The Best Air Conditioning System for Your Home

When it comes to air conditioning, there is no single system that will work in every home. Your perfect air conditioning system for your house will depend on a very broad set of variables such as how big your house is, what its layout is, how well it's insulated, and how you use it. Your own requirements, energy concerns, and wallet also play a significant role.

Think Outside the Brand

It's easy to assume that the most expensive or the most recognized name will always win. But a properly sized, properly installed system that meets your individual needs will always outperform an oversized or incompatible unit, no matter what the price tag.

What This Guide Will Cover

In an effort to assist you in making the right choice, this guide will walk you through the factors that are most important:

• Size: Why your home's square footage matters
• Energy Efficiency: Long-term cost savings
• System Type: Central air, ductless, and heat pump comparison
• Features: Smart technology, indoor air quality, and convenience features
• Cost: Expectations and where to save costs

By the time you're done, you'll have the knowledge you need to be confident making a choice on an AC system that's right for your house, not for today, but for years to come.

With air conditioning, bigger isn't necessarily better. One that is too big will quickly cool your home but won't operate long enough to dehumidify properly, leaving you with a cold, wet home. On the other hand, an under-sized unit will strain to attempt to cool your home, running continuously and driving up your utility costs without ever quite cooling your home enough.

Proper sizing ensures proper functioning, even cooling, and longer equipment life.

The Function of Professional Load Calculations

To find the correctly sized AC for your home, HVAC professionals use an application called a load calculation. It factors in square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, sunlight, and other factors. It's not an estimate, it's science. At Generations Heating & Air Conditioning, we use precise load calculations to make your system an exact match.

Signals Your Current System Is the Wrong Size

Not sure if your current system is correctly sized? Watch for these telltale signs:

• Unbalanced temperatures from room to room
• Your AC short cycles (cycles on and off frequently)
• Runs continuously but never seems to cool the house
• Runs for excessive energy bills even when used normally
• Excessive indoor humidity in the summer

If you notice any of these, then it is probably time to rethink your system's size and performance.

One of the most significant figures to consider when buying an air conditioner is the SEER rating. SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It's a measure of how well your system uses electricity during a cooling season. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the unit.

For example, an air conditioner with a SEER of 18 will use less energy to cool your home than one with a SEER of 13 and will save you several hundred dollars on your hydro bill in the long term.

The Benefits of High-Efficiency Models

High-efficiency air conditioners cost more to buy, but they pay many long-term benefits:

• Lower hydro bills each month
• Smaller environmental impact, thanks to lower energy use
• Quieter operation and more consistent comfort
• Often eligible for rebates or incentives

If you’re planning to stay in your home for a while, the savings can really add up.

Look at the Long-Term Picture

It’s tempting to choose the lowest-cost system, but don’t forget to factor in what it will cost to run. A slightly higher investment now could mean significant savings down the road, especially during hot Ontario summers when your system is working overtime.

Not all air conditioning systems are created equal, and choosing the right one for your requirements depends on your home's layout, existing infrastructure, and how much control you want over indoor comfort. The following is a rundown of the most common types of AC systems and how they work in Ontario homes.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners are perfect for homes with pre-existing ductwork. They are one of Ontario's most popular options. They distribute even, consistent cool air throughout the home through your pre-existing ducts. Central systems are fairly quiet and most often paired with a furnace for year-round comfort without interruption. The upfront cost is higher, especially if ductwork installation or enhancement is necessary.

Ideal for: Homeowners who desire whole-house cooling with minimal or no visual impact and already have ducting in place.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for homes without existing ductwork, additions, or renovations. They offer zoned cooling, meaning you can have different temperatures in different rooms. They are very efficient, with higher SEER ratings than central air systems in most instances. They are more expensive per unit and may need multiple indoor heads for larger homes, however.

Ideal for: Older homes, additions, or rooms with special temperature needs, without the cost of adding ductwork.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are two-in-one units that provide heating and cooling, so they're a smart, energy-conserving choice. They're ultra-efficient in moderate climates, and they conserve energy year-round. In Ontario, they're outstanding at cooling in the summer and heating in the spring and fall. During very cold winters, a supplemental heat source. a gas furnace, for example, may be necessary.

Ideal for: Homeowners who need year-round comfort and energy efficiency, especially in Ontario's milder climates or with a hybrid setup.

Window & Portable Units

For small spaces or small budgets, window and portable AC units offer quick heatwave relief. They're inexpensive and easy to install, with no long-term changes necessary. They are less efficient and typically cool one room at a time. They can be loud and take up space in your living area.

Best for: Apartments, rental houses, or homeowners who need temporary or supplemental cooling.

Still uncertain about which system is best for your house? Contact Generations Heating & Air Conditioning and we'll lead you to the perfect solution for your space, comfort, and budget.

Apart from simple cooling, air conditioning systems today usually include a number of features that add to comfort, convenience, and indoor air quality. If you're shopping for a new system, here are some valuable features to look for.

Smart Thermostats and Programmable Timers

Smart thermostats allow you to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, so you can conserve energy without sacrificing comfort. You can program different settings for daytime and nighttime, or when you're away from home. Most models also offer energy consumption analysis to allow you to track savings over time.

Quiet operation

Sound level can make a tremendous difference, especially if your unit is situated near a bedroom or outdoor living area. Most new systems are designed for quiet operation, featuring insulated compressors and variable-speed fans. A quieter model can contribute to your level of comfort without disrupting your daily routine.

Air Purification and Humidity Control

Upscale AC systems can do more than cool the air, they can help clean and balance it, too. Look for units with integrated air purification or filtration systems to reduce allergens and airborne particles. Humidity control comes in handy during Ontario's humid summers, preventing mold and increasing indoor comfort.

Wi-Fi Connectivity for Remote Control

Wi-Fi-enabled systems enable you to control changes from anywhere using your smartphone. Regardless of whether you are at work or on vacation, you can monitor and control your AC remotely. Such a feature offers convenience and helps prevent energy loss when you're not at home.

Need help searching for an air conditioner that fits your lifestyle? Talk to the experts at Generations Heating & Air Conditioning for professional consultation and installation.

 

Understanding how much a new air conditioning system will cost is a large part of making an informed, confident decision. While costs may vary depending on the system type and your home's specific requirements, here's what you can generally expect in Ontario, along with some ways to make it more affordable.

Average Installation Costs in Ontario

For a typical homeowner in Ontario, a new air conditioning system installation typically falls within the following price ranges:

• Central Air Conditioners: $3,500 to $8,000+, depending on the size and efficiency of the unit
• Ductless Mini-Splits: $3,000 to $6,000+ per zone, with multi-zone installations costing more
• Heat Pumps: $6,000 to $15,000+ for a whole-home system, which addresses both the heating and cooling functions

Every home is different, so obtain a personalized quote for your layout, square footage, and energy goals.

Rebates and Energy Incentives

Provincial and utility rebates typically exist for upgrading to high-efficiency systems, especially those that meet ENERGY STAR® qualifications.

Rebates can reduce the upfront cost of your system by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Generations Heating & Air Conditioning stays up to date on Ontario energy rebate programs offered and will help you through the application process.

Tip: Ask about rebates when you book your consultation; programs can change seasonally.

Flexible Financing Options

We understand that an air conditioner is a large investment. That's why Generations Heating & Air Conditioning offers financing options to help you pay in installments. Choose from low-cost payment plans to fit your monthly budget.

Be Comfortable Today Without Cost Being a Concern.

Would you prefer to know what your installation will be and which rebates you qualify for? Contact Generations Heating & Air Conditioning for a no-obligation estimate and expert advice on your options.