Buyer’s Guide : Selecting the right air conditioner

Summer may not last long here, but when it arrives, it often catches us off guard with heatwaves. To fully enjoy the season, it is essential to invest in a quality air conditioner that is suited to your home. Here are a few recommendations to help you choose the right one.

Individual Units

If you are looking to cool a specific room, generally ranging from 300 to 1,600 sq.ft., individual units are an effective and more affordable solution than a central system.

They are available in three main categories:

Window Air Conditioners

The window air conditioner is a practical and economical option for small areas.

Horizontal models are designed for vertical sliding windows, while vertical models are suitable for horizontal sliding or casement windows.

This type of unit must be installed in the spring and removed in the fall for storage. It is generally noisier than other solutions, although recent high-end models offer quieter operation, a remote control and, in some cases, Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access.

Shop window air conditioners

White window air conditioner installed in a bright room, featuring a side control panel and a decorative plant in the foreground.

Portable Air Conditioners

The portable air conditioner, mounted on casters, offers great flexibility since it can be moved from one room to another according to your needs, within the limit of the exhaust hose length.

However, it requires a hot air outlet to the outside using a window sleeve, which means keeping the window ajar. Periodic draining of the condensation tank is also required. Be sure to check for compatible dimensions if your windows are large.

Shop portable air conditioners

White portable air conditioner with an exhaust hose connected to a window, placed in a bright living room.

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners

While more expensive to purchase, wall-mounted air conditioners are distinguished by their quieter operation and permanent installation in a housing unit built directly into an exterior wall.

They are primarily designed to cool the room where they are installed, but some multi-zone models can cool an entire floor. This solution is often preferred for its efficiency and low noise levels.

Type of air conditioner	Installation type	Area covered	Noise level	Energy efficiency	Purchase cost
Window air conditioner	Temporary, installed in a window	Small to medium room	Moderate to high	Good, depending on the model	$
Portable air conditioner	Temporary, with exhaust hose	Small to medium room	Generally higher	Variable, depending on the model	$$
Wall-mounted air conditioner	Permanent, built into an exterior wall	Specific room or floor (depending on the model)	Quieter	Very good	$$$$

For a Large Home: Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is recommended for cooling large spaces or the entire home. However, some models are designed for homes without existing ductwork.

Mini-split (multisplit) air conditioner: Consists of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor heads. The capacity generally ranges from 9,000 to over 35,000 BTU/h.
Ceiling-mounted air conditioner: Installed in the attic, it distributes cool air through flexible ducts. While effective (up to 60,000 BTU/h), its maintenance is more complex and the risk of condensation is higher.
Central heat pump: Provides cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. While more expensive, it remains a versatile solution with noise levels that vary by model.
Central air conditioner: Known for its power and efficiency, it includes an outdoor unit and an evaporator connected to a forced-air central heating system.

White central air conditioning vent grille installed at the bottom of a green wall, above a light-colored carpet.

Note : The installation of a central air conditioner must be carried out by a certified refrigeration technician, as it requires proper duct insulation and the use of materials designed to withstand temperature fluctuations.

Criteria to Check

Regardless of the type of air conditioner you want, there are three important criteria to consider:

Power: It is best to choose a well-sized air conditioner capable of continuous operation. An overly powerful unit multiplies stop-and-start cycles, which increases indoor humidity and reduces comfort. A good system should maintain a relative humidity level between 30% and 50%.
Energy Efficiency: Energy performance is indicated on the EnerGuide label attached to each unit. The SEER rating allows for the comparison of seasonal energy efficiency: the higher it is, the lower the energy consumption. ENERGY STAR certified models display a minimum SEER of 14, with some reaching values above 20 nowadays.
Noise Level: Several municipalities impose noise limits. In Quebec, most tolerate units emitting around 60 dB, with some going up to 80 dB. Although some recent models are very quiet, no air conditioner is completely silent. Always consult the technical specifications before purchasing.

Choosing the Right Power and Location

Cooling capacity is expressed in BTU/h. On average, it is estimated that approximately 20 BTU/h are required per square foot. Insufficient capacity reduces efficiency, while excessive capacity interferes with humidity control.

Take factors such as these into account:

Ceiling height
Insulation level
For a very sunny room, plan for approximately 10% additional BTU/h.
In a kitchen, add 4,000 BTU/h.
In a room occupied by several people, add approximately 600 BTU/h per additional occupant.

A wall-mounted air conditioner should be installed at a height of about 2 meters for optimal diffusion. The outdoor unit must be placed in the shade, sheltered from the wind, and away from windows and neighbouring properties. A ground installation is generally preferable to limit vibrations.

Smart wall thermostat with a digital display showing “SAVE,” being adjusted using an illuminated rotary knob.

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Inspect the filters after approximately three weeks of use, then clean them as needed with lukewarm water and mild soap. Allow them to dry completely before putting them back in place.

Also, perform a visual inspection twice a year, in the spring and fall. Check the condition of the condenser and evaporator coils. If they are dirty, clean them gently using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. If a persistent odour occurs, an appropriate diluted cleaner can be used.

In short, once well-informed, you will certainly find an air conditioner that meets your needs, but when in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your local BMR dealer for information.

Common Questions: Choosing an Air Conditioner

Does an ENERGY STAR certified air conditioner really make a difference on my electricity bill?

Yes. For equivalent performance, an ENERGY STAR certified air conditioner generally consumes 10% to 15% less electricity than a comparable standard model, especially during prolonged use in heatwaves.

Can air conditioning affect indoor air quality?

Yes. Clean filters can help capture certain airborne particles. Conversely, neglected maintenance can reduce the system's efficiency and adversely affect indoor comfort.

Can blinds and curtains reduce the workload of an air conditioner?

Yes. By limiting heat gain caused by sunlight, blinds, curtains, or solar films can reduce the cooling load and improve the overall efficiency of the system.

Last updated: February 2025