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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is not cheaper to install AC in Edmonton in the winter, contrary to popular belief. While some ACs may be sold in the Winter, they cannot be fully installed and activated until the temperature reaches above +10° ! That means, a second visit is often needed once the weather clears up. Instead, consider saving your AC purchase until the Spring. Many companies, ProSolutions included, is gearing up for the Summer and looking forward to the early birds.
If you require air conditioner and furnace installation, having both replaced at the same time may also help you save money.
Check out our air conditioner installation, repair and maintenance deals here – Cooling System Coupons.
The most energy-efficient furnace is one that is ENERGY STAR certified and has an efficiency rating of 97% or higher. When you see an ENERGY STAR symbol on your appliance, you can be certain that it has been certified as energy efficient.
When it comes to the type of furnace, gas furnaces are typically the most energy-efficient. Although preferred in some situations, electric and oil furnaces are less efficient. Therefore, gas-powered furnaces are recommended.
The heating professionals at ProSolutions PHAC recommend the following high-efficiency furnaces:
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.
The best way to reduce your energy bill at home is to ensure all of your household appliances are in top working condition. This includes your furnace, hot water heater and air conditioning system. These types of appliances use a lot of energy. Therefore, if they aren’t running as efficiently as possible it can result in a high energy bill.
The best way to guarantee that these appliances are running efficiently is to conduct regular maintenance. If you live in Edmonton or the surrounding area, your plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems should be professionally serviced once per year. Regular maintenance and servicing will ensure these appliances are working effectively and efficiently and can help to reduce your energy bill by up to 30%.
If you have old appliances, you might also consider upgrading them to more energy-efficient models. Installing a new furnace, hot water heater or AC unit can help to drastically reduce your energy bill.
