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.

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:

• TRANE S9V2-VS Gas Furnace
• AirEase A97MV High-Efficiency Modulating Gas Furnace
• Goodman GMVM97 Modulating, Variable-Speed Gas Furnace

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.

There are several possible reasons. The usual ones relate to a frozen evaporator coil, dirty filter, dirty condenser coils, a leak somewhere in the refrigeration system or possibly in the ductwork system. It could also be that your unit is older and simply not able to keep up with the extra heavy cooling demands with our weather changes these days. ProSolutions Inc. can check this for you, identify the issue, and advise you on the best actions to take.

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.

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.

Yes—you definitely should! Even though your furnace isn’t heating your home during the summer, your HVAC system still uses the same ductwork and blower when you run your central air conditioner. That means your furnace filter is still working hard to trap dust, pollen, pet hair, and smoke particles—especially during Edmonton’s dry, dusty summers or wildfire season.

In fact, summer can be one of the most important times to stay on top of filter changes if:

• You use central AC

• You have allergies

• You experience poor outdoor air quality (like wildfire smoke)

• You have pets that shed

Not sure when to change it? Our Air Filter Delivery Add-On (available with ProComfort or ProHeating Memberships) makes it easy. We deliver the right filter size on your preferred schedule—so your home stays cool and your air stays clean, no matter the season.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

How long it takes to install an air conditioner will depend on several factors. This includes the type of AC unit, if you’re replacing or installing new, the size of your home, the location where the new unit will be installed, the condition of the ductwork in your home, etc. However, on average, a professional AC installation company should be able to accomplish this within a day. 

When making the decision to upgrade or replace your air conditioner, it is important to discuss with your technician your needs and wants for cooling comfort during your free home estimate! ProSolutions is here to walk you through your options for AC size, brand, and type to ensure your home stays comfortable, and then follow up with a professional installation that ensures your new system works like a charm. This ensures that it will run as efficiently as possible in Edmonton conditions!

Upgrade your home’s air conditioning system with ProSolutions Inc.