The hot summer months are great for enjoying the sunshine, long walks and other outdoor activities. Hot temperature indoors can make for somewhat uncomfortable conditions. Air conditioning units are a great way round this to create consistent cooling throughout a building.
The good news is there are a number of great air conditioning brands to choose from to keep buildings cool in Canada. There are a number of factors involved in finding the best one to fit each situation. These can include the available budget, SEER ratios, lifespan, energy efficiency, features and the length of warranty.
Another crucial factor is the complexity of the installation, and whether retrofitting will be required. This can significantly impact the cost of the air conditioning unit, but also increase its performance. Either way, be sure to use a qualified HVAC engineer for the installation process, as this will ensure everything is setup as it should be.
Understanding each of these factors in detail is good knowledge to have before making a final decision on an AC unit. They are a reasonable sized purchase, and doing a little homework can mean significant cost savings at the time of purchase and later down the line.
How to size up AC requirements
Square footage is the key measure for scoping out AC requirements. This helps calculate the cost of the AC unit based on the amount of space it will be required to keep cool. In simple terms, the larger the space, the more powerful AC unit will be required.
Energy efficiency can also be factored into this calculation. A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is assigned to every AC unit to measure its level of energy efficiency. This is an important ranking because it shows how eco friendly the unit is. On a personal level, more efficient AC units can also provide considerable cost savings from reduced energy consumption.
SEER ratings enable homeowners to evaluate the top AC units according to their energy efficiency. This ranking is calculated based on the unit’s cooling capability in the summer in relation to the total electricity needed to operate it during that time. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is; high SEER ratings equal lower energy costs and environmental footprint.
The next step is to choose a good AC manufacturer. Reputable manufacturers offer the longest lasting AC units, not to mention the best warranty and support services to keep them running smoothly.
Carrier AC units
Carrier provides AC units with a SEER rating of 21. They also come with a long manufacturers’ warranty to ensure complete peace of mind for homeowners.
To achieve its high SEER rating, Carrier does not compromise on functionality. The manufacturer’s Performance Series ranks highly on innovation including moisture evaporation with UV light. These units also come with inbuilt ventilators that serve to keep the air clean as well as cool. Carrier are not the cheapest AC unit to buy upfront, but their feature-rich build and high energy efficiency make them a sound investment in the medium term.
In addition to their top quality performance and SEER rating, Carrier’s AC units also have the option of high customer service standards. The manufacturer also offers financing plans to spread the initial investment over months or years.
Goodman AC units
Goodman has a long reputation as a reliable AC provider. Energy efficiency is high on Goodman’s agenda, with most of its units scoring well in SEER.
Goodman is also willing to back its products, and offers one of the best manufacturers’ warranties in the AC industry. The longstanding AC provider’s warranty stacks up well against most other vendors. Some of Goodman’s top-end range come with up to 10 year warranty, not to mention full replacement parts services. Moreover, Goodman go one step further to offer lifetime guarantees on its AC unit compressors.
Despite its guarantees and quality of build, prices are also extremely competitive. From mid-range choices to premium units, Goodman usually has an AC unit to meet most requirements.
American Standard
One of the largest and most well-known AC brands in North America, American Standard prides itself in its low fault volumes.
Not the cheapest AC units by any stretch, American Standard are one of the premium price brands. But the quality and longevity of its products is well known and accepted as being some of the best available.
In summary
There are some top quality options of top branded AC units in Canada. These include the brands mentioned above and also some equally reputable choices such as Trane Central, Rheem, York, Lennox, Ruud Central and Amana.
Many top manufacturers offer solutions to suit all budgets from entry level units to premium quality with optimal SEER ratings and features. With some careful research and attention to the manufacturers’ warranties on offer, homeowners can sleep easily knowing they have made the right choice.
In addition to choosing the brand of AC system, it is essential to utilize a qualified HVAC contractor to install the unit. Installing AC units is a reasonably complex job, and for complete health and safety provision it is essential to use the services of a specialist.
Property owners should also pay close attention to the sizing of the AC unit. Too small, and the unit will struggle to do what it is intended to do, leaving house temperatures uncomfortably high at the peak of summer. Too large, and the costs of running the AC unit will skyrocket thanks to excessive energy consumption required to cool the space. Reputable HVAC companies will be able to advise on every aspect of this important purchase from consideration phase to installation and after-sales service.
The best advice when considering the top branded AC units in Canada is to balance budget with efficiency, power and durability to find the best possible fit for a property. Carrying out regular maintenance is also important to keep AC units clean and working well. Doing so ensures minor problems do not become more serious and costly down the line.
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