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• SEER is based on lab testing under ideal conditions
• SEER2 includes more realistic factors like static pressure from ducts, so it gives a clearer picture of real-life performance. 

Is It Worth Upgrading to a Higher SEER2 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!

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:

• Outdoor temperature vs. desired indoor temperature – the greater the difference between the outdoor and desired indoor temperature, the more electricity your mini split AC will use. 
• BTU rating (i.e. the size of the unit) – generally, the higher the BTU, the more energy the unit will consume. 
• Unit efficiency – the higher the efficiency rating, the less electricity the ductless mini split air conditioner will use. 
• Zone size – the larger the area, the more electricity your system will need to cool it. 
• Insulation in your home – if your home has good insulation, your mini split AC will require less energy to reach and maintain your desired indoor temperature. 
• Usage – the more you use the system, the more energy it will consume.

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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.