A typical air conditioner installation takes 6–8 hours. Leave the business of A/C installation to ATCO Energy’s experts and you’ll be cool in no time.

It’s tempting to try to save money by doing home installations on your own, but it’s not a great idea to install an air conditioning system as a DIY.    

Safety first. It takes a journeyman electrician with the necessary permits to ensure everything is done correctly and according to code. Choosing the wrong air conditioning system for your home or installing it improperly is a hazard — and can also cost you in energy efficiency.

It’s not uncommon for property owners to install the wrong air conditioning system. The wrong A/C unit can result in inconsistent cooling and more repairs down the road. It’s important to get both the right size and type of A/C unit for your home.  

When you book air conditioner installation with ATCO Energy, our pros will help you find the right fit. We’ll recommend products that are energy efficient, durable and reliable. We know which units perform well in real-life conditions, so you won’t have to purchase based on online reviews. We offer completely unbiased recommendations based on the needs of your home and family.  

There are two types of A/C units: window mount units and whole home air conditioning units:  

Window mount units are the least expensive and easiest to install. They can be done as a DIY with little experience. However, window mounts are room-specific, meaning they only cool the room in which they’re installed. These are louder than other A/C units and best for small spaces. ATCO Energy, does not install this type of A/C unit.  

Whole home air conditioning units are installed inside the furnace, with a condenser that’s on the outside of your home. These are more expensive units that need a pro to install. Whole home A/C units are quieter and matched to your home furnace system. Because of this, they're generally considered superior to other types of A/C units. Because whole home air conditioning units are superior, ATCO Energy, only installs this type of A/C unit.

Your A/C system depends on your home’s square footage, layout and siding colour. Homes with darker siding run warmer and require more comprehensive air conditioning. If your home is shaded by nearby trees, you may have an advantage. Your new A/C may not need to be the most robust system.  

An experienced air conditioning pro knows what to look for both inside and around your home to match you with the correct system.  

The typical lifespan of an air conditioning unit is 8–12 years. This can vary depending on the type of unit and how often it's used.

Selecting the right unit comes down to 2 factors: efficiency and comfort.  

Your A/C unit must be sized correctly and installed properly to work as expected — the finer details make all the difference. Good thing we sweat the small stuff, so you don’t feel the heat!  

The size of an air conditioner is based on air volume in your home. If your home is large and has high ceilings, you’ll need a larger unit to cool your space evenly and efficiently. An average 2,000 sq. ft. home needs a 2–3 tonne unit to be effective.

It’s worse to oversize an A/C unit for your home than undersize it. That’s because a unit that’s too large will overcycle and will cost you more in energy. When it comes to size, precision is everything.    

Looking for comfort and energy savings? A properly installed A/C unit is the way. When you’ve got the right-sized unit, you’ll get the performance you need and an energy bill that doesn’t give you the cold shoulder.  

Our team is familiar with various systems, including central air conditioners and split units. We always maximize efficiency with every installation. More importantly, we ensure your selection is installed correctly — which is just as much an art as it is a science.

Yes, you can install a heat pump in Alberta! Modern cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed to perform efficiently even in the province’s harsh winter conditions, with many models operating effectively in temperatures as low as -30°C. These systems are a great option for both heating in winter and cooling in summer, providing year-round comfort.  

With advancements in technology, heat pumps are a popular and energy-efficient choice for Alberta homeowners looking to lower energy bills and reduce their environmental impact.

Yes, you have the option to have 2 air conditioners to run with both your furnaces. If you want your whole home to be cooled evenly, it’s best to have 2 air conditioners. This is most often a factor in large houses — those larger than 2,500+ sq. ft.

Yes. Just like your furnace, air conditioners need regular maintenance to operate efficiently and reliably.

Routine tune-ups help keep your system running smoothly, improve performance, extend its lifespan, and reduce energy costs. Annual maintenance also allows a technician to catch small issues early, before they turn into costly repairs.

For a simple, ongoing solution, an HVAC Maintenance Plan helps you stay on schedule with annual A/C servicing and ongoing system care. Sign up today.

If it’s been a year or more since your last tune-up, this is your sign to book today. Other signs that it might be time include:  

• Air conditioning isn’t running efficiently  
• Unit sounds louder than usual  
• Air conditioning coils are dirty  
• Your home isn’t as cool as it once was  

The decision to replace your air conditioning unit depends on both the severity of the issue and its age. The average lifespan of a home air conditioner is about 12–15 years. So if your unit’s more than 10 years old and in need of serious repairs, it’s probably not worth fixing.

No, we don’t install window-mounted air conditioning units. Instead, we specialize in whole-home cooling solutions like central air conditioning.

This provides better energy efficiency, quieter operation and more consistent cooling throughout your home compared to window units. Plus, they help improve indoor air quality and maintain a more comfortable living environment year-round.  

Not at all! Our home services are available to everyone, whether you’re an energy customer with us or not.