2025 Wall-mounted Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Planning to buy an air conditioner? Our 2025 guide is packed with expert tips to help you choose the best model for your home.
Call in the experts on the North Shore
From the Manufacturer to You
It is important to note that wall-mounted air conditioners are all manufactured in Asia. Manufacturers are located in China, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia. Before arriving at your home, your unit goes through several stages.
- Once the product is manufactured, the manufacturer (Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, LG, etc.) sells it to the distributor/supplier. Before arriving in North America, the air conditioner will have traveled by ship for about two months.
- The distributor/supplier (Wolseley, Master, etc.) sells the product to the contractor.
- The contractor (including MPH Enterprises) sells the product to the consumer.
Heads up: some popular global brands aren’t built for our harsh winters, which can lead to serious performance issues.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, we encourage you to choose manufacturers that have been established in Quebec for a long time. Here are some trusted brands for purchasing your wall-mounted air conditioner: Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, LG, Haier, Keeprite, and Carrier.
When choosing a supplier/distributor and contractor, we recommend using companies with fast after-sales service and numerous distribution points. With a large inventory of replacement parts, distributors specializing in air conditioning are able to respond quickly to your needs in the event of a breakdown.
The two largest distributors/suppliers of air conditioners in Quebec are:
– Wolseley: distributor of LG and Keeprite brands, with more than 25 branches across the province.
– Master: distributor of Fujitsu, Haier, and Gree brands, with more than 19 branches in Quebec.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Wall-mounted Air Conditioner?
You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,500 for a 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner.
Prices analyzed between 2017 and 2023
| Range | Price |
| Low end |
$2,000 to $2,800 |
| Mid-range | $2,900 to $3,900 |
| High-end | $3,800 to $5,500 |
When making your purchase, we recommend using companies that have been in business for several years and have a good reputation. This will ensure that you receive service throughout the warranty period.
You might pay a bit more, but you’ll benefit from a certified, professional installation – and peace of mind.
Some companies offer ridiculously low prices. Don’t be fooled: the quality of installation and after-sales service varies greatly from one company to another.
The Warranty
Most high-quality units now come with a 10-year warranty. For some air conditioners, the warranty can be as long as 12 years. This is a fairly important indicator of the unit’s quality.
The average lifespan of a well-maintained wall-mounted air conditioner is between 12 and 15 years.
Be cautious of warranties that are not written in the manufacturer’s brochures or technical data sheets. Some companies add “in-house warranties” to their products, but be aware that in the event of a closure, only the manufacturer’s warranty applies.
What Power Rating Should your Wall-mounted Air Conditioner Have?
Several factors must be taken into consideration in order to determine the power required for your air conditioner.
- The interior layout;
- The windows;
- The amount of sunlight;
- And the insulation of the house.
The following table will give you an indication of the power you need, depending on the area to be air-conditioned. The data presented is based on heat load calculations. It applies to a standard open-plan bungalow (1 floor).
| Unit power |
Area to be cooled |
| 9 000 BTU/h | 550 to 850 square feet |
| 12 000 BTU/h | 850 to 1150 square feet |
| 15 000 BTU/h | 1150 to 1450 square feet |
| 18 000 BTU/h | 1450 to 1750 square feet |
| 24 000 BTU/h | 1750 to 2050 square feet |
The example of a two-story cottage-style house
Many people receive poor advice from salespeople who are unfamiliar with the basics of the cooling process. When it comes to power, the overall layout of your home is more important than the number of square feet.
Take, for example, a cottage with a basement, a ground floor, and a second floor. This type of property typically has 700 to 800 square feet per floor. This corresponds to a total area ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 square feet.
Too often, air conditioners sold for these homes have a capacity of 15,000 BTU/h or 18,000 BTU/h. This is a serious mistake. Here’s why.
If the second floor is 800 square feet, a 15,000 BTU air conditioner positioned at the top of the stairwell will tend to cycle through cooling too quickly. The result? The temperature will drop too quickly, causing poor dehumidification.
Although a 12,000 BTU/h air conditioner is too small for both floors combined, it will work better than an overpowered unit because it will lower the temperature and humidity at the same time.
The best option for this property would be to install two 9,000 BTU/h or 12,000 BTU/h units. However, this option may exceed your initial budget.
In 90% of cases, for two-story houses, a 12,000 BTU/h wall-mounted air conditioner properly positioned in the stairwell with sufficient CFM (cubic feet per minute, or fan power) will provide excellent comfort. There will only be a 2-3°C difference with the second floor, which is very acceptable.
Humidity
To air condition a house, it is not enough to lower the temperature to the desired set point. You also need to lower the humidity to between 40% and 50% to achieve optimal comfort.
For example, a temperature of 20°C with a humidity level of 70% is not comfortable at all. If your air conditioner is too powerful for the layout of your home, you will find yourself in this situation.
Let’s Talk about Energy Efficiency: SEER, EER, and HSPF Ratings
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is an energy efficiency ratio used in air conditioning. It is displayed on the yellow Energy Guide sticker on the appliance.
