Cost of running an air conditioner
Energy Consumption for Air Conditioners in Gatineau and Ottawa
There is a myth that Air Conditioners and other cooling devices are costly and prohibitive. That is a misconception, especially in today’s age with newer types of equipment and regulations on energy usage.
Understanding the energy consumption of your air conditioner is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of factors affecting energy use for both central air conditioners and heat pumps in the Gatineau-Ottawa area:
Factors Affecting Energy Consumption
- SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Higher SEER ratings indicate greater efficiency, which translates to lower energy consumption. Look for air conditioners with a 14- or higher SEER rating in Ottawa and Gatineau. Most newer units have a high SEER rating.
- System Size: An air conditioner sized appropriately for your home will operate more efficiently than one too large or too small. Our experienced technicians can perform a home assessment to recommend the ideal unit size for your needs. Installing an oversized unit will not lead to a cooler house, only to a higher hydro bill.
- Usage Patterns: The more you use your air conditioner, the higher your energy consumption will be. Optimizing thermostat settings and using ceiling fans can help reduce cooling needs. Modern thermostats have intelligent features that learn your behaviour and routine and will only cool down the house when you are home, or on your way back from work.
- Climate: The local environment in Gatineau and Ottawa plays a role. While summers are typically warm and humid, they are not as extreme as in southern regions. This can influence seasonal energy use.
Estimated Energy Consumption (for reference only):
- A central air conditioner with a 1.5 ton capacity and with a SEER rating of 15 operating in a typical Gatineau home for 5 hours a day during the summer months might consume approximately 784 kWh of electricity, or roughly 76.91 CAD per year, according to the calculator available on Hydro Quebec’s website.
- Heat pumps, due to their dual functionality, can offer even better efficiency. A high-efficiency heat pump with a HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating of 10 and a SEER rating of 14 in Ottawa could use around 800 kWh for cooling and provide heating throughout the shoulder seasons, potentially reducing overall energy consumption compared to separate heating and cooling systems.
Please note: These are estimates only. Actual energy consumption will vary depending on the specific factors mentioned above.
Costs and Rates:
To estimate the actual cost of operating your air conditioner or heat pump, you can visit the Hydro Quebec website which has time-of-use rates available. With this information and the estimated kWh usage from the footnotes, you can calculate your own approximate cost.
Recommendations:
- Consider investing in a high-SEER rated air conditioner or heat pump.
- Schedule regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
- Consult our technicians for a home assessment to determine the right sized system for your needs.
Shop our products
Heating and air conditioning
Electric and gas furnace
Hydronic radiant heating
Heat pump
Central heat pump
Air conditioner
We care about your comfort
You can have peace of mind when it comes to choosing the best products for your comfort and health in your home.