High-efficiency Systems

High-efficiency Systems | Air Conditioning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kingston

Living in Kingston means hot, humid summers, and there’s no better way to stay comfortable than with HEP’s high-efficiency systems. Our NATE-certified technicians design, install, and maintain advanced air conditioning solutions that slash energy use without sacrificing a single degree of chill. From smart inverter heat pumps to whisper-quiet variable-speed condensers, every system is tailored to your home’s unique layout, ensuring even cooling, lower utility bills, and a lighter carbon footprint.

We back every installation with transparent pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and the friendliest crew in the Hudson Valley. Ready to replace that aging unit, add zoned cooling, or schedule a preventive tune-up? Give HEP a call today and discover how effortless and affordable true comfort can be.

FAQs

What qualifies an air conditioner as “high-efficiency” and how is it different from a standard unit?

In Canada, an air conditioner is considered high-efficiency when it has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) of 15.2 or higher and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2) of at least 12.2. High-efficiency models use advanced scroll or variable-speed compressors, ECM indoor blower motors, and larger, better-designed coils to transfer heat more effectively. As a result, they cool the home using 20–50 % less electricity than mid-efficiency models, run more quietly, control humidity better, and place less wear on components, which can extend equipment life.

How much can I expect to save on my energy bills by switching to a high-efficiency air conditioner in Kingston’s climate?

Savings depend on the age and efficiency of your current system, your home’s insulation levels, and your cooling habits. Replacing a 10-SEER unit installed in the early 2000s with a 17-SEER2 model can reduce cooling costs by roughly 35–40 %. In Kingston, where the cooling season is moderate but humid, the average detached home using 2,000 kWh each summer for cooling could save $250–$300 a year at current Ontario electricity rates. Over a 15-year equipment life, that’s $3,500–$4,500 in utility savings, not including potential maintenance savings due to reduced run time.

Are there rebates or incentives available in Kingston for installing a high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump?

Yes. Through the Canada Greener Homes initiative and Enbridge’s Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program, eligible homeowners can receive up to $6,500 when installing a cold-climate heat pump, which provides both heating and cooling. Stand-alone high-efficiency central air conditioners may qualify for a $250–$600 rebate from specific manufacturers or local utilities when they meet ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient criteria. Our team will help you gather model numbers, complete the pre- and post-audit paperwork, and submit all forms so you don’t leave money on the table.

How do I know what size high-efficiency air conditioner my Kingston home needs?

Proper sizing is determined with a Manual J or CSA F280-12 load calculation that factors in square footage, insulation levels, window size and orientation, number of occupants, air leakage, and solar heat gain. Oversizing leads to short cycling and poor humidity control; undersizing forces the unit to run continuously. During a free in-home assessment, our comfort advisor measures your home, evaluates ductwork, and uses software to recommend the right cooling capacity—typically between 1.5 and 3 tons for most Kingston residences. We also verify that the existing electrical panel can handle the new unit and that duct static pressure is within manufacturer limits.

What routine maintenance does a high-efficiency air conditioner require, and can I do it myself?

High-efficiency systems rely on precise airflow and clean heat-transfer surfaces. Homeowners should replace or wash air filters every 1–3 months, keep the outdoor coil clear of leaves and debris, and ensure supply and return vents remain unobstructed. Professional maintenance should be scheduled once a year and includes: cleaning indoor and outdoor coils, checking refrigerant charge with digital gauges, testing capacitors and contactors, verifying ECM motor speeds, flushing the condensate line, and updating the thermostat firmware if needed. Regular tune-ups maintain peak SEER2 performance, uphold the manufacturer’s warranty, and can prevent 80 % of unexpected breakdowns.

How long does installation take, and what is the process?

A standard air-conditioner replacement in Kingston usually takes one full day. Here’s the timeline: 1. Pre-site inspection (30–60 min, usually a few days before) to confirm equipment location, line-set path, and electrical requirements. 2. Arrival & set-up (8 a.m.): protect floors with drop cloths and shut off power. 3. Remove old equipment and refrigerant recovery (1–2 hrs). 4. Set the new indoor coil on the furnace plenum, install the outdoor condenser, run new insulated line-set, and connect the condensate drain (3–4 hrs). 5. Pressure-test with nitrogen, evacuate to 500 microns, and charge with factory-specified refrigerant (1 hr). 6. Electrical hook-up, thermostat calibration, and full system start-up (1 hr). 7. Walk-through with the homeowner: explain maintenance, rebate paperwork, and warranty registration (30 min). Heat-pump conversions with new lines or electrical upgrades may extend installation to two days, but we’ll provide a detailed schedule in advance.