Square Footage	Furnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home	40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home	60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home	60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home	80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home	100,000 to 120,000 BTU

AC Recommendation Wizard Calculator

Not sure which AC system is right for your home? Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation —
central AC, mini-split, heat pump, or window unit.

🎯 Personalized Results

⏱️ 3 Minutes

🇨🇦 Canada-Specific

System Type	Best For	Pros	Installed Cost
Central AC	Homes with existing ducts	Whole-home cooling, familiar technology	$3,500 – $9,000
Ductless Mini-Split	No ducts, room additions	Zoned cooling, high SEER2, quiet	$2,500 – $12,000
Heat Pump	Heating + cooling both needed	Year-round use, rebate-eligible	$5,000 – $14,000
Window/Portable AC	Single rooms, rentals	Low upfront cost, no installation	$300 – $1,000

Central Air Conditioner — The Classic Canadian Choice

Central AC is the most common cooling system in Canadian single-family homes. It uses your existing furnace’s air handler and ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout the home. Central AC is the right choice if you already have ducts, want whole-home cooling from a single unit, and want the lowest system complexity. Modern central ACs with 18–21 SEER2 ratings are highly efficient and cool effectively even on the hottest Ontario and BC summer days.

Ductless Mini-Split — The Flexible Option

Mini-splits are the fastest-growing AC category in Canada, especially in BC and Atlantic Canada where many homes lack central ductwork. A single outdoor compressor connects to one or more indoor air handlers — each independently controlled. Multi-zone systems let different family members set different temperatures in different rooms. Mini-splits also tend to have the highest SEER2 ratings available (18–25+), meaning lower electricity bills over time.

Heat Pump — The Smartest Investment

Central AC is the most common cooling system in Canadian single-family homes. It uses your existing furnace’s air handler and ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout tA heat pump cools your home in summer exactly like an air conditioner — but in winter, it reverses the process to heat your home using outside air. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently down to -25°C, making them practical across most of Canada. Heat pumps qualify for the largest rebates under the Canada Greener Homes program, and they can replace both your AC and furnace — making them particularly cost-effective over a 15-year lifecycle.he home. Central AC is the right choice if you already have ducts, want whole-home cooling from a single unit, and want the lowest system complexity. Modern central ACs with 18–21 SEER2 ratings are highly efficient and cool effectively even on the hottest Ontario and BC summer days.

💡 Rebate Tip: Heat Pumps Qualify for the Most

Canada Greener Homes Grant: up to $5,000 for qualifying heat pumps

BC CleanBC Better Homes: up to $3,000 for cold-climate heat pumps

Ontario Enbridge: rebates for qualifying hybrid heat pump systems

Many provinces offer additional rebates stacked on top of federal grants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SEER2 and why does it matter?

SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) measures how efficiently an AC converts electricity into cooling. Higher SEER2 = less electricity used per degree of cooling. Canada’s minimum is 13.4 SEER2. A 20 SEER2 unit uses about 33% less electricity than a 13.4 SEER2 unit — significant savings over a 15-year lifespan.

Should I get a heat pump or a central AC in Canada?

If you’re replacing just your AC and have a newer high-efficiency furnace, a central AC is often the more straightforward choice. If your furnace is also aging (10+ years), replacing both with a heat pump may save money long-term through dual-purpose operation, fuel switching savings, and rebates. Our wizard helps you evaluate both options based on your specific situation.

Do mini-splits work as well as central AC in Canada?

Yes — modern mini-splits from brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and LG actually cool more efficiently than most central AC systems. Their main limitation is that they cool zones rather than the entire home from a single unit, which can mean higher upfront cost for whole-home coverage (multi-zone systems). For homes without ducts, they’re often the only practical whole-home cooling solution.

🇨🇦 Rebates Available

Canadian homeowners may qualify for up to

$5,000

in federal and provincial rebates on qualifying systems.

Check Eligibility

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