Yes, adding AC will increase home value. This is especially true for homes in Edmonton. Summers is Alberta can get extremely hot, therefore, many homebuyers prefer houses that have central air conditioning installed.
If your home does not currently have air conditioning but you are considering installing AC, it is highly recommended. In fact, some estimates suggest that installing an AC unit can add up to 12% to the value of your home. Especially if you opt for a high-efficiency air conditioning unit. In addition to increasing home value, central AC adds to your home’s comfort, resulting in a healthy and happy environment.
Reach out to book your FREE home AC installation quote for a personalized assessment of your home’s needs.
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.
You’ll need to increase the humidity level if you have low relative humidity in your Edmonton home. The best way to fix low relative humidity is to install a whole-home humidifier. This specialized home comfort appliance will significantly improve your indoor air quality and allow you to live more comfortably.
There are many benefits to maintaining good humidity levels in your Edmonton home with a whole home humidifier system. These benefits include:
You do not need a ductless unit in every room of your home. However, a single wall-mounted ductless unit can only cool one room or unobstructed zone (with good airflow). Thus, most Edmonton homeowners opt to install a wall-mounted mini split AC unit in each main living space they want to keep cool.
Keep in mind that one outdoor ductless condenser unit can support multiple (up to four) indoor units. Thus, one outdoor unit and four indoor units would cool four rooms.
Not sure how many ductless mini split air conditioner units you need or where they should be located? The ductless air conditioner installation experts at ProSolutions Inc. can help. Our professional HVAC technicians will help you decide how many indoor units you need, where to install them, and what size and model of mini split AC will work best for your Edmonton home.
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.
Yes—especially if you want to reduce your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint, and get the most comfort from your system. Higher-efficiency ACs can also help increase the value of your home and extend the life of your system with fewer breakdowns.
Pro Tip: SEER2 is now becoming the new standard across Canada. Many newer AC models are already listed using only SEER2 rating—so if you’re comparing older and newer systems, make sure you’re looking at the same standard!
Maintaining the proper humidity level in your Edmonton home is essential! If the humidity level in your house is too low or too high, your home will be uncomfortable – and you could run into a host of health issues.
Proper indoor humidity is critical in the winter, as Edmonton gets extremely cold, forcing residents to stay inside the majority of the day.
If your skin feels dry and it’s more difficult to breathe than usual, you may have improper humidity levels in your Edmonton home. In this case, the humidity level is likely too low. Thus, you and your family are breathing stale, dry air instead of crisp, refreshing air.
Luckily, there are several ways to fix the low humidity level in your Edmonton 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.
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.
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.
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.
When it comes to choosing a humidifier, Edmonton homeowners have two options:
Portable units are the cheapest option – they are easy to find and use and require no installation. However, most portable humidifiers can only maintain proper humidity levels in one or two rooms. As well, portable units require a lot of maintenance. This includes regularly filling the water reservoir and consistently cleaning the unit to maintain optimal air quality and minimize bacteria and viruses.
A whole-home system, although more expensive up front, requires much less maintenance and can maintain optimal humidity levels throughout your home.
For Edmonton homeowners, whole-home humidifiers (also known as furnace humidifiers or in-duct humidifiers) are the best option.
Whole home systems can be installed in residential homes with forced-air heating systems. These humidifiers use the air ducts and plumbing system to deliver consistent humidity levels. Best of all, once installed, a whole home humidifier will provide reliable home comfort without needing to lift a finger!
Some of the best whole-home humidifier brands in Edmonton include:
