a wide range of top central air conditioner brands like Goodman, Carrier, Lennox, Trane and KeepRite. Carrier, Lennox, and Trane offer SEER ratings that exceed 20 while Goodman ComfortAlert™ technology monitors system performance and KeepRite Observer® Communicating control offers offers Wi-Fi® capability for remote access.
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Installation
Installation of a new central A/C system is essential to performance quality. A licensed HVAC technician will be aware of potential challenges, such as fitting indoor coils, and will examine the condition of the coil to confirm its ability to maintain system performance. Working with a professional will get your system operating the way it should and give you peace of mind.
Financing Options
Vancouver residents who are buying a new central A/C system have different financing options available to them, from standard to zero interest and even bad credit. These options and their terms and conditions are explained below.
Most Vancouver residents looking to purchase a new central air conditioning system can now do so thanks to this flexible range of financing choices. In most cases, the energy savings will cover the cost of the system over time, making it an investment that eventually pays for itself.
Choosing a Vancouver HVAC Contractor
You’ve got the home and then the AC unit, but there’s a very important middle man – the Vancouver HVAC contractor. This is the person that ensures a correct installation, but also performs the maintenance that helps the unit get the longest possible life span.
The Vancouver AC installers actually perform a very important task even before installation, and that is providing a free quote. For any home services from roofing to landscaping it’s always recommended to get multiple quotes so that you know the scope of the work that contractors are recommending as well as pricing, timelines, etc.
A Vancouver AC installation quote will include the price of the labor and the materials. Labor pricing can seem a little eye-popping at first, but these are highly skilled individuals with up-to-date training and this is not a do-it-yourself job by any means – in fact most brands will void a warranty if their units are not installed by certified professionals.
Choosing the best AC installation in Vancouver based on the quote involves a blend of the company that offers the pricing that fits your budget, solid references / reviews, and those who supply the proper insurances, licenses, and certifications. If they are registered to offer rebates and are courteous and friendly those are pluses as well.
So how do you know which AC contractors in the area fit all these check marks? Easy check out this list right here. Our independent HVAC contractor certification program lists the best heating and air conditioner installation companies in the greater Vancouver area based on feedback from verifiable users.
Do I Need a Permit For a Vancouver AC Installation?
One other reason that DIY AC installation is not feasible is because only certified pros can acquire the permits to do the work. Yes, permits are required to install or replace a central AC in Vancouver and the specifics are available at this city website.
Aside from permits, testing is also required before an installation can be considered complete. In Vancouver that includes leak and blower door testing, duck sealing, and other compliance factors.
Properly Sizing AC Units
Quality contractors also assist in guaranteeing the correctly sized unit is selected for the space that needs cooling. Central AC units are sized from 1.5 to 5 tons relative to the square footage of cooling. Obviously a unit that is not productive enough to cool the space needed is going to run too frequently which will drive up utility bills and also cause the AC to have problems from overuse.
Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just “buy the biggest air conditioner and be all set.” The AC needs to be properly sized, meaning if it is too large the air won’t have time to run through the cycle that removes the humidity from the room.
While there are other important factors that a contractor will take into account (ceiling height, window placement and size, insulation) you can get an estimate of the size of unit that will be needed with our AC sizing calculator.
Vancouver High Efficiency Air Conditioners
Energy Star products meet strict efficiency criteria which not only save money on utility bills but help to protect the environment with reduced carbon emissions.
Aside from looking for the Energy Star logo, the other main detail to inspect regarding efficiency is the SEER Rating. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) relates to the energy the unit will consume in a year. Air conditioners on the market range from 13-25 SEER, with the higher the number meaning the more efficient the unit will be. Products from Carrier, Lennox, and Trane often have SEER ratings 20+ as standard.
More About Cooling in Vancouver
Broken down the process of buying an AC in Vancouver isn’t that difficult. Start by getting free quotes from multiple contractors and they will guide you through the process of sizing, brand specs, energy efficiency, and rebates while then moving on to permitting, installation, and inspection.
Some other resources available include our HVAC terms glossary or our air-conditioner pricing guide.
General City Information
Vancouver experiences much milder summer temperatures than the other provinces, with average highs of 22 C and 22.3 C in July and August. With more than 100 HVAC companies to choose from the 500,000+ residents that call Vancouver and surrounding areas home won’t have to worry about finding a licensed HVAC contractor to maintain their high-efficiency central air conditioners, ensuring they are always operating at optimal performance.
Vancouver & Surrounding Areas
Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Mission, White Rock, Cloverdale, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Surrey.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Arbutus-Ridge, Downtown, Dunbar-Southlands, Fairview, Grandview-Woodland, Hastings-Sunrise, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Kerrisdale, Killarney, Kitsilano, Marpole, Mount Pleasant, Oakridge, Renfrew-Collingwood, Riley Park, Shaughnessy, South Cambie, Strathcona, Sunset, Victoria-Fraserview, West End, and West Point Grey.
