The Different Air Conditioner Brands

It's all too easy to be overwhelmed by the countless brands and models of air conditioners. For this reason alone, you have to do plenty of research before you head out the door to buy one. Today, many air conditioner models work efficiently while also being energy efficient. However, it’s important to know each model’s features to make sure it fits your needs.

One thing’s for sure: once you’ve chosen a make, check to see if the contractor you’re working with offers post-installation assistance when needed. In the same way, when choosing a model, it’s preferable to opt for well-known brands—should it be damaged, this will make finding spare parts easier.

Still unsure about which air conditioner brands to choose from? Here’s a detailed article to learn more about the different air conditioner brands.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner

Source: Canva

Price 

The cost of air conditioning units varies according to the AC brand and model. Typically, well-known brands are more expensive than lesser-known brands. It’s important to carefully consider the various brands to find the best quality-price ratio.

Energy efficiency

A unit’s energy efficiency is measured by its SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER rating, the lower the energy consumption. It’s a vital factor to consider when choosing an AC.

Energy Star certification

Energy Star certification is a worldwide label awarded to products designed to consume less energy and therefore offer considerable energy savings. A product labelled with this symbol guarantees that it’ll meet the strictest energy efficiency requirements. 

Power generated by the unit

The power generated by the AC, which is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), can vary between different brands and models. It’s important to review the manufacturer's specifications before purchasing. The required power capacity depends on the size of the room that needs to be cooled. As a general guideline, 12,000 BTU/h models are widely favoured in Quebec and considered a popular choice.

Noise level (indoor and outdoor)

This is one of the most important criteria to consider when buying an air conditioner. It generally falls between 45 dB and 75 dB, depending on the device's power. Make sure the air conditioner you choose is both quiet indoors and outdoors, to ensure it’s not a hindrance. Leading brands generally offer quiet models that are suitable for most situations.

Ambient air quality 

This is also an important factor to consider when choosing an AC unit. A reliable air conditioner should have a filtration and purification system to ensure better air quality. Some brands offer multi-stage filtration systems to eliminate allergens, bacteria, odours, and fine particles. Furthermore, a good air conditioner will maintain a relative humidity level between 30-50%.

Warranty

Know the extent of the warranty offered by the manufacturer. In fact, the warranty reflects the reliability of the product. Most brands offer a standard 5-year warranty on parts and 2 years on labour. But the leading brands offer warranties of up to 10 years. Make sure you understand the terms of the warranty before you purchase.

Technological options 

When it comes to choosing an AC, the technological options presented by the various brands are an excellent benchmark. In fact, all brands, all models, offer different features: 

• Timer;

• Cooling mode;

• Sleep mode;

• Auto-clean function;

• LED display;

• Remote control;

• Wi-Fi;

• etc.

Carefully compare these aforementioned features to determine which unit will best suit your home.

Government Grant Eligibility 

To benefit from a government grant, like Rénoclimat, to install your air conditioner, you have to make sure the brand you’ve chosen is eligible. Manufacturers are required to submit their products to rigorous testing before it’s considered eligible for government grants.

What are the best air conditioner brands to buy?

Source: Canva

Japanese brand Panasonic

A key player in the field of technology, Panasonic is also known for its air conditioners and heat pumps. For several years the brand has offered a 10-year warranty on its products, not only covering labour but also the compressor and other parts.

Panasonic air conditioners and heat pumps are equipped with self-diagnostic control, a function that will prevent equipment failure. The operates simply: if something goes wrong, the indoor unit will warn you by way of a small light so that you can contact your post-sales service provider. Note that Panasonic products are highly reliable, and rarely have issues. 

Panasonic also developed an innovative technology—nanoe™ X—allowing their ACs to reach excellent efficiency levels. These units use tiny nanoe™ X ions to purify the air and reduce odours, allergens, and bacteria. So whether you suffer from allergies or asthma, it's the ideal choice.

Moreover, in Quebec, this brand won over customers with models adapted to harsh weather conditions.

Chinese brand GREE

You’ve probably heard of GREE Electric Appliances, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of air conditioning and heating appliances. GREE products are made in China, but their quality is envied by even the leading brands. It’s no wonder their products are sold everywhere around the world. Moreover, one air conditioner out of three sold worldwide is manufactured by GREE (33% market share.) Clearly, this is a brand that has nothing to prove.

GREE has 3,000 patents, 300 labs, 3 research centres, 3,000 engineers, and much more! Recognized as a world leader, the brand has earned a reputation for its technology, innovative capabilities, and excellent value for money. GREE air conditioners combine quality, consistency, reliability, and energy efficiency. Like leading brands, GREE guarantees its products for 10 years (labour, compressor, and other parts).

One of the reasons GREE air conditioners are such a hit is their ability to adapt to different climates. For extreme cold temperatures, GREE developed the EXTREME and LOMO 23 models, which adapt to low temperatures (as low as -30°C), without compromising efficiency or comfort. GREE has equipped the outdoor unit of these models with a heating element base that prevents freezing and ensures maximum efficiency.

Source: Canva

American company Goodman (an independent subsidiary of Daikin Group)

Synonymous with quality and energy-saving, Goodman has been around since 1982. The secret of its longevity lies undoubtedly in the reliability of its products, especially in regard to air conditioners. Goodman air conditioners and heat pumps were invented and are created and assembled in the United States, making it a flagship brand in North America. 

Unbeknownst to most but Goodman, Amana, and QuietFlex all operate under the same umbrella company, with over 700 retailers across North America. As such, if you ever need to replace a part of your air conditioner, you can rest easy! It's also been a subsidiary of the Daikin Group for over 10 years and even changed its name last year.

Goodman air conditioners are equipped with energy-efficient compressors to maximize energy savings. Also, the manufacturer offers small models (which doesn’t detract from their efficiency) and allows them to be installed in restricted spaces. Goodman air conditioners are easy to maintain and can be installed in almost any room of a home. Their products are both quiet and efficient, as the brand strives to keep decibels to a minimum.

Canadian company Keeprite

Keeprite air conditioners and heat pumps are perfect for homeowners and tenants who don’t have ventilation ducts in their homes and want to avoid having to do extra work to enjoy the luxury of air conditioning. While there are many brands with similar products on the market, Keeprite stands out for its reliable, high-performing, low-cost products.

This brand, which has been around for more than 70 years, has developed its technologies to produce devices that are energy-efficient, durable, reliable, easy for contractors to install and easy for customers to maintain. 

Additionally, Keeprite has implemented “Fast Parts,” a system that ensures AC parts and accessories are readily accessible for better post-sales service.

Air Conditioner Brand Overview

Photos: Pixabay