FAQ Category: Cooling

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:

• Upgrade to a high-efficiency AC unit
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature
• Use fans to help circulate cool air
• Keep your air ducts clean
• Install energy-efficient windows
• Keep your blinds and windows closed during the day

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.

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.

If you already have an AC unit that is working, there may be reasons to replace it before it breaks. The primary reason for early replacement is to increase efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.

Is your air conditioning system in good shape? If it is older than 8-10 years it is going to be less efficient. Since AC systems in 2020 can be 60% more efficient than 10 years ago, by replacing aging units you will save on operating costs. A unit 15 years or older is not only less efficient but likely to run into expensive repairs as parts wear out. Also if it old and phased out refrigerant R-22 in your system, it will be almost too difficult to service and repair, as the chlorine based gas is being replaced by r-410a chlorine free product and other eco-friendly refrigerants in the residential industry.

Stay cool and save money with ProSolutions Inc.’s recommendation: Ameristar Air Conditioning brand.

Experts like ProSolutions will tell you that it’s best to have at least two-thirds of your vents left open for best operation of your AC system. It is far harder to cool down a house versus keeping it at a constant temperature. 

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.