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.
Experts like ProSolutions will tell you that it’s best to have at least two-thirds of your vents left open for best operation of your AC system. It is far harder to cool down a house versus keeping it at a constant temperature.
You can reduce your AC bill by ensuring that your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.
To guarantee your air conditioner is in top working condition, you’ll want to do some AC maintenance before starting up the unit in the summer. Make sure you clean the inside and outside of your central AC unit and change or clean the filters. This will ensure that airflow is not being restricted, causing your AC to have to work harder. Also, consider checking the concrete slab that your AC unit is sitting on. It should be level. Check your condensation line and the insulation on your coolant lines to ensure everything is in good working condition.
To further reduce your AC bill, consider these energy-saving tips:
Proper AC installation is also important. If your air conditioner is not installed properly, this can lead to reduced efficiency and a higher utility bill.
Looking to beat the heat this summer? ProSolutions Inc. recommends the trustworthy Ameristar Air Conditioning brand.
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.
How long it takes to install an air conditioner will depend on several factors. This includes the type of AC unit, if you’re replacing or installing new, the size of your home, the location where the new unit will be installed, the condition of the ductwork in your home, etc. However, on average, a professional AC installation company should be able to accomplish this within a day.
When making the decision to upgrade or replace your air conditioner, it is important to discuss with your technician your needs and wants for cooling comfort during your free home estimate! ProSolutions is here to walk you through your options for AC size, brand, and type to ensure your home stays comfortable, and then follow up with a professional installation that ensures your new system works like a charm. This ensures that it will run as efficiently as possible in Edmonton conditions!
Upgrade your home’s air conditioning system with ProSolutions Inc.
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.
With regular maintenance and servicing, an air conditioner should last 15+ years in Alberta. You can exceed this by many years with proper maintenance. Certified technicians charge anywhere from $89 to $200+ for regular maintenance check-ups.
ProSolutions Inc. customers can benefit from their Service Partner Plan, which offers lower maintenance costs and pre-scheduled appointments for your convenience.
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 you find leaking water under the furnace, the drain line may be clogged with dirt, dust, and fungus growth.
You can try unplugging it with a wet-dry vac, but it’s better to let the experts at ProSolutions Inc. handle it. They can help you with AC repairs, including fixing leakages.
The size of AC you need will depend on several factors.
For help finding the right size AC for your home, book your free home estimate! We will help you find the right size and the right unit for your needs. Our technician will complete a load calculation to determine what size AC you need. Factors like the size of your home, the local climate, the number of appliances you have, etc. will be taken into account.
Keep in mind, while you can have an AC unit that is too small you can also have a unit that is too big. An AC that is too small will not be able to cool your whole home and a unit that is too big will waste energy. In both scenarios, your utility bill will be more than necessary and you will likely be reducing the lifespan of the air conditioner! The size of AC you need is essential to your home comfort. ProSolutions can help you find the perfect air conditioner unit for your home and get it installed for the perfect Summer.
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.
Typically, a mini split AC does not use a lot of electricity. Ductless air conditioners can use anywhere from 0.30 to 4+ kWh (kiloWatt-hours) of power per hour. That said, the amount of electricity your ductless mini split air conditioner will use depends on several factors, including:
