FAQ Category: Energy Efficiency

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:

• Efficiency is your top priority.
• You want to lower your monthly energy bills.
• You live in an apartment or condo.
• You are adding an addition to your home (e.g. suite, bonus room, sunroom, etc.).
• You want to control the temperature in each room separately.
• You need to cool a room with temperature issues (e.g. a room with large, south-facing windows).
• You want to install AC in a house that has no existing ductwork.

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 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.

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.

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. 

5 of the best ways to save energy in your home include:

1. Taking shorter showers – If you can reduce the amount of hot water that your water heater needs to produce then you can save energy. Reducing your shower by just a minute can help you reduce your energy consumption throughout the year.
2. Turn off the tap when water is not being used – By reducing your hot water usage you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.
3. Repair leaky faucets – When hot water is constantly dripping from a leaky faucet, energy is being wasted. Repairing your faucet will save energy and money.
4. Adjust your thermostat – Reducing the temperature in your home when you can, even by just a couple of degrees, can help you reduce your energy consumption.  
5. Use cold water in your washing machine – if you’re washing something that doesn’t require hot water, use cold water instead. This will reduce the energy required by your hot water heating system.

Yes—you definitely should! Even though your furnace isn’t heating your home during the summer, your HVAC system still uses the same ductwork and blower when you run your central air conditioner. That means your furnace filter is still working hard to trap dust, pollen, pet hair, and smoke particles—especially during Edmonton’s dry, dusty summers or wildfire season.

In fact, summer can be one of the most important times to stay on top of filter changes if:

• You use central AC

• You have allergies

• You experience poor outdoor air quality (like wildfire smoke)

• You have pets that shed

Not sure when to change it? Our Air Filter Delivery Add-On (available with ProComfort or ProHeating Memberships) makes it easy. We deliver the right filter size on your preferred schedule—so your home stays cool and your air stays clean, no matter the season.

ProSolutions has a complete range of systems and accessories ready to install in Edmonton from $3400 to $10,000+ for ultra high efficient and ultra quiet inverter units.

These AC systems are built for our weather and come with warranties to match. 10 years parts and warranty available and some brands even carry a manufacturers 10 year or lifetime unit replacement guarantee. 

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:

• Initial cost – the cost to install a ductless mini split air conditioner is similar to that of a forced air system and much more expensive than a portable AC.
• Aesthetics – with a ductless air conditioner, the indoor evaporator unit is mounted to a wall or ceiling. Some homeowners do not like this aesthetic and prefer a more inconspicuous central air conditioning system.
• Regular maintenance – like a forced air system, a mini split AC requires routine maintenance. For example, the filter of each interior evaporator unit should be cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks (or more frequently if you smoke or have pets).
• Risk of leaking – Due to the indoor condenser being mounted on the wall inside your home, there is always a possibility of leaks. Regular maintenance should help prevent this, but there have been instances where tenants or homeowners neglected proper maintenance, resulting in leaks that damaged walls, decor, and other belongings.

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.

All AC Unit warranty installations are backed by a minimum 5 year comprehensive parts warranty & most higher efficient models boast 10 years out of the box. Ask us about extended labour warranty on qualifying AC units! 

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.