The 2026 Alberta Air Conditioner Buyer’s Guide

Air conditioners are increasingly vital for Alberta’s hot, dry summers—but buying a new air conditioner means knowing what kind, what size, and how to have it installed.

We’re here to help. Action Furnace has installed countless ACs throughout Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, and we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the process in this guide. With the most experienced technicians, the best equipment options and the most-cutting edge materials, we’re standing by to get the job done right.

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• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Red Deer

When to Buy a New Air Conditioner

Not every air conditioner problem means you need to buy a brand new one—but you should know the difference between problems that are cost-effective to repair and those that aren’t. Here’s a list of examples for each:

When To Repair Your AC

• Minor Repairs: If issues are minor and isolated, like a malfunctioning fan motor or a broken drain tube, repairing these components is usually cost-effective.
• Refrigerant Leaks: Small refrigerant leaks can often be repaired without the need for a complete system replacement.
• Electrical Problems: Issues such as faulty capacitors or a burned contactor (which are responsible for electrical flow regulation and system operation) can typically be repaired.

When To Replace Your AC

• Old Age or Outside Manufacturer’s Warranty: Air conditioners over 15 years old are prime candidates for replacement, especially as they near the end of their typical lifespan of 12-15 years.
• Rising Energy Bills: Increased energy consumption without a corresponding increase in cooling efficiency suggests that the AC unit is operating inefficiently and may need replacing.
• Low SEER Rating: Older units with low SEER ratings are less energy-efficient. Consider replacing units with a SEER rating below 14.
• Temperature Inconsistencies: Inability to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home suggests the unit can no longer meet cooling demands.

AC Sizes, Types & Models

High-Efficiency New Models vs. Older AC Unit

New air conditioner models offer much better energy efficiency than older units—measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The SEER rating reflects the amount of cooling an AC unit provides per watt of electricity.

Modern central AC models typically have SEER ratings of 14 or higher, whereas older models frequently have ratings under 10.

Benefits of High-Efficiency Models:

• Lower Energy Bills: Reduced energy consumption leads to significant savings on electricity costs.
• Improved Cooling Efficiency: Provides more effective cooling per unit of energy used.
• Environmentally Friendly: Less energy use means a reduced carbon footprint.
• Modern Refrigerants: Uses environmentally safer refrigerants, avoiding harmful R22.
• Enhanced Comfort: Offers better temperature control and humidity management when paired with a whole-home humidifier.
• Quieter Operation: Typically operates more quietly than older models.

Central Air Conditioners vs. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Central air conditioners are integrated with your home's HVAC system, providing cooling throughout the entire house. They work by circulating cool air through a network of ducts and vents, offering consistent temperature control in all rooms.

Benefits include:

• Provides uniform cooling throughout the entire house.
• Once installed, it requires little interaction or adjustment.
• Can be more energy-efficient in the long run for larger homes.

Ductless mini-split systems are independent units that provide cooling to specific rooms or areas. They operate without the need for ductwork, using an outdoor compressor connected to indoor air-handling units. Each unit can be controlled independently, offering personalized cooling and flexibility in installation.

Benefits include:

• Lower initial cost compared to central systems and flexible installation options.
• Independent control of temperature in different rooms or zones.
• More energy-efficient than window units and some central systems.

There are other types of AC as well, like window units and standalone models—but these are typically only useful in small spaces like apartments, so we’re going to focus on the types suitable for whole homes.

Our Equipment Recommendations - Options & Price Ranges

The most popular AC options we offer are from Action Furnace’s well-known and trusted, private label brand, Comfortec.

All AC models offer superior energy efficiency, quieter operation and enhanced comfort. 

Technically speaking, high-efficiency air conditioning systems need a SEER of at least 12 to receive ENERGY STAR status in Canada. However, some cooling systems may require a SEER much higher than that (hospitals, for instance). The specific SEER required depends on indoor air demands and the climate where the system will be used.

SEER2 is the updated efficiency standard. It’s tested under more realistic conditions, where a unit must be rated at least at 14 to be considered energy efficient. Many of the models we install greatly exceed that threshold.

How to Buy an AC for Your Home

Any air conditioner you buy for your home must have an appropriate output for the space you need cooled. This ensures that the unit will be effective and use energy efficiently, keeping your bills as low as possible and prolonging the equipment’s life.

