FAQ Category: Energy Efficiency

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.

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.

If you are experiencing blown fuses from your AC unit. It’s often an electrical issue with the breaker or the house wiring. Likely a short circuit or some type of a fault to ground issue. It could also be that a dirty filter is the culprit. One not uncommon answer is to check the electrical box in the condensing unit. It’s not surprising in a place like Edmonton, that mice have built a nest in this box and have also nibbled at some of the electrical wires. If you’re like many of us, you’d want an expert like ProSolutions Inc. to fix it.

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.

As long as a ductless air conditioner is properly installed and adequately maintained, it will last approximately 10 to 15 years or more. Thus, ductless mini split ACs have about the same lifespan as traditional forced air systems.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mini split AC system lasts as long as possible.

• Have a professional ductless air conditioner installation company install your mini split AC.
• Schedule routine ductless AC maintenance with a local HVAC company.
• Address ductless mini split air conditioner repairs promptly.
• Regularly clean the filters in your mini split AC units.

The size of AC you need will depend on several factors.

For help finding the right size AC for your home, book your free home estimate! We will help you find the right size and the right unit for your needs. Our technician will complete a load calculation to determine what size AC you need. Factors like the size of your home, the local climate, the number of appliances you have, etc. will be taken into account. 

Keep in mind, while you can have an AC unit that is too small you can also have a unit that is too big. An AC that is too small will not be able to cool your whole home and a unit that is too big will waste energy. In both scenarios, your utility bill will be more than necessary and you will likely be reducing the lifespan of the air conditioner! The size of AC you need is essential to your home comfort. ProSolutions can help you find the perfect air conditioner unit for your home and get it installed for the perfect Summer.

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. 

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.

ProSolutions has a complete range of systems and accessories ready to install in Edmonton from $3400 to $10,000+ for ultra high efficient and ultra quiet inverter units.

These AC systems are built for our weather and come with warranties to match. 10 years parts and warranty available and some brands even carry a manufacturers 10 year or lifetime unit replacement guarantee. 

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. 

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:

• Outdoor temperature vs. desired indoor temperature – the greater the difference between the outdoor and desired indoor temperature, the more electricity your mini split AC will use. 
• BTU rating (i.e. the size of the unit) – generally, the higher the BTU, the more energy the unit will consume. 
• Unit efficiency – the higher the efficiency rating, the less electricity the ductless mini split air conditioner will use. 
• Zone size – the larger the area, the more electricity your system will need to cool it. 
• Insulation in your home – if your home has good insulation, your mini split AC will require less energy to reach and maintain your desired indoor temperature. 
• Usage – the more you use the system, the more energy it will consume.

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.