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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
If you find leaking water under the furnace, the drain line may be clogged with dirt, dust, and fungus growth.
You can try unplugging it with a wet-dry vac, but it’s better to let the experts at ProSolutions Inc. handle it. They can help you with AC repairs, including fixing leakages.
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.
5 of the best ways to save energy in your home include:
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.
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.
AC units are a blessing in the dog days of summer in Alberta. However, when you are experiencing issues with your unit running the way they were built to run, this tends to create an uncomfortable situation for your household. Here are two things every homeowner should remember.
1. Always check to see if you need to shut the power off in dealing with any air conditioner issues.
2. Deal with a trusted and experienced professional, like ProSolutions, when buying a new air conditioner, or repairing an existing unit.
Stay cool and comfortable with Ameristar Air Conditioning brand, the top choice of ProSolutions Inc.