The higher the SEER rating, the less energy the air conditioner consumes. Since 2015, manufacturers are no longer allowed to sell units with an energy efficiency rating below 14.5 SEER.
SEER of 33 (highest efficiency in 2017, Fujitsu RLS3 and RLS3H models)
SEER energy efficiency represents the ratio of cooling capacity (BTU/h) divided by the gross energy consumption of the unit (Watt/h or kWh). This is the average for an air conditioning season. The rate is calculated based on a constant indoor temperature of approximately 20°C and an outdoor temperature of 28°C. If the average outdoor temperature in summer is higher or lower than 28°C, the SEER efficiency will not be the same.
No seasonal temperature changes are taken into account when determining the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of a unit.
The EER is calculated using an outdoor temperature of 35°C, an indoor temperature of 26°C, and a humidity level of 50%. It represents the ratio of cooling capacity (BTU/h) divided by the gross energy consumption of the unit (Watt/h or kWh). In other words, the higher the EER, the less energy the appliance consumes.
Energy efficiency EER is the ratio of cooling capacity (BTU/h) divided by the gross energy consumption of the appliance (Watt/h or kWh). In other words, the higher the EER, the less energy the appliance consumes.
EER of 8 (lowest efficiency)
EER of 18 (highest efficiency in 2017 Fujitsu RLS3 and RLS3H models)
SEER provides a good approximation of your air conditioner’s energy efficiency if the average summer temperature in your area is around 80°F (28°C). However, this value can be misleading if you live in Southern California or other very hot regions.
Conversely, EER is a standard set that allows you to directly compare air conditioning units without worrying about climate variations in your region. It is a reference mainly used by refrigeration technicians.
In other words, EER is used by engineers and technicians, while SEER is used for marketing purposes.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is a measure of heating efficiency. It does not apply to air conditioning data.
However, it is an important factor to consider for those considering purchasing a wall-mounted heat pump.
Inverter Technology
Most wall-mounted air conditioners feature inverter technology, and here’s why:
The compressor’s power modulation allows for a more stable temperature.
The compressor reduces its power when the desired temperature is reached. It uses only the BTU/h necessary to maintain the temperature.
Air conditioning cycles are longer, giving you better results in controlling humidity levels.
Variable speed compressors are more durable. Rather than stopping, the compressor reduces its power to provide only what is necessary.
Wall-mounted air conditioners with inverter compressors are much quieter than traditional units because they start at low speed and increase slowly to maximize energy efficiency and humidity removal.
What to Know Before You Buy a Wall-mounted Air Conditioner
Noise level of the indoor unit: the indoor unit, known as the “evaporator,” has between 3 and 8 fan speeds. The technical data sheet must provide data for each fan speed, including airflow (CFM) and noise level (dB).
The LG Prestige model has the quietest indoor unit on the market (17 dB).
Noise level of the outdoor unit: The outdoor unit, known as the “condenser,” does not have a speed setting, as it is usually a variable speed fan motor with the ability to communicate with the inverter compressor. The operating noise (dB) is listed at the highest speed in the technical data sheets.
The LG Prestige and Fujitsu RLS3 and RLS3H models have the quietest outdoor units on the market (43 dB).
When your unit turns off, the fan continues to run until the evaporator is completely dry. This keeps the air conditioner clean and free of mold.
The anti-corrosion coating prevents oxidation (rust) from forming on the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioner. This promotes efficiency and extends the life of the coil by helping to prevent corrosion caused by surrounding pollutants.
Good quality units are equipped with a module that protects the compressor from overheating if a refrigerant leak is detected.
Installation by Certified Professionals
When purchasing a wall-mounted air conditioner, you must ensure that the contractor performing the work has all of the following licenses:
- Refrigeration 15.10
- Ventilation 15.8
- CMEQ License: Electricity 16
- Liability insurance to protect you from any damage caused by the installation
At Les Entreprises MPH, we adhere to the rules and regulations of the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec. All our technicians are trained to answer homeowners’ questions and address their concerns. We specialize in the installation, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of air conditioners.
Unlicensed contractors cannot perform warranty work unless the manufacturer has given written consent for a specific person to perform the work. Be vigilant, as some contractors subcontract the work to unlicensed contractors. To avoid confusion, ask to see the license and make sure that the person doing the work is listed.
Please note: work performed without a license will void the manufacturer’s warranty on your air conditioner.
With a licensed contractor, you receive a warranty on the work performed and a warranty on the equipment. If this is not offered, you may end up with a poorly installed and malfunctioning air conditioning system. An incorrect electrical connection can cause a fire. This is not something to be taken lightly.
By hiring a cheaper, unlicensed contractor, you could be held liable if that worker falls or injures himself while working on your property. This is yet another reason why it is important to ensure that the contractor has valid liability insurance. It should be noted that unlicensed contractors are not required to comply with the law. They therefore have no overhead costs, do not pay workers’ compensation, and do not provide insurance for their workers.
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