Installing a new air conditioner unit is a great choice, but can seem overwhelming with so many models available from manufacturers today.

With technical features, sizes, and energy efficiency ratings, it can be confusing to first-time buyers. It’s important to understand what you’re getting for your money and how to choose an air conditioner that fits both your home and budget, while also impacting your energy bills.

As air conditioning experts with over 20 years of experience, our goal is to help you through the decision-making process. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the different types of air conditioners and have a grasp of efficiency ratings, air conditioning features, and other options available.

First, let’s get right into our choices for the best air conditioners available in 2024, and the best options available for those on a budget.

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Table Of Contents:

Best Central Air Conditioner In 2024
Best Air Conditioners For A Budget
Common Air Conditioner Buying Questions

Best Central Air Conditioner In 2024

In our opinion, the Lennox XC25 and the Carrier Infinity 21 are two of the best options out there in 2024, giving you top-of-the-line comfort and energy efficiency. Let’s take a look at each one.

Lennox XC25 Air Conditioner

The Lennox XC25 Air Conditioner comes with an industry-leading SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of up to 26, making it one of the most energy-efficient air conditioners on the market. It’s also super quiet – about 50% quieter than most air conditioners.

The XC25 features variable-stage operation, meaning it chooses the most efficient speed to keep the temperature you’ve set, maintaining your desired temperature within half a degree. It’s one of the best at humidity removal, keeping your home’s air feeling light and cool.

The XC25 is also compatible with Lennox’s iComfort® wifi smart thermostat, allowing you to control your home’s climate from anywhere using your smartphone.

Carrier Infinity 21 Air Conditioner

The Carrier Infinity 21 Air Conditioner offers unparalleled performance in home comfort. Coming with a SEER rating of up to 21, it’s right up there in efficiency, meaning smaller utility bills.

This model has a variable-speed compressor to fine-tune performance as outside conditions change, providing consistent and precise temperature control. Equipped with the Silencer System II, it operates at remarkably low noise levels, without the annoying hum you’ve heard with other air conditioners.

It also integrates with the Infinity System Control, enabling you to manage your home’s climate remotely with your smartphone. Also coming with advanced humidity control and air purification means the air you breathe is as comfortable as it is clean.

Best Air Conditioners For A Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget but still looking for a great air conditioner that doesn’t compromise on comfort, we’ve found the Lennox 13ACX and the Carrier Infinity 16 to both be excellent options.

Lennox 13ACX Air Conditioner

The Lennox 13ACX Air Conditioner delivers reliable and efficient cooling at an economical price. A 13 SEER rating isn’t at the high end, but it still helps reduce your energy bills compared to traditional AC units without compromising performance.

A precision-balanced fan provides quieter operation. The scroll compressor, which pumps refrigerant, is designed to withstand the warmest, stickiest summer months.

Also built with a steel PermaGuard™ cabinet that withstands the elements, the 13ACX is an affordable, efficient air conditioner built to last.

Carrier Infinity 16 Air Conditioner

The Carrier Infinity 16 Air Conditioner is one step above with a SEER rating of up to 16. This model comes with standard comfort features to help keep you cool in summer. It’s still fairly quiet with the Silencer System II a compressor sound blanket.

The Infinity system automatically adjusts to the humidity in your home to keep you comfortable. This model is best for homeowners in cooler climates with less humid, milder summers, and is designed to give you simple, efficient, and affordable cooling.

Common Air Conditioner Buying Questions

1. Do You Want An Energy Efficient AC?

Ottawa summertime temperatures are often blazing hot. As a result, air conditioning costs may account for as much as 50 percent of your electrical use in the summer months. Fortunately, energy-efficient central air conditioners will help you save money on your utility bills. At the same time, you’ll be doing your part to keep our planet healthier.

If you haven’t gone shopping for new central air conditioners in a while, you are about to be pleasantly surprised. Did you know that the major air conditioner companies are making their products substantially more energy-efficient than they did a decade or more ago? According to the US Department of Energy, modern AC systems are 20-40 percent higher in efficiency than those manufactured just a decade previously.

