Air Conditioner Buying Guide
How to keep your cool
How it works
Air conditioners transfer heat from the inside to the outside. The process begins when air from the room is drawn through the air filter and passes over the cooling coils. During this stage, the air is chilled and blown back into the room cooler and drier than before. The warm air is exhausted outside through the back
Window-mounted or portable?
Canadian Tire carries a large selection of window-mounted and portable air conditioners to meet your home's cooling needs.
Window-mounted units: Suitable for double-hung, sliding and casement windows. They are designed for self-installation and are more permanent once installed for the season. However, most units have an easy-to-slide chassis to make maintenance easier.
Window-mounted air conditioners offer a suitable alternative to central air in homes which are not equipped with duct work or utilize radiant/electric baseboard heating systems.
Portable units: Unlike a window air conditioner, a portable air conditioner can be easily moved from room to room, depending on cooling needs. While typically not as energy efficient as other types of air conditioners, a portable unit is perfect for zone cooling an area rather than cooling the whole house.
Portable air conditioners are on wheels and include a hose(s) for air that must be vented out a window. Some models include an internal bucket that collects condensed water and should be periodically emptied. Other types have a no-drip technology, which means you never have to empty a bucket.
A portable unit provides an excellent alternative in condos and apartments that have restrictions on window units. Some portable units have multi-function features. Our 3-in-1 portable home comfort unit provides the functionality and added value of three separate appliances - a portable air conditioner, a dehumidifier and a fan - all rolled into one!
Proper sizing for efficient cooling
To get the comfort you're looking for while being as cost effective as possible, it's important to choose the right air conditioner for the area you want to cool . Should you choose an air conditioner that is too big, your home will feel damp and humid rather than cool and refreshing. Choosing a unit that is too small means that your air conditioner will run almost non-stop and will never make the area cool enough.
Based on size alone, choose an air conditioner that offers 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. Other important factors to consider when selecting an air conditioner are window size, room height, local climate and shading.
Energy efficiency
The international ENERGY STAR symbol is now recognized as a symbol for energy efficiency. By choosing an ENERGY STAR-qualified room air conditioner, you can help the environment and realize significant electrical savings. Today's ENERGY STAR qualified units use 30 to 40 percent less energy than most models sold 10 to 15 years ago.
The large bold number found on the EnerGuide label for room air conditioners is known as the energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the unit. The EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity (in British thermal units (BTU) per hour) to the power input (in watts). The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.
Features to look for
- Quiet operation - Most of today's units are quieter than older models to ensure a comfortable living, working and sleeping environment
- Easy to adjust controls - Look for units with an electronic thermostat and remote control
- Air speed and directional air vents - Adjustable air speed and vent direction allow you to customize your cooling
- Timers - Allow you to program your unit to cool your home when you want it cooled
- Air filters - Easy to clean, removable air filters help to remove allergens and odours
- Energy Star rating - Your signpost to energy savings
Maintenance
Clean your air conditioner at the beginning of every season and every 2 to 3 weeks during heavy use. At the end of the season, clean them once again prior to storage.
