York central air conditioners have garnered a less-than-stellar reputation when it comes to quality. It's important to address this upfront. However, it's worth noting that Johnson Controls, the manufacturer, has made efforts to rectify the primary issue of leaking refrigerant coils that often lead to mechanical failure.
Consumer Reports (CR) surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020 showed that consumers rated York at the bottom of the list, along with two other Johnson Controls brands - Luxaire and Coleman. The question arises: have these issues been resolved? Unfortunately, we cannot confidently say that they have. This review serves as a "buyer beware" notice.
Now, if you're still considering a York central air conditioner, it's advisable to speak with a York representative. Ask about the low ratings and the reasons behind homeowners' dissatisfaction. Find out what measures have been taken to address these concerns. Armed with this information, you can then make an informed decision about whether to purchase a Johnson Controls product.
So, for those who remain interested, here is our detailed review and price list for York Central Air Conditioners.
How Much Does a York Central AC Cost?
The cost of a York central air conditioner can range from a little over $4,000 for a small, entry-level, low-efficiency unit to over $11,000 for their top-of-the-line model. If you opt for a midrange single-stage or 2-stage York AC, you can expect to pay between $5,800 and $8,500, depending on the model and size. Full cost details for each model and size are provided below.
Who is York?
York has been manufacturing ice-making, "air-washing," and air conditioning machines since 1874. Currently, York is owned by Johnson Controls, a global manufacturer of various mechanical equipment. York air conditioner prices tend to be lower than most other brands, making them a viable option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, York offers decent warranties, including a lifetime compressor warranty on their Affinity series. This suggests that Johnson Controls/York may believe they have addressed the coil issues.
York AC Pros
- A comprehensive range of models, from low-efficiency entry-level units to midrange 2-stage ACs and premium performance variable capacity models.
- The YXV and YXT models have made it to the Energy Star Most Efficient Air Conditioner list in recent years.
- The Affinity Series offers York's ClimaSet technology, which allows technicians to adjust settings for humid, dry, or normal climates based on your region's needs.
- The Affinity Series also integrates with the HX3 Communicating Zoning System, providing up to 8 zones of individual control.
York AC Cons
- All single-stage models still utilize the MicroChannel coil technology, which has had a history of leaking problems.
- York air conditioners are known for being challenging to install.
- The brand has not scored well in terms of overall customer satisfaction.
York AC Model Analysis
Let's take a closer look at York's various air conditioner models and their key features. Please refer to the pricing details below for full information.
Affinity Series
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YXV Variable Capacity Air Conditioner:
- Efficiency Range: Up to 21 SEER - Energy Star Most Efficient list
- Inverter compressor operates quietly at 53 dBA
- ClimaSet technology tuned to your climate
- Can be paired with YORK Hx™ and Hx™3 Touch-screen Thermostats and Communicating Zoning System
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YXT Two Stage Air Conditioner:
- Up to 19.75 SEER - Energy Star Qualified
- All other features are the same as the YXV model
LX Series
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YFK Two Stage Air Conditioner:
- Compact design
- Cooling Capacity: 2 to 4 Tons
- Up to 17.5 SEER - Energy Star Qualified
-
YCG Single Stage Air Conditioner:
- Up to 18.5 SEER
- Utilizes MicroChannel coil technology
- Efficient ECM fan motor
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YC2E Single Stage Air Conditioner:
- Up to 16.5 SEER
- Utilizes MicroChannel coil technology
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TCHE Single Stage Air Conditioner:
- Slim design for tight application spaces
- Cooling Capacity: 2 to 4 Tons
- Up to 16 SEER
-
TCHD Single Stage Air Conditioner:
- Narrow footprint and stackable unit ideal for zero lot line installations
- Up to 16 SEER
York Central Air Conditioner Cost by Model
The cost of each model varies depending on the size, with options ranging from 1.5 or 2 tons to the largest size at 5 tons. Refer to the table below for specific model pricing.
| Model | Installed Cost | Compressor |
|---|---|---|
| York LX YCJF 4 ton | $2,850 | Washington, DC |
| York Affinity CZH | $2,100 | Rowlett, TX |
| York Affinity CZF | $2,800 | Ft. Lauderdale, TX |
York Air Conditioner Cost by Size
When determining the ideal AC size for your home, it's best to have an AC contractor perform a Manual J load calculation. If you're replacing an air conditioner and have made upgrades to your home's insulation, windows, or added house wrap/vapor barrier, it's likely that your new central air conditioner should be smaller than the old unit. Refer to the table below for more information on AC unit size, home size, system-only cost, and system installed cost.
| AC Unit Size | Home Size | System Only | System Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
Model Recommendations
Here are some top York models to consider based on your specific needs.
