2023

Air Conditioner

Buyer's Guide

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Choose the best air conditioner for your home

Whether you are considering upgrading your cooling equipment or need a repair, this guide will help you make smart and informed decisions. This guide will advise you on how to save energy and keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently all season long.

Air Conditioner repair Vaughan

Air Conditioner Types

Learn more about the three main types of air conditioners and find the right one for you.

What’s The Best Air Conditioner For You?​

Follow these recommendations to choose the best size air conditioner for your home to optimize it’s energy efficiency and lifespan.

Tip: A licensed technician should measure the size of your new air conditioner to avoid issues with humidity and temperature imbalance post install.

What are the Different Cooling Systems?

It is important to choose the right type of air conditioner based on your family's needs, your living space, and your budget.

Central AC System

Ductless System

Window System

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Rent or Buy

Learn more about the main differences and whether to rent or buy your air conditioner.

Should you rent or buy?

To make the right decision to buy or rent your cooling system, ensure you know what equipment you’re purchasing, total cost of ownership and maintenance requirements.

Buy

Rent

TipYou can be sure you’re choosing an energy efficient air conditioner by first checking whether it’s ENERGY STAR® rated.

 

 

Installation Requirements

Whether you decide to rent or buy, a high-quality installation is essential to the performance of your new system. The company that you choose should follow these steps to ensure optimal performance.

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Proper Assessment

Before choosing the right air conditioner you, a reputable installer should assess your preferences and needs, as well as the technical aspects of your home.

Furnace recommendation

Expert Guidance

If your installer recommends the wrong system for your home, an oversized furnace is more costly and an undersized furnace fails to provide adequate heating.

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Effective Consultation

It is essential that the installer provides you with a flexible selection of the newest technologies, models, and brands that are suitable for your needs.

What to Expect

Following your decision on who to hire and whether to buy or rent, you need to know what to expect next and how to prepare yourself for the installation.

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Clean out your furnace room

You should make sure that the furnace room and any other work areas are clean, clutter-free, and well lit before you begin the installation. Kids and pets should not be allowed near the work area.

Protection for your home

When the technicians arrive, they should wear booties over their shoes to protect your home. Additional carpet and floor protection may be needed.

Post-install procedure

Upon completion of around 2 hours, the crew will test the new system to ensure proper function. After that, they remove the old furnace, all parts and packaging, and clean up completely.

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Air Filters

Learn more about the fundamentals of air filters and how to maintain them to keep your system running efficiently.

The Importance of Air Filters

It is recommended that you consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 7 when choosing a filter  for your home, which determines how well the filter will capture airborne particles.

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Ventilation & Filtration

An air conditioner filter acts as a barrier to trap dust, dirt, and other particles from the air that circulate through the HVAC system. This not only improves the indoor air quality but also helps to prolong the lifespan of the air conditioner itself.

Purification & Circulation

Properly installed and maintained air conditioner filters can also help to remove allergens, pollutants, and other harmful contaminants from the air. This can help to alleviate symptoms of allergies and other respiratory conditions.

Season Allergies

Regularly replacing your air conditioner filters can also help to reduce the buildup of allergens in your home, particularly during allergy season. This can help to alleviate symptoms and make your home a healthier place to live.

Tip: Replace your filters at least once a month, if not more often for optimal efficiency.

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Fiberglass air filters

You should make sure that the furnace room and any other work areas are clean, clutter-free, and well lit before you begin the installation. Kids and pets should not be allowed near the work area.

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Electrostatic air filters

When the technicians arrive, they should wear booties over their shoes to protect your home. Additional carpet and floor protection may be needed.

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High-efficiency air filters

Upon completion of around 2 hours, the crew will test the new system to ensure proper function. After that, they remove the old furnace, all parts and packaging, and clean up completely.

Which option is better for you?

You should consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of the filter when choosing the right air filter for your home, which determines how well the filter will capture airborne particles. It is recommended that you select an air filter with at least a MERV rating of 7. Replace your filters at least once a month, if not more often for optimal efficiency.

How To Clean your Air Filter

A good air filter may help you or someone in your home who frequently suffers from seasonal allergies or airborne allergens. Replace your filters at least once a month, if not more often for optimal efficiency.

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Remove loose Debris with a vacuum

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Rinse with warm water to remove dust and dirt

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Once it has dried, reinstall

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Maintaining your air conditioner​

Things to consider when choosing a company to tune up and maintain your air conditioning system​

Hiring a Contractor for your maintenance needs

Prior to hiring a contractor, it is highly recommended that you conduct research on the company. Consider the following:

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Check number of annual service calls of company

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If the company is slow to respond, they are at capacity and rush services

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Check technician's certifications to ensure quality service

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AirPoint technician performing furnace tune-up in Toronto 2023

Check reviews to see if company prioritizes customer service

Get your ducts cleaned

The ducts and vents in your home should be thoroughly cleaned by a professional and reputable duct cleaning company. If you’v recently finished renovations or haven’t had your ducts cleaned in over a year, it is time to clean them.

TipYou can be sure you’re choosing an energy efficient furnace by first checking whether it’s ENERGY STAR® rated.

 

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Save Energy

Choose an air conditioner that will help you save energy and run efficiently all season long.

Keep Your Energy Costs Low

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Energy Star Certified models reduce energy consumption

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Upgrade to a smart thermostat to better control your energy bill & temperature

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Use a ceiling fan in substitute to your AC to circulate air​

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Close your window blinds to avoid heat from direct sunlight​

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Need help choosing your best option?

Get a free consultation to learn more about which air conditioner is best fit for your home today.