FAQ Category: Energy Efficiency

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.

Whole-home air con units are integrated into your home’s existing furnace ductwork and mechanical room equipment set up. 

The actual steps to install a central air conditioning unit include installation and repair of ductwork, preparation of the areas where inside and outside units will be placed, connecting the outside condensing unit to the inside, adding refrigerant and then testing the system. sealing up of any new holes or penetrations in the homes envelope. We also make sure that your thermostat is functioning with the new equipment properly. 

ProSolutions helps you not only decide on the right AC for your home, but also walks through everything needed to get it properly installed – including following up with important use knowledge and future maintenance. Please note; due to liability and warranty restrictions, we are not able to install customer supplied AC units. 

Our expert teams have installed thousands of air conditioning units across Edmonton and in the surrounding area! 

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.

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.

Ductless air conditioners offer reliable and efficient cooling – so installing a mini split AC is worth it for many Edmonton homeowners. That said, a ductless mini split air conditioner is not worth it for every home.

Here are some situations in which a ductless air conditioner is worth it:

• Efficiency is your top priority.
• You want to lower your monthly energy bills.
• You live in an apartment or condo.
• You are adding an addition to your home (e.g. suite, bonus room, sunroom, etc.).
• You want to control the temperature in each room separately.
• You need to cool a room with temperature issues (e.g. a room with large, south-facing windows).
• You want to install AC in a house that has no existing ductwork.

The AC unit suction line needs protection from outside air otherwise condensation will occur with water dripping on the floor or ground. It also means that refrigerant gas can warm up before it reaches the compressor. Make sure the line is covered with insulation to protect it and maximize the efficiency of your AC unit.

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. 

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.

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.

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:

• Noritz EZ111 (Gas Powered)

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.

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.