So Which A/C Unit Do I Choose?

Choosing a new Central Air Conditioning unit can be an arduous task at best.   Thermal Group will help you to consider each of the major options to carefully choose an A/C unit that is going to meet the needs of your family now and in the future.

Call us today at 905-693-0211 or email us at: michael@thermalgroup.ca

The joy of living in Canada means that, while we have bitterly cold (and sometimes very long) winters, we also have unbearably HOT summers.  Every year summer approaches before we know it.  With summer comes the mad rush to get your central air conditioner installed. 

If you are considering a new or replacement, high efficiency, central air conditioning unit Thermal Group will assist you with every step of the process.  We will work personally with you to provide the best system for your home.  We will ensure that the central air conditioning system will meet the requirements of your home while allowing you to stay within your desire budget.  

Milton's "Smart Meter" Program - What this means for you
With the Milton Ontario's launch of the new "Smart Meter" program Milton is one of the first communities in Ontario to be put on metered billing program.   For the average consumer this means a drastic increase in the cost of electricity during peak hours.  Those consumers with outdated (low efficiency) central air conditioners may find themselves paying hundreds more dollars in electricity costs during the summer months.  That's why choosing the right air conditioner is more important now than it ever has been.

Choosing an Air Conditioner

A new, high efficiency, central air conditioning system can provide a significant energy savings over older systems.  In addition to the savings, a high efficiency air conditioning unit will provide you with increased comfort during the hot, sticky months of our Canadian summers.   Choosing a new system can be difficult with the multitudes of companies and options. That's why we have chosen to provide you with the basics in buying a new Central Air Conditioning unit.  Thermal Group will assist you in choosing the absolute best unit for your home!

When considering the different options available in a new central air conditioning system, there are two main options to consider; the SEER Rating and the type of refrigerant used to operate the unit.

SEER Rating
The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is a similar type of rating system as is used to measure the energy efficiency of a furnace. Typical SEER ratings range between 13-18 SEER for new air conditioners. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency. Most places throughout North America now mandate a minimum of a 13 SEER rating to increase energy efficiency across the Continent.

Many older homes have central air conditioning systems that are operating at a SEER rating of 6 below. By replacing an older central air conditioning system with a new high efficiency system, homeowners can reduce energy bills by up to 50% during the summer months.

*Rebates:  The Government of Ontario offers many rebates for homeowners replacing older units.  Remember to enquire about rebates when installing your new unit.

Refrigerant Type
There are two main types of refrigerants, R-22 and R-410. R-22, a chlorine-based refrigerant, has been standard in residential air conditioners for many years. Since it is not an environmentally friendly refrigerant, it will be phased out over the next decade.

By 2010, no new air conditioners will use R-22. By 2020, the manufacturing of R-22 will be completely banned. In the meantime, the cost to maintain an R-22 air conditioner will go up dramatically. A similar situation occurred with air conditioners in cars. R-12 refrigerant was the standard used in cars at the time but was phased out starting in 1990. Seven years later, the cost of R-12 refrigerant had increased 650%.

Although it costs more initially, air conditioners that use R-410 refrigerant will be much less expensive to maintain over the life of the air conditioner and are more environmentally friendly. Additionally, since most air conditioners last between 15-20 years, you will not have to worry about it becoming obsolete in the future.

Although choosing a new central air conditioning system can seem challenging, remember to always compare systems with the same options and make sure that you are working with a reputable company.