However, there is still quite a range of energy efficiency within the different types of air conditioners. To be sure you’re getting the most energy-efficient air conditioner possible, there are 2 numbers to look at:

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER rating) measures how efficiently a particular air conditioner model performs over the course of the cooling season. To calculate the SEER rating of air conditioning units, the number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) removed by the unit is divided by the watt-hours of energy required. 13 is the minimum SEER rating for new air conditioners sold in Canada today, as per the federal Energy Efficiency Regulations. AC units with a SEER rating of at least 14.5 will earn the Energy Star certification, which is awarded to electrical appliances with a high level of energy efficiency. The most energy-efficient air conditioners on the market have impressive SEER ratings of up to 26!
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER rating) is another indication of energy efficiency, which is less frequently used. The EER rating is determined according to the amount of electrical energy required to produce a particular level of cooling. With both the EER rating and SEER rating, higher numbers indicate greater efficiency.

Natural Resources Canada recommends regular cleaning and annual professional maintenance of the system to optimize your new central air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Installation of a programmable thermostat is also useful.

2. Does Your Current Air Conditioner Have R22 Refrigerant Freon?

R22 Refrigerant (also known as R22 freon and HCFC-22 freon) is an outdated, environmentally harmful chemical that was used in older air conditioner units. R22 contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, which negatively affects our climate.

As of January 1, 2020, producing and importing R22 is banned in Canada. Some manufacturers have tried to find a suitable substitute that can be used for existing R22 units, but it’s only considered an interim solution until an upgrade can be made.

If you have an older central air conditioner, you’ll want to check and make sure it isn’t using R22. If so, installing a brand new replacement unit is really the only way to stop using this harmful chemical.

3. Does Your Home Have Ductwork?

Before installing a central air conditioning system, you’ll need ductwork to carry the cooled air to all the rooms of your house. If you are buying a replacement air conditioner or if you currently have a forced-air furnace, that means you already have ductwork.

If your home does not contain ductwork, a retrofit is possible. Putting in compact high-pressure ducts will simplify the procedure and take up the minimum of space in your attic, walls, and underfloor area.

4. Are You Interested In Ductless Air Conditioning?

An alternative is to install ductless air conditioners, which have several advantages, including space savings, more straightforward installation, and high energy efficiency.

If you have a smaller home, or don’t need to worry about cooling down your entire house (perhaps you only want a cooler bedroom or kitchen since you spend most of your time in those places, for example), then you can also consider a portable air conditioner or a window air conditioner.

While either of these options will be less expensive than a central air conditioner system, they obviously won’t be able to have the same cooling output.

5. Are You Interested In A Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient appliances that will supply you with both cooling and heating. A heat pump works by moving heat energy outside your house in summer and inside in winter.

A heat pump will cost you more initially than a conventional central air conditioner and requires complex installation. When buying a heat pump for a Canadian home, it’s best to choose one with a backup source of heat. On the other hand, in addition to their energy savings, high-efficiency heat pumps offer several other significant advantages:

Reduced heat pump operating costs
Low maintenance
Long service life of 14-15 years or more

Looking for a heat pump rebate? You may want to check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant. There are two parts to this grant:

An initial EnerGuide evaluation, followed by expert advice (reimbursed up to $600) as to the best energy efficient retrofits for your home
A rebate of as much as $5,000, awarded to homeowners once their energy-efficient retrofits have been completed

Learn more so you can decide whether an air conditioner or a heat pump is right for your Ottawa home.

6. Is Your Air Conditioner Is Sized Correctly

Central air conditioners are sized in terms of BTUs. Although the formula 20 BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot of floor space can be used as a rough guide, expert calculation of your home’s BTU requirements is essential to size your air conditioner accurately. Our HVAC professionals will consider factors such as:

Total floor space
Ceiling height
Number of stories
Exposures
Number of windows and doors
Amount of insulation
Your family’s personal cooling preferences

A correctly sized air conditioner system, neither too small nor overly large, will do the most efficient job of cooling and dehumidifying your home.

