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.
While it’s possible to install your own air conditioner, and even to do DIY AC repair, it’s not recommended unless you are a trained AC professional. Professional AC installation in Edmonton will ensure that your air conditioning system is safely installed and that is runs efficiently and effectively.
A professional AC team will guarantee that your air conditioner is optimized for the environment in Edmonton. They can also help you pick the perfect size AC for your home. Having a professional install your air conditioner can also help you save money by ensuring that the job is done right the first time. If something goes wrong when you’re installing your own AC, this can cause problems that will end up costing you more than a professional installation. Not to mention, an AC professional will have your AC installed quickly, so you can relax in your cool and comfortable home.
ProSolutions Inc. advises choosing Ameristar Air Conditioning brand for a cost-effective and reliable cooling system.
To find the best AC system for your home you should take into account the size of your home, how many levels, what ductwork is available, and how many windows you have. All of these can factor into the efficiency of your air conditioner and the cooling requirements.
By booking a free home estimate, our team at ProSolutions can help recommend the best unit for your cooling needs! Just as we’ve done for more than 10,000 homes in the Edmonton area for over 25 years.
The AC unit suction line needs protection from outside air otherwise condensation will occur with water dripping on the floor or ground. It also means that refrigerant gas can warm up before it reaches the compressor. Make sure the line is covered with insulation to protect it and maximize the efficiency of your AC unit.
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.
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.
Although mini split ACs have numerous advantages, there are also several disadvantages of ductless air conditioners that homeowners must consider.
The main disadvantages of ductless air conditioning include:
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:
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.
It is not cheaper to install AC in Edmonton in the winter, contrary to popular belief. While some ACs may be sold in the Winter, they cannot be fully installed and activated until the temperature reaches above +10° ! That means, a second visit is often needed once the weather clears up. Instead, consider saving your AC purchase until the Spring. Many companies, ProSolutions included, is gearing up for the Summer and looking forward to the early birds.
If you require air conditioner and furnace installation, having both replaced at the same time may also help you save money.
Check out our air conditioner installation, repair and maintenance deals here – Cooling System Coupons.
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.
If your furnace blower is not working, there could be a couple of issues here, one more serious than the other. Firstly, it is important to understand how a furnace works. You can begin to understand this through a very simple principle. A furnace uses some type of fuel (i.e. electrical, oil, gas, etc) to heat a series of coils. What type of fuel your furnace uses for this combustion. This series of heated coils (called a heat exchanger) has a fan (called a blower motor) which blows your houses’ air over them and into your air ducts where it is dispersed throughout your house. This simple process, regardless of what type of fuel you use, is how your furnace is able to blow warm air into your home.
If you’re having any issues with your furnace blower not working. It can come down to the blower motor in the furnace may need replacing and that’s usually a job for the experts. A capacitor. If the capacitor is defective, the fan motor might be noisy, overheat, or not run at all. If the control board is defective, it might not send voltage to the blower motor. If the furnace is not getting power, check the furnace circuit breaker or fuse as this might also be an issue.
On the other hand, the unit may be clogged with dirt and dust and you may be able to fix that yourself but may likely need special attention to unclog the debris and dirt from the components.
In the end, there are several things that can lead to a furnace not blowing air. If you decide to try and repair an older unit and it requires more effort and costs incurred. It may just be more advantageous to replace it.
If you need help with your furnace issues, give us a call today!
