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Air Conditioner Buying Guide for Canadian Homes

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home

If your current air conditioner is struggling to keep up or driving up your energy bills, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new, more efficient cooling system.

But with so many options, where do you start?

 

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If you’re experiencing problems with your  current air conditioner, or if your AC is
so old and inefficient that bills keep adding up,  you definitely want to look at a new system. Well,
where do you start? Well, when considering a new  air conditioner, it’s important to remember that
not all air conditioners are created equal and  there are different options available. There are
window units which are often used for temporary  installations, in-wall units, which are typically
used in condos, and central air units, which  are usually found in homes. If your home has an
existing furnace, then a central a/c unit will be  your best option as they’re extremely efficient,
saving both energy and money. Now once you’ve  landed on the system type, you want to consider
five key areas; the brand, output capacity,  installation, rebates, and lastly, how to maximize
the life of your equipment. When purchasing a new  AC you want to choose a trusted system that will
stand up to years of use, is reliable, efficient,  cost-effective and if something does happen,
you need to know that the parts and service  are easily available. At Reliance Home Comfort,
we work with the top brands in the industry. An  air conditioner has to be sized for your home. A
Reliance Home Comfort Advisor will help you choose  the best option by considering your total square
footage, sun exposure, the age of your home  and its insulation, and how energy-efficient
you’re looking for the system to be. To get the  most benefit out of a new system, you want to
make sure it’s installed properly so you want to  hire an installation team that is well-trained,
experienced and professional. After all, you’re  placing your home comfort in their hands. A
Reliance installation team will be able to ensure  that your HVAC is properly installed in order to
maximize comfort, longevity and efficiency.  Depending on the unit you choose and the area
that you live in, there may be government mail-in  rebates and incentives available that can help
you save money. During an in-home consultation,  the Reliance Home Comfort Advisor will discuss
the programs available to you. And lastly, you  want to have an understanding of what your new
equipment will require in terms of regular  service and maintenance to make sure you get
the maximum lifetime value from your system.  Remember, if you need a new air conditioner,
Call on Reliance™ to schedule time with a  Reliance Home Comfort Advisor. You can count
on our expertise to assess your home and make sure  that you get the right solution for your family.
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Air Conditioner Types: Which One Is Right for You?

When shopping for a new air conditioner, it’s important to know your options:

  • Window Units – Commonly used for temporary or room-specific cooling.

  • In-Wall Units – Typically installed in condos or apartments.

  • Central Air Conditioning Systems – Ideal for houses with existing furnaces. These units are highly efficient and can help reduce your energy costs.

If your home already has a furnace, a central air conditioning system is usually the best choice due to its efficiency and ability to cool the entire home evenly.

What to Consider When Buying a New AC

Once you’ve chosen the type of system, focus on these 5 key factors:

1. Brand and Reliability

Look for a trusted brand that offers a strong reputation for performance, efficiency, and durability. A reliable air conditioner should last for years and come with accessible support for parts and service.

At Reliance®, we work with some of the top AC brands in the industry.

2. Output Capacity

Your AC needs to be properly sized for your home. A Reliance Home Comfort Advisor will evaluate:

  • Your home’s square footage

  • Sun exposure

  • Insulation and age of your home

  • Energy efficiency goals

This ensures you get the right cooling capacity for maximum comfort and energy savings.

3. Professional Installation

Proper installation is essential for your air conditioner to perform efficiently and last longer. Trust an experienced and certified installation team like the one from Reliance to handle the job with care and precision.

4. Available Rebates and Incentives

You may qualify for government rebates or local energy incentives depending on your system and location. During your in-home consultation, your Reliance Advisor can guide you through any rebate programs available to you.

5. Maintenance Requirements

To maximize the life of your air conditioner, regular maintenance is key. From filter changes to seasonal inspections, it’s important to know what’s required.

Want to make maintenance easier? Explore our Heating & Cooling Protection Plans for peace of mind and hassle-free service.


Need More Help?

Visit our Ultimate Air Conditioning Guide for more tips and detailed information.

When it’s time for a new air conditioner, Call on Reliance™. Our experienced team can help you choose the right system and make the process simple and stress-free.

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