AC output is measured in Btu (British thermal units). The more Btu an AC has, the more space it can cool—although other factors also apply. Here’s a chart showing the general amount of Btu needed to cool different home sizes on average:

Other Sizing Factors

• Room Dimensions: Square footage is crucial, but also consider ceiling height and room layout.
• Window Size and Orientation: Larger or numerous windows, especially those facing south, can increase cooling needs.
• Insulation Quality: Better-insulated homes may require less cooling capacity.
• Internal Heat Sources: Appliances and electronics that generate heat can affect AC sizing.
• Number of Occupants: More people in the home generally means more cooling is needed.
• Building Materials: Materials like brick or stone can retain more heat, impacting AC requirements.
• Ventilation and Airflow: Proper ventilation affects how efficiently an AC unit cools a space.

The Action Furnace Installation Process

Before we install your new air conditioner, take these steps to prepare your home:

• Clear the Installation Area: Ensure the area where the air conditioner will be installed is easily accessible.
• Assess Your Home's Insulation: Evaluate the insulation in the area where the air conditioner will be installed, as this can impact its cooling efficiency.
• Plan for Electrical Upgrades: Be prepared for any necessary electrical modifications during the air conditioner installation.

Home Analysis

When you book your AC installation with Action Furnace, your personal Home Comfort Advisor will come to your home to begin the home analysis process.

During your assessment, your expert advisor will evaluate your current system (if applicable), assess your home’s size, and estimate your cooling needs to determine the best solutions.

They’ll take precise measurements of your home’s square footage, inspect windows, and check all registers and ductwork for efficiency.

Recommendation

As Alberta’s premier comfort dealer, we take the time to fully explain all our recommendations, ensuring you have the information needed to make the best decision for your home.

We’ll provide a detailed overview of our most popular air conditioning models, highlighting key differences in performance, energy savings, and reliability. If you’re interested in advanced features such as smart thermostat compatibility we’ll walk you through how these upgrades can enhance your comfort and lower your energy costs.

Our goal is to help you find an air conditioner that delivers optimal cooling, efficiency, and long-term value, keeping your home comfortable all summer long.

Installation

Our professional technicians go through a careful process when installing your new air conditioner. This may include:

• Installing indoor coil
• Installing the outdoor condenser
• Complete all applicable electrical work
• Ensure the unit is properly charged and balance the refrigerant

Then we will test the unit for comfort within your home.

Our team prioritizes cleanliness and professionalism, ensuring the process is smooth and causes minimal disruption to your daily routine. Plus with our exclusive Two Year Trial Guarantee, we guarantee that if, after 2 years, the equipment and service that we provided do not meet your expectations, we will remove the equipment and return 100% of your investment, plus interest.

The Importance of Regular, Professional Air Conditioner Maintenance

To keep your AC running strong and efficiently, schedule regular maintenance from our tune-up experts!

Our exclusive service includes:

• Inspect thermostat filter
• Clean and inspect evaporator coil
• Check fan speed
• Inspect all drain lines
• Check capacitor and motor amp draw
• Ensure proper subcool/superheat settings
• Check refrigerant levels

Once your tune-up is complete we’ll make recommendations for items that could increase efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and improve overall home comfort. At Action Furnace our goal is to provide you with a comfortable home all year long.

Embrace efficiency and reliability in 2026 with a new air conditioner from Action Furnace. Installation starts as low as $12 per week, connect with us today!

Why Choose Action Furnace

Dedicated Customer Experience Team

Action Furnace has built the only dedicated customer experience support team in Alberta. This team is dedicated to our installation customers only and can answer any questions you could have about your new system. Our dedication to our customers does not end once you have purchased your new system.

Exceptionally Friendly, Well-trained & Highly-Skilled Technicians

Before being allowed to lead an installation team, our technicians are required to complete a comprehensive apprenticeship program. Our technicians are very respectful of you and your home – we leave it cleaner than we found it!

Up to 12 Years Warranty on all Equipment

Action Furnace stands out by offering up to 12 years of warranty on all equipment — one of the longest in the industry. This gives homeowners unmatched peace of mind, long-term protection, and confidence that their investment is backed by reliable products and exceptional service for over a decade.

Most Reliable Installation Guarantees

Action Furnace delivers unmatched peace of mind through real, no-nonsense guarantees backed by decades of reliability. From price transparency and installation date promises to comfort, energy savings, and property protection, every guarantee ensures homeowners receive exceptional service and accountability.

Ryan | General Manager

Ryan is considered one of Calgary's most knowledgeable residential HVAC specialists. Working in the industry for over 12... more

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