7. What Does the Average Air Conditioner Cost?

There’s a wide range of prices for all the new, high-efficiency air conditioning systems available on the market. When you’re getting a quote from a reliable air conditioner installer, be sure to ask them questions that will help you narrow down the scope of what you’ll need for your entire house to have adequate and precise comfort

Type of air conditioner: new air conditioner systems can be central, ductless, window, wall-mounted, or portable

Environmental considerations: how will your air conditioner affect your energy efficiency, indoor air quality, sound, and humidity?

Personal choices: does the installer offer an extended warranty, maintenance plan, and service guarantees?

Technical requirements: what is the size of your home, the floor plan, number of stories, existing ductwork (if any), and the BTU load? What is the cooling power, enhanced humidity control, and air quality output of the air conditioner system?

A central air conditioning system or a ductless air conditioner can cost you anywhere from $3,000-$6,000, while a portable air conditioner can be as little as $200-$700.

8. What Are the Benefits of a Central Air Conditioning Unit?

While it might seem daunting to potentially spend thousands of dollars on a new central air conditioner, there are plenty of good reasons to invest.

Not only will a central air conditioner have the ability to cool your entire house, it can do so at greater cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency than a ductless air conditioner (and even more so than a portable air conditioner or window unit).

You can control the temperature inside your home the same way you do in the winter: with your thermostat. No need to fuss with multiple portable air conditioning units spaced throughout your house.

You’ll also get greater indoor air quality, since the cool air will travel through the furnace filter and any air purification systems you’ve set up.

Overall, central air conditioners have a nice long lifespan, and will last you for a over decade or more with proper maintenance.

9. What Are The Most Trusted AC Brands?

The most trusted air conditioning brands have earned their reputations due to years of excellent performance and service. At Ottawa Home Services, we work with the following top-tier brands:

Carrier, the firm which invented the very first modern air conditioner in 1903, continues to deliver superlative, extremely reliable products. Carrier offers central air conditioning for every budget, with SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 26.

Comfortmaker is made by Carrier, who invented the very first modern air conditioner in 1903, continues to deliver superlative, extremely reliable products. Comfortmaker offers central air conditioning for every budget, with SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 26.

Lennox is another veteran AC manufacturer. The company is well-known for their precise temperature control. Lennox central air conditioners are SEER-rated between 15.5 and 26. Many models are Energy-Star certified.

10. Should I Rent An Air Conditioner?

Perhaps you’re not quite ready to commit to buying a central air conditioning system at the moment. You might be planning to move within the next year or two — or you have other financial priorities.

Did you know that renting an air conditioner from Ottawa Home Services is an option? Choose one of our rental units and enjoy high-quality home comfort at an affordable monthly rate. Your rental agreement will also include free AC inspection and maintenance every other year.

11. Should You Get An AC Protection Plan?

Buying the best central air conditioning for your home is an important beginning. To make sure that your investment will continue to serve you well, protect your new appliance with the proper air conditioning maintenance and service plan.

What should you look for? At Ottawa Home Services, our AC protection plan includes annual:

In-depth inspection and maintenance, scheduled to suit you
System cleaning and tune-up
Testing for the presence of carbon monoxide gas

It also comprises superior customer service throughout the year (even during Ottawa heatwaves!), namely:

Priority service 24/7, with no upcharge after hours
Extended repair warranty
Potential savings on the cost of AC repairs, plus 10 percent off AC & furnace maintenance bundle
Best of all, peace of mind!

Ottawa Home Services — Your Cooling Experts

Talk to us about your central air conditioner needs today. We have a team of Barrhaven air conditioning experts ready to assist you in choosing from the best central air conditioners for your household. You can rely on OHS for Kanata air conditioner sales, installation, and service.

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Best 2024 Air Conditioner – Buying Guide