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2026 Air Conditioner Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cooling System for Your Home

Published:
June 25, 2026

Looking for an air conditioner buying guide to help choose your perfect AC? We’ve got your back. Our AC buying guide includes all the air conditioner tips and information to consider when looking to install or upgrade your cooling.

PROSOLUTIONS PROTIP! With air conditioners, correct and proper installation is just as important as efficiency, size, and brand of your unit. A correct installation will ensure the unit runs efficiently while minimizing the risk of preventable repairs down the road.

Let's jump into your best AC buying tips for 2026!

The Essential Basics of Buying an AC in 2026

There are many things to consider when it comes to installing, upgrading, or replacing your home's air conditioner, and it can get overwhelming. However, ProSolutions is here to help you out so you feel confident in your options, your decisions, and in your home comfort solutions.

If any of this feels too confusing, have no fear! This is exactly why we offer free in-home estimates with one of our professional home comfort advisors! At your estimate, your home comfort advisor will consider all the relevant factors in helping you select an air conditioner that works with your budget, is efficient at cooling your home, and is suitable for your specific cooling needs. Because each home and each family is different, you can rest well knowing your estimate is custom tailored to you and yours.

Correct Sizing

Size does matter when it comes to your air conditioner! 

Each home is different, whether it's because of a specific layout, window placement, or even age of the home. An air conditioner that is too large for your space will cause inefficiency or uneven cooling, but an air conditioner that's too small can cause similar problems, too.

That's why it can be difficult to figure out the exact size requirements for an AC on your own — one size may work for a certain home layout, but it may not work for yours depending on the room configuration, the placement of your windows (including how many you have as well as how insulated they are), and even your existing HVAC equipment.

Technology (Smart Home Integration)

 

Do you have a smart home, or are you interested in smart homes? If so, you may want to consider an AC system that offers smart features such as ability to connect to a smart thermostat as well as integrations with apps such as Google or Alexa.

Edmonton homeowners who have integrated their air conditioners with their smart homes often enjoy benefits such as:

  • Convenience – being able to control your home’s temperature from anywhere
  • Energy efficiency – lower utility bills from the ability to monitor performance and automatic temperature adjustment
  • Troubleshooting – many smart ACs also have built-in troubleshooting capabilities

Noise (Decibel Rating)

All air conditioners make some noise when when running. However, the benefit of choosing a new AC means you can decide how important noise is to you and your family, because different types of AC, different makes and models, and even the year of a model's release can vary in terms of sound levels.

Edmonton summers can get very hot very fast, which means you'll likely be running your AC quite a lot throughout the hot months. If you have concerns regarding noise, you can bring it up at your in-home estimate and discuss it with your home comfort advisor!

Type of Air Conditioner

There are a few types of air conditioners, such as central AC, ductless, and portables — but how will you know which is best for you?

When choosing the best cooling system for your house, it's important to consider which type of AC works best for your home, your house layout, and your needs. For example, central air conditioning is great for whole-home, even cooling, but it does require ducting in your home. Ductless ACs (like mini-splits) are great for those who aren't interested in installing ducting or if ductwork is not an option. Portables work well for cooling small spaces, but they are bulky and need to be re-installed every time they are stored after the summer months.

The number one way to figure out which AC is best for you, your budget, and your home comfort goals is to speak to one of our experienced home comfort advisors. Our home comfort advisors will take into account all of your concerns, needs, and your existing HVAC system to help you decide on your best cooling system.

Warranty

Air conditioners are big purchases, so it's natural to consider warranty coverage.

Most — if not all — manufacturers require ACs to be installed by licensed technicians. In addition, different manufacturers have different warranty options, so this is something you can bring up to your home comfort advisor at your free in-home estimate.

As another added bonus, ProPlan VIP members get complimentary extended 10-year labour warranty!

Air Conditioner Brands to Consider

  • Ameristar - A brand with exceptional quality at a reasonable price point with up to10 years of manufacturer's warranty
  • AirEase by Lennox – Backed by more than a decade of research and development, AirEase AC units are known for their exceptional reliability.

  • RunTru by Trane – RunTru offers high-end cooling systems at a reasonable price. Thoroughly tested and dependable, these AC units are built to last.

  • Trane – Trane is a trusted AC brand that offers high-quality and energy-efficient air conditioners. In fact, Trane offers some of the most efficient and quietest AC units on the market.

  • Ducane – Owned by Lennox, the Ducane brand offers good quality, reliable air conditioners. This AC brand is more cost-effective than high-end brands like Trane, with options for all budgets.

  • Comfort-Aire – Comfort-Aire is also a reliable AC brand with several options for different budgets. When installed by a professional AC installation team, Comfort-Aire ACs provide dependable, efficient cooling.

  • Napoleon - Proudly Canadian, Napoleon has been manufacturing HVAC products since 1976. Their air conditioners are designed with durability and efficiency in mind, featuring advanced technologies. Napoleon's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies.

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