Air conditioners are essential equipment in many Canadian homes. The purchase of a new central air conditioner is an investment in your comfort. Ultimately, you want a cooling system that meets your requirements for comfort and efficiency. Your local ClimateCare contractor can evaluate your cooling needs, especially if your existing air conditioner is over 15 years old. Technology and industry standards have changed, and your home may have undergone changes as well. When choosing an air conditioner, correct sizing and efficiency are critical. A ClimateCare contractor is fully qualified to help you select equipment that’s properly sized, with a good efficiency rating.

Size
When it comes to air conditioning, bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Beware of using simple rules-of-thumb for sizing equipment, such as “x tons of air conditioning per sq. ft.” An air conditioner that’s too big will cycle on and off quickly, and won’t run long enough to remove moisture from the air. You’ll end up with cool but clammy air inside your home, and we all know comfort in hot weather is determined by both temperature and humidity. Remember, the smallest unit that's adequate to cool and dehumidify your home is also the most economical.

Efficiency
Central air conditioners use the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), as the measurement of efficiency. It’s the ratio of cooling provided in a typical season (in BTU's) over the energy input to the equipment (in watt-hours). The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency and the greater your energy savings potential. The minimum SEER rating allowed is 10; mid-efficiency units are 12-14 SEER; high-efficiency models are over 15.

-more at Air Conditioner FAQ’s