Table of Contents
York Air Conditioner Reviews - Consumer Ratings - York makes a full line of air conditioning systems ranging in sizes from 1.5 tons all the way up to the monster systems that serve large commercial buildings. Their residential air conditioner systems range in various sizes enough to handle residential and light commercial applications with efficiency ranges from 13 SEER to 20 SEER.
The typical York air conditioner uses the new ozone-friendly refrigerant R-410A but there are air conditioner models which you can purchase that use R-22 which will soon be phased out. As of this writing let’s just say the R-22 units are history.
Various features of selected air conditioner models are:
York Air Conditioner Reviews - Consumer Ratings | Select Features
- Top-of-the-line York air conditioners use two-stage Scroll compressors and modulating controls for higher efficiency.
- York air conditioners are engineered to be quiet systems
- Air conditioner models only available with R-410A
- Corrosion-resistant for durability in selected models
- Maintenance-free fan motor in selected air conditioner systems
- Industry-standard warranties
Communicating Systems | York Air Conditioner Reviews
Premium models have a communicating feature. The communicating features include WiFi capabilities, diagnostic features, and smartphone compatibility. This allows remote control and monitoring. These systems are similar to other smart thermostats except for the diagnostics abilities. If something goes wrong with the system the York communicating thermostats can help with the air conditioner troubleshooting. I am always wary of communicating thermostats because of the thermostat wiring. Many communicating thermostats require different wiring. However, York claims their communicating thermostats seamlessly connect to conventional wiring.
Just a note if you are considering one of these. Ask about the wiring. The reason is: If the thermostat goes bad you can replace it yourself with an off-the-shelf thermostat you can get at the local hardware store. If it is not seamless then you will have to wait for a York dealer to replace their proprietary thermostat. Depending on the time frame you may be out of luck for air conditioning for a few days. I dug through all the technical info I could find about this and no mention of the wiring except the seamless comment.
York Air Handlers
York Air Conditioner Reviews
York Air Handlers - York manufactures air handlers with the model names of Affinity and LX and can be configured for a horizontal flow, up-flow, and down-flow applications for residential and light commercial HVAC use. York also manufactures large commercial air handlers and these will be covered in a future planned section for commercial HVAC equipment. Various features of selected York air handlers include:
- Variable-speed ECM blower motors in select York air handlers - this is good and helps with humidity control in the summertime. Also the soft start feature of the variable speed ECM motors makes it whisper quiet on startup and shut down.
- Humidity control in select York air handlers
- York air handlers are designed for quiet operation
- Compact York air handlers available for tight-fitting installations
- York air handlers available in models that use R410A
- Good cabinet designs mean fewer air leaks and more efficiency.
- Select models available with TXV’s or thermostatic expansion valves.
Air Handler Capacities and Certifications | York Air Conditioner Reviews
Most of the York Air Handler model lineup comes in the 1.5 to the 5-ton range for residential and light commercial applications. If replacing the air handler it is always best to get the matching condenser for the best efficiency no matter the brand name including York. Most York air handlers are certified for efficiency by AHRI which is a respected testing organization for the HVAC industry.
York Condensing Units
York Condensing Units Reviews - Condensing units are available for residential and light commercial applications and available in heat pump and air conditioner models. They also produce condensing units for heavy commercial uses and these will be reviewed in an upcoming section called commercial HVAC.
York’s top-of-the-line condensing unit is the Affinity YXV Condensing Unit that gets a 20 SEER efficiency rating. The variable-capacity compressor operates at modulating levels.
Condensing Unit Features
York Air Conditioner Reviews
Various features of select York condensing units include:
- Select York condensing units available in 20 SEER
- R-410A available in York condensing units
- Select York condensing units use two-stage compressors
- York condensing units engineered for quiet operation
- Powder-painted steel for durability in York condensing units
- York condensing units have coil guards to protect coils from damage
Installation and Matching System Considerations | York Air Conditioner Reviews
Another word of note about any major purchase. You will want to make sure the system is installed properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and by all safety codes including mechanical codes and electrical codes. Failure to have the system properly installed can lead to premature failure of the system in addition to not getting the rated efficiency on the unit. When purchasing a condensing unit you also need to be aware that the condensing unit should be matched with the inside air handling unit so you can achieve the properly rated efficiency on the equipment at the time of purchase.
York Air Conditioner Model Comparison Guide
| York Air Conditioner Model Comparison Guide | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model/Series | Efficiency | Energy Star Rated | Compressor | Warranty | Pricing/Category |
| YXV Affinity™ Series | Up to 20 SEER | √ | Variable-speed | Lifetime compressor, 10-year parts, 1-year labor warranties all limited warranties | $$$$$ - Premium |
| YXT Affinity™ Series | Up to 19 SEER | √ | Two-stage | Lifetime compressor, 10-year parts, 1-year labor warranties all limited warranties | $$$$ - Premium |
| YFK LX Series | 17 SEER | √ | Two-stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $$$$ - Mid-Range |
| YCG LX Series | Up to 17 SEER | √ | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $$$ - Mid-Range |
| YCS LX Series | 14 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $$ - Economy |
| YCE LX Series | 14 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $$ - Economy |
| YFE LX Series | 14 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $$ - Economy |
| YCD LX Series | 13 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $ - Economy |
| YFD LX Series | 13 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $ - Economy |
| TCHD LX Series | 13 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $ - Economy |
| TCHE LX Series | 14 SEER | X | Single-Stage | 10-Year Parts and Compressor Limited Warranty and 1-year Labor Limited Warranty | $$ - Economy |
Brand Quality and York Warranties | York Air Conditioner Reviews
York provides decent warranties for all their models including a one-year limited labor warranty. The premium models have exceptional warranties. Many reputable contractors will always give their customers a personal warranty of one year on parts and labor. It is good business sense for the contractors to offer a warranty for parts and labor.
