Devon's Trusted
AC Financing company

We recommend a smart thermostat when your home comfort system has both an AC and Furnace unit. In addition to improved comfort settings, many smart thermostats are able to alert you of troubles like “Too Hot” or “Too Cold” warnings – some can even report directly to your phone!

If it’s battery-operated, check the batteries and replace them as necessary. Otherwise, if you have a problem, call one of our experts at ProSolutions.

ProSolutions Inc. suggests Ameristar Air Conditioning brand for a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution.

In Edmonton, both boilers and furnaces are used to provide homes with heat. The difference between a boiler and a furnace is the way in which they heat a home.

A boiler takes water and heats it then circulates this hot water (or steam, in some cases) throughout the house in order to heat it. The hot water is circulated using pipes, radiators and/or radiant floor systems. Once the water has cooled, it is returned to the boiler to be heated and reused in a closed-loop system.

A furnace, on the other hand, heats and distributes air in order to heat a home. This hot air is distributed via ductwork and vents.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently an air conditioner operates over a typical cooling season. It’s calculated by dividing the total cooling output (in BTUs) by the total electrical energy input (in watt-hours). A higher SEER rating indicates greater efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.

SEER2 is the updated version of this rating system. It uses more rigorous testing procedures that better reflect real-world conditions, like how your AC actually performs with ductwork and airflow resistance in a typical Edmonton home. Because of this, SEER2 ratings are slightly lower than SEER, even though the equipment performance hasn’t changed. For example, a unit with a 15.2 SEER2 rating is roughly equivalent to a 16 SEER under the old scale.

In Alberta, where summers can get hot and dry, a SEER2 rating of 14.3 or higher is generally recommended for energy efficiency and comfort. Some systems go as high as 18+ SEER2. While higher-rated systems cost more upfront, they offer better long-term savings.

Air circulation issues in your home? If you are experiencing this, check the vents in those warmer rooms. Vents bringing hot or cool air into the house winter/summer accumulate dust, pet dander, whatever, and should be vacuumed on a regular basis to ensure good air flow. At the same time make sure that your return air vents are not blocked by furniture or other items pushed up against them.

If you are experiencing blown fuses from your AC unit. It’s often an electrical issue with the breaker or the house wiring. Likely a short circuit or some type of a fault to ground issue. It could also be that a dirty filter is the culprit. One not uncommon answer is to check the electrical box in the condensing unit. It’s not surprising in a place like Edmonton, that mice have built a nest in this box and have also nibbled at some of the electrical wires. If you’re like many of us, you’d want an expert like ProSolutions Inc. to fix it.

AC units are a blessing in the dog days of summer in Alberta. However, when you are experiencing issues with your unit running the way they were built to run, this tends to create an uncomfortable situation for your household. Here are two things every homeowner should remember.

1.  Always check to see if you need to shut the power off in dealing with any air conditioner issues.

2.  Deal with a trusted and experienced professional, like ProSolutions, when buying a new air conditioner, or repairing an existing unit.

Stay cool and comfortable with Ameristar Air Conditioning brand, the top choice of ProSolutions Inc.

Cleaning a condensing unit can be an important part of maintaining the longevity of your condensing unit. Should you use a pressure washer or liquid cleaner though? The short answer is NO! Do not use a power washer. You may damage fins or other parts of the condensing unit. Use a garden hose and spray into the coil to remove all the dust and other stuff that gets onto the coil over the season. As for liquid cleaners, most of them contain corrosive agents and you don’t want to damage the coil or any other parts of the unit with which it comes in contact.

If you’re thinking about cleaning a condensing unit, a certified AC repair contractor will have specialized cleaners in cases where the coil needs to be thoroughly cleaned. 

Does the size of AC unit effect performance? Yes! 

If the unit is too large, the space gets too cool and humidity is not removed. You’ll feel cold and clammy. Plus the frequent cycling can wear out your AC Unit faster since the hardest load on your AC is when you start it up. You can also freeze up the AC unit if the air flow is too low and the unit can not be kept from freezing up. Freezing up of a central AC system is a recipe for disaster on the HVAC equipment.

Book your home estimate today, and our Pros can recommend the best size AC for your home and needs.