Best Warm Climate Model
York YFK 17
This 2-stage AC offers up to 17.5 SEER efficiency and is Energy Star certified. It can potentially reduce cooling costs by 30% to 40% when replacing an old AC. Why not choose the variable capacity unit? We believe the value you get may not justify the higher cost, and variable capacity ACs can be more expensive to repair when problems arise.
Best Value
York YCG
The YCG single-stage unit is highly efficient, offering up to 17 SEER (please note that some places mention 18.5 SEER, but this seems to be a misprint). This is remarkable for a single-stage unit, and the price is competitive. You can expect lower energy costs without breaking the bank.
Best Cheap York AC
York YCD
This entry-level unit boasts up to 15 SEER efficiency. If you require a new AC but don't plan on staying in your current home long-term, this unit will suffice for the short-term. As long as the coil doesn't fail, its lifespan should range from 12-15 years.
Who Installs York?
When it comes to York installation, there are two options available.
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York Certified Comfort Specialists: These are local air conditioning and heating companies that have undergone York's training program. They receive specific training on installing and fine-tuning York equipment.
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Non-certified installers: These installers may hold other certifications, such as those from different brands or the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program. It's worth noting that many York Comfort Specialists are also NATE-certified.
Most companies that install York ACs are not York Certified Comfort Specialists. For instance, out of 30 York dealers in the 60120 and nearby zip codes, only 7 are Certified Comfort Specialists.
Getting a York AC Properly Installed
We highly recommend choosing either a York Certified Comfort Specialist or a NATE-certified installer for your AC installation. The best way to find a certified installer is by obtaining estimates from several local companies. Once you have the estimates and understand the experience and certification of the installers, it's crucial to check the reviews of these companies. Select a company with certified installers who have a proven track record of providing quality installation and exceptional customer service.
Need help finding the right installer? Feel free to take advantage of our Free Local Quote form or contact our phone number. By doing so, you'll receive written estimates at no cost or obligation. Rest assured that each installer is licensed, insured, and pre-screened for experience.
Submitted Prices and Reviews 2019-2022
We value our readers' opinions and strive to provide an unbiased platform for them to share their feedback. We will not edit any words from the submitted reviews. Please note that we update this table every 3-6 months, so your review may not appear immediately.
| Brand & Model & Size | Price | Home Location | Home Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| York LX YCJF 4 ton | $2,850 | Washington, DC | 2100 sqft |
| York Affinity CZH | $2,100 | Rowlett, TX | 2000 sqft |
| York Affinity CZF | $2,800 | Ft. Lauderdale, TX | 3000 sqft |
| York Affinity 15 SEER 4 ton | $4,020 | Prattville, AL | 3350 sqft |
| York LX | $2,090 | Florence, AZ | 2200 sqft |
| York LX YCJD | $2,780 | Aiken, SC | 2100 sqft |
| York Affinity 3 ton | $3,949 | Hatfield, PA | 3200 sqft |
How to Get the Best York Air Conditioner Prices?
When seeking the best deals for a York AC, remember that installation quality should be your top priority for any residential HVAC project. Never compromise on contractor quality to save a few dollars. Additionally, keep an eye out for the latest rebates and ask for at least 3 bids before making a decision. You can click [here](link to get 3 free estimates) to obtain 3 free estimates from local contractors. These estimates consider rebates and tax credits and automatically filter out unqualified contractors.
Finally, once you've selected the right contractor, be sure to utilize the tactics outlined in our guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer. This will help you secure the best final price.
Remember, a well-installed York air conditioner can provide efficient and reliable cooling for your home. Make an informed choice and enjoy the comfort it brings!