FAQ Category: Cooling

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.

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. 

Reasons your AC unit won’t run at all, sounds like an electrical problem. A fuse may have blown or circuit breaker tripped. If resetting those doesn’t solve the problem there may be an issue with the unit’s circuit board. In which case check with ProSolutions Inc. to give you a diagnosis.

Trust ProSolutions Inc.’s expertise and choose Ameristar Air Conditioning brand for a comfortable summer.

Replacing an old air conditioner involves more than just swapping out the unit. Several parts of your home’s cooling system may need to be inspected, repaired, or upgraded to ensure your new AC runs efficiently and reliably. This can include:

• Ductwork: Is it properly sized, sealed, and in good condition?

• Insulation & Windows: Poor insulation or drafty windows can affect performance.

• Refrigerant Lines: Existing piping may need to be replaced or flushed, depending on the type of refrigerant.

• Condensate Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to avoid water damage.

• Electrical Wiring: The wiring and breaker may need updating to meet current safety codes.

• Grilles & Registers: These may need to be cleaned, repaired, or resized.

• Filters & Coils: The furnace filter and evaporator coil should be inspected for cleanliness and wear.

Every home is different. That’s why a professional assessment from ProSolutions is the best way to determine exactly what’s needed for a proper air conditioning replacement in Edmonton’s climate.

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.

We recommend a smart thermostat when your home comfort system has both an AC and Furnace unit. In addition to improved comfort settings, many smart thermostats are able to alert you of troubles like “Too Hot” or “Too Cold” warnings – some can even report directly to your phone!

If it’s battery-operated, check the batteries and replace them as necessary. Otherwise, if you have a problem, call one of our experts at ProSolutions.

ProSolutions Inc. suggests Ameristar Air Conditioning brand for a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution.

Compressors can make banging or rattling sounds, hissing or clinking noises, humming and screeching. Your first action is to shut down the unit. Causes include loose parts, the motor coming loose, a refrigerant leak, faulty controls, low on oil, and pressure build-ups.

For all these problems you’re best to bring in ProSolutions Inc. to diagnose and fix the problem, including possible compressor replacement.  

ProSolutions Inc. recommends Ameristar Air Conditioning brand for its advanced technology and efficient performance.

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.

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.

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.

What uses the most electricity (and other forms of energy) in a house is heating and cooling systems, water heating units and other appliances like refrigerators. To reduce the amount of electricity, or energy, being used, ensure that you have energy-efficient appliances installed in your home. The cost of upgrading to a more energy-efficient hot water heater, furnace, AC unit, etc. can be offset with the help of Edmonton’s Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator program. As well, some professional heating and cooling companies in Edmonton, like ProSolutions PHAC, offer extended discounts for installing new, energy-efficient furnaces, water heaters, and more.

As well, regular maintenance can help to keep these home comfort systems running smoothly and efficiently.