AC parts break down over time. However, an improperly maintained central air conditioning system will put pressure on every part of that system. A dirty filter that hasn’t been replaced, fans that are not cleaned, leaking refrigerant, exposed wires in the electrical box, ice build up on coils. These put pressure on the capacitors, sensors that track heat levels and thermostat readings and generally weaken the unit so it does not run efficiently and any part can break down.
Ductless air conditioners offer reliable and efficient cooling – so installing a mini split AC is worth it for many Edmonton homeowners. That said, a ductless mini split air conditioner is not worth it for every home.
Here are some situations in which a ductless air conditioner is worth it:
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.
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.
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.
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.
What uses the most electricity (and other forms of energy) in a house is heating and cooling systems, water heating units and other appliances like refrigerators. To reduce the amount of electricity, or energy, being used, ensure that you have energy-efficient appliances installed in your home. The cost of upgrading to a more energy-efficient hot water heater, furnace, AC unit, etc. can be offset with the help of Edmonton’s Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator program. As well, some professional heating and cooling companies in Edmonton, like ProSolutions PHAC, offer extended discounts for installing new, energy-efficient furnaces, water heaters, and more.
As well, regular maintenance can help to keep these home comfort systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Yes, a 16 SEER AC is worth it. Although it will be more expensive to buy than a less efficient air conditioning unit, a 16 SEER AC will help you save on energy costs.
16 SEER air conditioners are energy efficient, meaning they will use less energy than units with a lower SEER rating. As a result, you’ll notice significant savings in energy costs over the years. In fact, the more energy-efficient your AC the better.
HVAC professionals suggest that homeowners purchase the highest SEER unit they can afford. In addition to saving more on utility bills, buying a highly efficient air conditioner can also help you secure energy efficiency government rebates, depending on where you live.
Trust ProSolutions Inc.’s recommendation: Ameristar Air Conditioning brand for a refreshing summer ahead.
If your AC is oversized, your home will not be as comfortable as it should be. As well, the air conditioning unit may have a shorter lifespan.
There’s no doubt about it – a larger AC unit will cool your home faster. However, this can result in your home being cooled TOO FAST. As a result, you may get hot and cold spots throughout your home. Gradual and even cooling, on the other hand, is achieved the right size air conditioner for your home. Fast cooling can also mean that your AC doesn’t have time to dehumidify the incoming air. Therefore, you’ll have cool but moist air circulating in your home.
An oversized AC can also result in increased energy costs and a decreased lifespan. This is because the unit will be frequently starting and stopping.
Air conditioning specialists like ProSolutions can help you buy and install the perfect AC for your home.
ProSolutions Inc. advises Ameristar Air Conditioning brand as the perfect cooling solution for your home.
Any AC unit that is 15 years of age or older is not only more likely to break down and need costly repairs, but is also much less efficient & more costly to operate. Therefore, an AC unit replacement may be the best investment moving forward. Ask ProSolutions Inc. to do a cost-benefit for you, so you can decide whether it’s better to fix the problem or invest in a new unit.
If your AC unit’s power is on, but nothing is happening. You may have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. There may be a problem with the motor. Other factors could include a refrigerant leak, a filter that needs changing and dirty condenser coils. A capacitor could be weak. If you are unable to diagnose and fix it yourself, call in ProSolutions Inc. to help. Our trained AC technicians will be able to quickly diagnose the issue.
Experience a refreshing summer with Ameristar Air Conditioning brand, recommended by ProSolutions Inc.
Replacing an old air conditioner involves more than just swapping out the unit. Several parts of your home’s cooling system may need to be inspected, repaired, or upgraded to ensure your new AC runs efficiently and reliably. This can include:
Ductwork: Is it properly sized, sealed, and in good condition?
Insulation & Windows: Poor insulation or drafty windows can affect performance.
Refrigerant Lines: Existing piping may need to be replaced or flushed, depending on the type of refrigerant.
Condensate Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to avoid water damage.
Electrical Wiring: The wiring and breaker may need updating to meet current safety codes.
Grilles & Registers: These may need to be cleaned, repaired, or resized.
Filters & Coils: The furnace filter and evaporator coil should be inspected for cleanliness and wear.
Every home is different. That’s why a professional assessment from ProSolutions is the best way to determine exactly what’s needed for a proper air conditioning replacement in Edmonton’s climate.
