FAQ Category: AC Install

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.

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.

Air circulation issues in your home? If you are experiencing this, check the vents in those warmer rooms. Vents bringing hot or cool air into the house winter/summer accumulate dust, pet dander, whatever, and should be vacuumed on a regular basis to ensure good air flow. At the same time make sure that your return air vents are not blocked by furniture or other items pushed up against them.

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.

There are several possible reasons. The usual ones relate to a frozen evaporator coil, dirty filter, dirty condenser coils, a leak somewhere in the refrigeration system or possibly in the ductwork system. It could also be that your unit is older and simply not able to keep up with the extra heavy cooling demands with our weather changes these days. ProSolutions Inc. can check this for you, identify the issue, and advise you on the best actions to take.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water systems on the market. In fact, tankless water heaters can be approximately 35% – 80% more efficient than traditional hot water tanks. 

Tankless hot water heaters can be powered by electricity or gas. However, gas-powered tankless heaters are more efficient. In addition to being more energy-efficient, tankless water heaters cost less to operate (up to 50% less than traditional hot water tanks) and last longer (up to double the lifetime).

The plumbing professionals at ProSolutions PHAC recommend the following high-efficiency tankless water heater:

• Noritz EZ111 (Gas Powered)

Please note: Although tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water system, they are not for everyone. Our guide to tankless water heaters can help you decide if a tankless heater is the best option for your home.

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. 

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.