Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards: What’s New In 2025?

Air Conditioning in Waterloo and Listowel

As we step into a new year, changes in air conditioning efficiency standards are set to make a significant impact on Southern Ontario homeowners. And for our customers, understanding these new standards is more important than ever.

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Posted by Brad | February 5, 2025 | Reading Time:

As we step into a new year, changes in air conditioning efficiency standards are set to make a significant impact on Southern Ontario homeowners. And for our customers, understanding these new standards is more important than ever.   With ever rising energy costs and growing climate change concern, the updated efficiency standards aim to deliver better performance, lower operating costs, and a greener future.    In today’s blog the experienced cooling technicians at Cross Heating & Air Conditioning will break down these industry changes, the benefits of upgrading to meet these new standards, and how you can take advantage of professional installation and maintenance to save money and contribute to a more sustainable future. Cross Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you, and we’ve been providing exceptional cooling system installation, maintenance and repair services to families in Waterloo, Listowel and Hanover since 1987. We’re proud to offer no regret repair guarantees, free consultations and workmanship warranties designed for your satisfaction. Give our friendly and knowledgeable team a call today! Let’s go!

How Our Climate Impacts AC Efficiency

Here in Southern Ontario our summers are definitely one of a kind. Temperatures regularly surpass 30 degrees celsius, plus with an abundance of wet and sticky humidity many residents rely on their central AC units for relief daily. Making energy efficiency particularly important.

AC Efficiency Standards 2025

So, surprise! Air conditioner efficiency standards are getting an upgrade this year, let’s check them out!  

SEER Ratings

SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, represents your cooling equipment’s energy efficiency.  Typically, the higher the SEER rating, the less energy it uses to cool your home. Making high SEER ratings the clear choice for those who want to improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.   SEER ratings are a new industry standard and must be easily accessible on all air conditioner units. Becoming just as recognizable as the EnergyStar symbol, SEER ratings help customers recognize which units can better offset upfront installation costs with reduced operating, long-term costs.   SEER ratings are also based on ideal operating conditions, so things like your home’s square footage, where you live and any insulation or ductwork issues will affect it.   Energy efficient AC’s usually have a SEER rating of 14 or above.   This year, regional SEER ratings are expected to increase by 1 ratio, meaning that high-efficiency AC’s will be recognizable by a rating of 15 or higher.  

EER

New metrics for energy efficiency ratios are expected to improve performance during extreme temperatures. Meaning when that mercury starts to creep up, you won’t be losing out on efficiency!

Variable-Speed Compressor Standards

Select air conditioners offer a new technology that can now help reduce your indoor temperature even when they aren’t running at 100% speed.    Variable speed allows your unit to run at a speed that best matches your comfort needs and energy-efficient operation. Once your desired indoor temperature is achieved, your compressor will continue operating at the lowest speed possible to deliver consistent cooling.   Helping to improve your comfort while keeping utility costs in check.   These changes in energy efficiency ratios and technology are all driven by local, federal and even global efforts to reduce energy consumption and support a more sustainable future.

How These Changes Effect You

Here’s how the new efficiency standards might affect the Southern Ontario homeowner:  
  • Higher cost on new units
  • Phasing out of older, less efficient models and parts. Meaning a simple repair might not be possible on an older unit.
  • Rebates and incentives
    • Canada Greener Homes Loan - The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers interest free financing on energy efficient upgrades including air conditioners, heat pumps and more!
Energy Affordability Program - Ontario’s Energy Affordability Program provides personalized, free electricity-saving measures to help with your family’s energy bills. Participants may qualify for a free energy needs assessment conducted by a third party, trained energy professional that will help identify energy-efficient upgrades available for their homes. Close-up of a man's hand using an energy label on a mobile phone, with a grey outdoor AC condenser unit next to a bush and stucco wall.

What You Need To Know!

Considering an earlier upgrade might be beneficial before summertime hits to ensure you’re taking advantage of new technologies and incentives before the price hikes hit. So trust the team at Cross Heating & Air Conditioning to make your AC installation a little bit easier!  

Evaluation

When you book your air conditioner installation with the experts at Cross Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll confirm your appointment with a friendly, pre-arrival call or text before you meet your professional, prepared and ready to help Comfort Consultant.   During your evaluation your Comfort Consultant will explore your home’s needs, inspect your system and document any concerns or feedback.   They will then create a personalized solution for your home.  

Recommendation

Your Comfort Consultant will present options tailored to your comfort, budget and system requirements.    Any questions you may have are answered transparently before any decisions are made. And once you’re ready we’ll finalize your preferred solution, schedule installation and discuss payment plans.  

Installation

Upon arrival, our technician will park appropriately outside, wear shoe covers, and take time to connect with you, answering any initial questions. During your installation your technician will take special care to ensure a clean and efficient work space in order to give you the most professional and high-quality installation service possible.    After installation, we’ll check in to ensure you’re delighted with the service and your system is running perfectly.  

And Don’t Forget About Regular Maintenance!

At Cross Heating & Air Conditioning we’re your home comfort and safety experts! So take advantage of our knowledge and schedule comprehensive tune-ups for your new high-efficiency AC!   Our technicians go through thorough tune-up processes including a top to bottom safety and efficiency inspection to ensure reliable performance for years to come.   We’re also proud to offer ongoing maintenance service with our exclusive Cross Advantage Program. For a low monthly fee, you’ll get the peace of mind of pre-scheduled maintenance. You’ll also get:
  • 1-year repair warranty
  • Annual HVAC Dollars
  • 10% discount on future repairs
  • 20% discount on air filters
  • Reduced service rates
  • Product warranty protection.
Give us a call today to learn more or to sign up!

Benefits of Upgrading

There are many benefits to upgrading to a new air conditioner including:  
  • More reliable cooling performance
  • Lower energy bills
  • Lower environmental impact
  • Quieter operation
  At Cross Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re committed to providing you with upfront pricing, easy scheduling and providing 5 Star installation service every time. Our high-efficiency products carry multiple warranties and we offer industry-leading workmanship and satisfaction guarantees on each of our installs.  As another year ushers in a new set of efficiency standards, Southern Ontario homeowners have a unique opportunity to upgrade their cooling systems for better performance and cost savings, while minimizing their environmental footprint. Embracing these new efficiency standards is a step towards smarter and greener living, contact us today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why install a new AC?

To avoid multiple, costly repairs and keep costs down longterm, we recommend installing a new high-efficiency air conditioner. Cross Heating & Air Conditioning is Hanover, Listowel and Waterloo’s preferred installation provider, and our experienced team is well-versed in the various brands and systems on the market today.

Is it better to repair or replace my AC?

When properly maintained, your AC should last you upwards of 15 years. But older units aren’t as efficient as today’s models, so if you’re looking to cut down on your utility bills this summer, a new AC from Cross might be the answer. Plus new units come with comprehensive warranties to help you rest a little bit easier.  

What’s the best way to maintain my systems long-term?

The best way to maintain your cooling systems long-term is by signing up for the Cross Advantage Program. For one low monthly cost, your regular maintenance will be prescheduled, and you’ll enjoy other exclusive perks and discounts. Contact us today for more information.
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