Afterglow - HVAC Solutions

An air conditioner can improve your health and quality of life!

In Waterloo Region, air conditioners (ACs) aren’t a luxury anymore — they’re a necessity during the sweltering summer months. Today’s AC systems are more powerful, energy efficient, and quieter than ever before.

But at what cost?

📏 Why Size Matters — Smaller is Sometimes Better!

The first step in getting a new AC is determining what size you need. That means a consultation with an HVAC professional like Afterglow.

Here’s what affects sizing:

Total size of your home’s living space
Amount of sunlight your home gets
Existing ductwork and ventilation
Insulation and window type

AC units are measured in tons — referring to how much heat they can remove from your home in an hour.

If your AC is too big, it will cool the air quickly but won’t run long enough to remove humidity, leaving your space feeling damp and uncomfortable. A properly sized unit runs long enough to dehumidify and cool efficiently.

🌬 Two-Stage Air Conditioners

Two-stage ACs are designed to run at two speeds, which helps better manage both cooling and humidity.

Popular in the Southern U.S., now common in Ontario
Great for larger homes that require 3 tons or more of cooling
Improve comfort and energy efficiency

If you have a larger home or inconsistent humidity control, consider a two-stage system or multiple ACs.

📊 SEER Rating: What It Means

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

It measures how much cooling a unit delivers compared to how much energy it uses over a cooling season.

Minimum SEER for new units is 13
Some models reach up to 27 SEER
Upgrading from 8 SEER to 16 SEER can cut energy use in half

Higher SEER = better energy savings.

🧠 Thermostats and Ducting

When upgrading your AC, it might also be time to:

Upgrade to a smart thermostat
Repair or seal existing ductwork
Improve air distribution throughout your home

These small changes can lead to big efficiency gains.

👷 Hiring a Contractor

If your home has never had air conditioning, installation may require:

New breakers in your electrical panel
Wiring through your foundation
Connecting ductwork to your existing HVAC system

Get a quote from a licensed HVAC contractor, and choose someone you trust.

💵 What You Can Expect to Pay

Basic model: ~$2,000
Mid-range system: ~$3,000
Top-tier systems: $5,000+

Prices vary based on brand, size, installation complexity, and system efficiency.

🎁 Government Rebates

Rebates may be available through:

Ontario Heating and Cooling Incentive
saveONenergy programs (Afterglow is a participating contractor!)

Rebate programs change often — it’s smart to revisit these sites or ask us about current offers in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

Need help choosing or installing a new AC?
We’re here for every step — from sizing to rebates to post-installation support.

Afterglow. Water, warmth, well-being.