As I write this, it seems we are finally on the other side of Calgary’s most recent heatwave. It used to be that our city experienced beautiful summer days then cooled down enough at night such that no one really had air conditioning. Thank you lack of humidity and that fresh mountain air we all know and love!
In 2013, under 20 percent of Calgary homes had air conditioning. By 2017, that was up to 24 per cent and if summer energy use is any indication, it continues accelerating (source: Kevin Green, CTV NEWS) I thought I’d ask the experts if this pattern continued to ring true. Knights Plumbing Heating and Air can confirm: the demand for air conditioners in Calgary surges with each extended heatwave and this summer proves no different. “We are taking 10-15 calls per day of people looking for estimates, which is much higher than our usual demand,” they told me.
At the time of writing, there are 671 out of 2,044 active and pending listings (detached, Calgary) boasting this once-luxury. This totals 33% of available detached homes as featuring air conditioning. You could infer that this is reflective of the marketplace supply and demand, a total that is much higher than the previously recorded 24%.
As a homeowner, installing an air conditioner is a big decision and a significant investment. And we know it can be hard to find reliable and trustworthy advice. Now, we see more clients requiring it when searching for a property, be it a condo, semi-detached or detached.
On those hot nights, tossing and turning when your bedside fan is failing you, many things are probably running through your head. There are many considerations:
- Cost: The initial costs to install, the ongoing maintenance, modifications, permits, and the increase in utility consumption. Knights recommends booking an assessment to get an estimate tailored specifically to your home and needs. People can be surprised to find out that the initial cost can be in the $6,000 to $8,000 range, but an estimator will assess your individual situation and quote you more accurately. Like many things, prices have increased significantly in a post-COVID world.
- Condo board approval: Condo bylaws typically have specific restrictions and requirements when it comes to installing air conditioning units so be sure to check with yours and obtain the proper approvals necessary.
- Requirements: Sound ratings, efficiency ratings, clearance, proper venting, climate, insulation… these are just some of the requirements you will need to verify before proceeding with the installation of an air conditioning unit.
Value
Installing central air conditioning may not be the difference of tens of thousands of dollars in terms of increasing the value of your property but it certainly makes a listing more appealing to buyers, especially as more and more buyers consider it a necessity versus a nice-to-have. If their search includes air conditioning and your place doesn’t have it, your listing may not present to an otherwise highly-motivated, pre-qualified buyer.
On the flip side, something to consider especially when buying, is that having or not having air conditioning isn’t necessarily as simple as that. In 2015, import of chemicals that have been included in previous units started to be banned for their negative impacts to the ozone layer. If a home has one of these systems, it could mean more expensive repairs, or need replacing all together. “You can have no air conditioning, or you can have the wrong air conditioning with the wrong gas. Once those ones develop an issue or run low, we have to replace and there’s no gas to replace,” said James Groom of Kangaroo Home Inspections. This is where it can get costly, he adds.
Efficiency
Mid-efficiency systems are no longer regulated so companies, including Knights, exclusively install high-efficiency systems. These require an intake and exhaust on the side of the home. If you have an older home that utilizes a chimney exhaust, converting to venting on the side of the home is an additional cost. If a homeowner doesn’t want to convert venting to the side of the home, there may be other options to discuss with your estimator such as replacing the chimney liner.
It’s commonly understood that 2,500-5,000 sq. ft. homes may need multiple HVAC systems. But a larger home doesn’t necessarily mean multiple units so make sure you discuss your options with an estimator, technician, or inspector. Legal suites are a unique consideration where separate HVAC units are required in order to conform.
Maintenance
For our homeowners or condo board members reading, in this window of reprieve from the heat, prioritize checking in on your AC ahead of the next heatwave. Regular maintenance is recommended by manufacturers and can save a lot of money in the long run. Packages that include once or twice a year is offered by most companies. With one summer heatwave behind us, being prepared for the next one may be beneficial. Some companies offer air conditioning installation incentives in the winter or in conjunction with furnace maintenance or upgrades so that’s something to keep in mind.
According to JPS Furnace, regular maintenance involves thorough inspections, cleaning of crucial components, replacement of filters, and verification of overall system health.
Being proactive is generally advised as wait times, especially during heatwaves, can push from hours to days to weeks. At the time of writing, Knights was at a 7 or 8 day turn-around time for air conditioning repairs.
Options
There are a variety of options available to consumers when it comes to home cooling. An estimator will visit your home and provide a proper assessment to advise on options, but a high-level overview of options includes:
- Central Air Conditioning: Ideal for cooling entire homes, this system distributes cool air through ductwork.
- Mini-Split Systems: Perfect for homes without ductwork, these are external units plumbed to a permanently installed overhead units, offering flexible cooling solutions. These are commonly found in many apartment-style condos.
- Window Units: Suitable for cooling individual rooms, window units are easy to install, more cost effective, but less efficient overall and take away from the aesthetics of a room.
- Heat pumps: Increasing in popularity due to their energy efficiency, they move heat instead of generating it (source: JPS Furnace), performing both the heating and cooling of your home. “While the upfront cost of a heat pump may be higher than a traditional furnace or air conditioner, the long-term savings on your energy bills can make it a worthwhile investment.”
- Portable air conditioners: A budget option for comfort purposes but do not increase the value of your property.
- Rental equipment: Rental equipment comes with longterm contracts which can cost more in the long run. Most companies will not remove a rental unit before installing another of their own. A buyer will typically require a seller to buyout the contract if their unit is a rental device so this is something to be aware of whether you’re on the buying or selling side.
Your home is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your life. There are many ways to ensure it stays comfortable and healthy for years to come. Be it for the dog days of summer, or the deepest winter freeze, having trusted and reliable HVAC systems is crucial. As air conditioning becomes more of a necessity in our city, ensuring you have all the information to make an informed decision is important. A good inspector is important to have in your corner when buying, or if you’re thinking of installing an air conditioning unit and looking for a second opinion. We are here to help you and provide you with resources, as always.
Yours in cool comfort,
Madison
