High-efficiency AC
High-efficiency AC | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kingston
When Kingston’s weather swings from icy winds to summer scorchers, HEP keeps your home perfectly balanced with high-efficiency systems designed to slash energy bills without sacrificing comfort. Our certified technicians size, install, and fine-tune units that whisper quietly while delivering powerful, even airflow—so every corner of your house feels just right and your utility statement sparks a smile instead of a wince.
Backed by decades of local expertise, we pair the industry’s smartest technology with 24/7 customer care, ensuring your investment in heating and air conditioning pays off season after season. From rapid diagnostics to preventive maintenance plans, HEP is ready whenever you need us—because a cozy Kingston home shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be your everyday.
FAQs
What qualifies an air conditioner or heat pump as “high-efficiency” in Kingston?
In Canada, cooling systems are rated by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and heating efficiency by Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). A unit is generally considered high-efficiency when it offers a minimum of 16 SEER for cooling and 9.0 HSPF for heating. Many of the newest inverter-driven heat pumps reach 20–25 SEER and 10–13 HSPF, delivering 30-50 % lower energy use than standard 13-14 SEER models that were common a decade ago.
How much can I save on my utility bills by upgrading to a high-efficiency system?
Savings vary with the age and condition of your current equipment, home insulation levels, and usage habits, but homeowners in Kingston typically see 20-40 % lower electrical costs after replacing a 10-15-year-old AC or furnace with a modern high-efficiency heat pump or AC. Because electricity rates in Ontario include time-of-use pricing, the variable-speed compressors in efficient systems cut power demand during expensive peak periods, further reducing monthly bills.
Do high-efficiency heat pumps actually work in Kingston’s cold winters?
Yes. Cold-climate air-source heat pumps now use advanced variable-speed compressors and enhanced vapor-injection technology that continue producing heat efficiently down to –25 °C. In most Kingston homes a single cold-climate heat pump can provide 90-100 % of the annual heating load. For extreme cold snaps, many systems automatically switch to an electric backup or existing gas furnace to ensure comfort without interruption.
Are there rebates or incentives available for installing high-efficiency HVAC equipment?
Absolutely. Under the Canada Greener Homes Grant, homeowners can receive up to $5,000 toward qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps plus up to $600 to cover the required EnerGuide audit. Enbridge Gas’s “Home Efficiency Rebate Plus” (HER+) program stacks additional incentives for eligible customers. Kingston Hydro also offers on-bill financing through the “Save on Energy” program for certain upgrades. Our team can help you complete all paperwork to maximize available rebates.
How do I determine the right size system for my house?
Proper sizing is critical for efficiency and comfort. We perform a CSA-F280/Manual J load calculation that factors in square footage, insulation levels, window types, air-leakage rates, orientation, and occupancy. This calculation often reveals that older equipment is oversized by 30-50 %. A correctly sized high-efficiency, variable-speed unit will run longer, quieter cycles, maintain steadier temperatures, dehumidify better in summer, and avoid wasted energy.
What maintenance is required to keep a high-efficiency AC or heat pump operating at peak performance?
Maintenance is simple but essential: (1) replace or clean air filters every 1-3 months; (2) keep outdoor coils clear of leaves, snow, and debris; (3) schedule professional tune-ups each spring (cooling) and fall (heating) to check refrigerant charge, inspect electrical components, test defrost cycles, and update firmware on smart inverters. Regular service preserves efficiency gains, extends equipment life, and is usually required to maintain manufacturer warranties of up to 10-12 years.