Always read and understand the warranties before purchase. Make sure to ask about terms, conditions, and exclusions. An example of exclusion would be:
- If I sell the home does the warranty transfer to the new owner
This information will be helpful to you especially if you sell the home within the warranty period. Finally, for the premium models, always ask if there is an optional extended warranty. Many HVAC manufacturers will sell you an extended part and labor warranty (if available from that particular manufacturer).
Air Conditioner Pricing, Efficiency, and Return On Investment Factors
| Pricing Versus Efficiency Return On Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Pricing Range for Initial Purchase and Subsequent Repairs outside of Warranty | ROI (Return On Investment) |
| 19 SEER Plus | $$$$$ | 5 to 7 years depending on efficiency* |
| 15 to 18 SEER | $$$ | 7 to 10 years depending on efficiency* |
| 13 to 14 SEER | $ | Over 10 years* |
| *Many factors depend on ROI such as house insulation, personal usage preferences, duct work integrity, and other basic efficiency factors. SEER level efficiency is very important to ROI. The higher the SEER, the quicker the return. | ||
Air Conditioner Buyers Guide | York Air Conditioner Reviews
York Air Conditioner Reviews
We have written a guide to help you through the purchase and installation of your new system. It all begins with contacting several contractors and getting bids and ends when you register the warranty after installation. There are some basics that some people miss. We want to make sure you get the best possible experience and enjoy long-lasting comfort from your new system. Here are a few excerpts from our buyer’s guide:
- Always get at least 3 bids for your new HVAC system from at least 3 different contractors that you have vetted. We have an article to help you vet a contractor also.
- Make sure the contractors submit a new load calculation with their bid. This is imperative and can make a difference in installation costs.
- If the size/capacity of the new system has changed from the old system it is highly likely the duct system will also change. Again, this is imperative and will make a difference in installation costs.
For more information see our HVAC Consumer Buyers Guide and How to Find a Good Contractor.
Conclusion | York Air Conditioner Reviews
I am a firm believer that the quality of installation is better than the brand. Being in the industry for several years has brought me to this conclusion. This means you need to select a good contractor. Many York dealers have advanced training for their technicians. That is good. Simply make sure you get a good contractor for the installation. This York air conditioner review only offers technical specifications and why these specifications are good for you.
Some manufacturers list certain features and claim that feature is the best thing since sliced bread however when you do the research you find it is no different than any other manufacturer feature with a different name. It is all about making a better widget and making it look better than another. I’m glad York got things straightened out.
Enjoy your new HVAC system!
For more information on York and its latest models, warranty information, and efficiency ratings visit the York website.
See our other York reviews: York Heat Pump Reviews | York Gas Furnace Reviews | York Package Unit Reviews
York Air Conditioner Reviews - Consumer Ratings
Video | York Air Conditioner Reviews
- York Warranties as Compared to Other Brands 88%
- York Quality as Compared to Other Brands 95%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 98%
- York Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 80%
- Overall York Opinion from a Technical Perspective 92%
Top Model SEER Rating
I purchased a York unit in 2010. I began to have problems with it two months later and I continue to have problems with it to this day. No one can diagnose the problem and York is unresponsive. Do NOT purchase a York unit. You will regret it!!!!
I would avoid YORK air conditioners at all cost. I’ve been renting out homes as a landlord for 22 years. I’ve dealt with many different brands. 5 years ago I bought a 3 year old home with an original York HVAC. Within a year it went out on a 100 degree day. It was a bad coil. It was under a parts warranty but the nearest place a part could be located was in Ohio (I’m in Texas). I was told it would take 2 days to get the part but it took 5. In the meantime I had to put my tenant up in a hotel. Despite getting the part for free, the labor and hotel bill ended up being very expensive. Now it’s 4 years later and there was a small fire in the outdoor unit and the compressor went out. It was under warranty, but again the part could not be sourced locally. I live in the Dallas area where we have over 7 million people. If they can’t supply parts locally for repair here they shouldn’t be selling their crappy product here! I ended up replacing the outdoor unit with a Trane (a product I’ve had much better experiences with) because I couldn’t wait for days to get the part replaced when daily temps were again at or near 100 degrees. As a result the warranty was absolutely useless to me. Stay away from York or any Johnson Controls product!!!
I purchased a new 5 Ton 14 SEER system both indoor and outdoor units in August 2016. Since it was installed we have have had numerous problems that continue to cost us a fortune. After the new install in 2016 we went through the winter months not realizing all the freon had been lost and had skyrocketing heat bills costing us an extra $2000…. This past winter we tried to keep a close eye on this and had to have the freon recharged again, but still ended up costing us extra money by the time a problem was detected. Numerous service calls to fix leaks caused by poor quality design of the unit, wires vibrating against things causing leaks, etc. The compressor has already been replaced within the last few months and we again as I am writing this, are with no a/c due to the freon vanished once again.
I have learned that a York field engineer has put out a bulletin bringing to light this problem as a design flaw placing the unit in a bind causing vibration issues thus resulting in system failure due to freon leakage. Enduring 85 degrees inside our home for days and weeks is not what I paid for and expect out of a 2 year old unit. The cost of the electric bills alone due to the inefficiency of our York unit has been unfair to say the least. Our previous Rheem system lasted 21 years with fewer service calls than we have experienced in the first two years of owning this new York system. I will pursue this problem with York until satisfaction is granted. The company needs to own up to design problems and take care of their consumers or future sales will suffer.
I purchased a home in 2004 with a york A/C unit already installed. Only had it repaired once this year had to purchase a new air conditioner condenser. So I think I got my moneys worth.