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HVAC

York Air Conditioners Review

Modernize Rating: 4.5/5

Average Cost: $3,000 - $5,200

York air conditioners, with over 130 years of industry expertise, offer energy-efficient models from budget-friendly LX to premium Affinity series, backed by solid warranties. These mid-range priced AC units provide reliable cooling solutions, though advanced features may complicate repairs. Whether opting for the basic LX or the advanced Affinity model, York AC units are designed to meet diverse homeowner needs and budgets, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and value.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

York has been a globally trusted source for quality air conditioning units and other HVAC products for more than 130 years. The company was founded in York, PA in 1874 and is now a subsidiary of Glendale, WI-based Johnson Controls.

York offers a full range of HVAC products and implements its industry-leading technology across a wide range of cooling and heating products. Let’s take a closer look at this respected industry brand.

york hvac system

Close-up of 4 different types of York HVAC units.

Pros and Cons of York Air Conditioners

York isn’t the most expensive air conditioning brand, but it’s not the cheapest, either. Here are some pros and cons of purchasing a York AC unit.

  • Pros

    • Energy Efficiency and Warranty
    • Simple, Quiet Operation
    • Reliable and Consistent
  • Cons

    • Expensive
    • Specialized Knowledge Needed for Repairs

PROS

  • Energy efficiency ratings between 15.2 and 20 SEER2.
  • 10-year warranty on compressor and parts with standard AC units; lifetime compressor warranty and 10-year parts warranty on its premium unit.
  • Seamlessly pairs with York touch-screen thermostats for simple operation.
  • Unique swept-wing fan blades operate more quietly and efficiently.
  • Reliable and consistent operation during hot summer months.

CONS

  • More expensive than other reliable brands.
  • Advanced technology requires specialized knowledge to fix or repair.

Since costs for York air conditioners are generally in line with other industry-leading brands, homeowners should carefully research different brands to determine which manufacturer has the best product for their region and budget.

York Split-System Air Conditioners

York manufactures eight different air conditioning units that have a wide range of features and price points, as well as a side-discharge air conditioner.

York’s entry-level LX series offers a variety of ENERGY STAR-rated AC units, while the more upscale Affinity series of air conditioners are the company’s top-of-the line cooling products.

York LX Air Conditioners

York’s entry-level YCD2 air conditioner has a 13.2 SEER2 rating. Homeowners who purchase this single-stage air conditioner can expect years of reliable performance. Although it’s the least-expensive unit in York’s AC product lineup, it still has advanced features such as a direct-drive fan that reduces vibration and noise and a rugged, factory-tested compressor.

The YC2F air conditioner, meanwhile, has a SEER2 rating up to 17.5 and features two-stage options in larger AC units. Operating noise is as low as 72 decibels, which is equivalent to a household vacuum cleaner.

York Affinity Air Conditioners

York’s premium Affinity products feature two-stage or variable-speed compressors for enhanced energy efficiency that ranges from 19-20 SEER2. Homeowners can control either the YXT or YXV models through their standard thermostats or with York’s Hx/Hx3 touchscreen thermostats. Operating noises are a comfortable 53-67 dBA — the same noise level as a household refrigerator or buzz of typical conversation in a business office.

Cost Ranges of York Air Conditioners

York, along with the majority of air conditioning manufacturers, does not quote exact pricing for its air conditioning units on its website. Instead, York relies on its network of professional distributors and HVAC installation companies to set prices directly with customers.

However, homeowners can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 to have a new air conditioning unit installed. Those prices are influenced by a wide range of factors, though — read through the next section to better understand the factors that influence air conditioning unit and installation prices.

HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

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Factors Affecting Cost of York Air Conditioners

A variety of factors affect the price quote from a York air conditioner dealer. These include:

Size of Your Home

The square footage of your home determines how large of a York air conditioner you’ll need — bigger homes need larger units.

Air Conditioning Size Calculator

Ready to find out how big your AC unit should be so you can start researching and budgeting your options? Click here!

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Age and Construction of Your Home

New homes are generally much better insulated than older residences. Stucco homes framed with 2×6 studs on a concrete pad also tend to insulate far better than siding-clad homes framed with 2×4 studs with wooden subfloors.

Home Design and Layout

Homes that have multiple southern-facing windows will heat up faster in the summer months than homes oriented in a different direction since they get more direct sunlight.

Region Where You Live

Homeowners in Phoenix may opt to purchase a larger air conditioning unit than homeowners in Seattle. The average temperature in June in Phoenix is 104, while it’s a pleasant 69 degrees in Seattle. Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest don’t have the same needs as homeowners in Arizona or Florida.

A local York dealer can go over each of these details and help you select the York air conditioner that best meets your home’s needs and fits within your AC unit replacement budget.

Benefits of Investing in a York Air Conditioner

York products are an excellent marriage of performance, reliability, and affordability. York LX models benefit from high-quality construction and engineering at lower price points than competing brands, while the Affinity models are industry-leading air conditioning units that clock in at prices lower than other premium brands.

Brand Comparison of Competitors

York stacks up well against competitors such as Lennox, Rheem, Carrier, Daikin, Trane, and other leading HVAC manufacturers.

York vs. Rheem

York, like Rheem, is a good option for homeowners seeking quality and affordability without breaking the HVAC budget. York air conditioners offer a balance of quality and affordability, making them a competitive option for homeowners who prioritize both factors. In comparison, Rheem is known for its durable and efficient units, potentially coming with a higher upfront cost but offering reliability and innovative technology.

York vs. Lennox

Both companies are more than a century old and have built a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and reliability. Lennox has a wider range of products, and its ultra-premium air conditioning units have higher SEER2 energy efficiency ratings. However, they also are much more expensive than York’s best Affinity model.

York vs. Trane

York and Trane both stand as reputable brands within the HVAC industry, known for their commitment to quality and reliability in air conditioning solutions. While York provides a cost-effective range with notable energy efficiency, Trane is recognized for its high-end units that deliver superior performance and advanced features, often at a higher price point.

Is a York Air Conditioner Right for Me?

York is a trusted brand in the HVAC industry, and its products feature advanced technologies, such as unique-shaped fan blades, that aren’t offered by some manufacturers. York’s Affinity units have a lifetime warranty on the compressors, and a 10-year warranty on all other parts, so homeowners aren’t likely to face a significant repair bill during their ownership of a York air conditioner. York’s LX air conditioners offer proven durability with a 10-year warranty, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

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