Small tasks like changing the air filter and keeping your equipment tidy can go a long way in improving energy efficiency. Check out our full guide for cost savings you can earn by keeping your HVAC system healthy.

Central air conditioners are ducted HVAC units that draw out heat from your residence. There are also heat pump air conditioners, which extract heat with a reversible flow of coolant, as well as ductless mini-split AC units.

The right sized AC system depends upon the size of your house, the local climate and also several other factors. You need to effectively size the AC system to ensure optimal energy performance.

British thermal units are a type of measurement used in air conditioning to illustrate how much energy your AC unit needs to absorb heat. If it provinces 10,000 BTUs, the system is capable of absorbing that much heat each hour.

Routine maintenance is extremely beneficial for your air conditioner. While it’s not necessarily required, it’s an exceptional investment in the energy effectiveness and overall performance of your HVAC system. In most scenarios, having routine maintenance and service also keeps the manufacturer’s warranty legitimate.

Ductless air conditioning does not use air ducts to transfer cold air through a home. Instead, indoor air units blow the cold air straight into the room or area they’re mounted in.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which gauges how efficiently your air conditioning is cooling over its busiest season.

Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, but might begin to lose performance in severely cold weather conditions. Visit our overview for identifying if a heat pump or air conditioner is right for cooling your home.

The cost of air conditioning services depends on the make and model, the extent of the trouble and other factors. For various common repairs, you might expect to pay a couple hundred for components and labour.

The cost for AC installation largely depends on the size of the home and the replacement AC unit the you choose. The installation cost can be well over $12,000, depending on the size of the home and the replacement AC that is chosen for the home. Our Advantage Program helps homeowners have access to the AC systems they need for one affordable monthly payment.

It’s often less costly to replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. Plus, you’ll also take pleasure in greater energy efficiency year-round. If your systems are older than 15 years or you want a high-efficiency model or smart thermostat, you should have a new AC and furnace installed together.

We install all types of cooling systems, including central air conditioner systems, geothermal, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Schedule a quote to find the right fit for your needs by calling Enercare McKinley at 780-474-1481.

We offer the HVAC Advantage Program, which covers everything from new systems to repairs* and maintenance for an affordable monthly price

Some of the work during an air conditioner tune-up includes a standard AC maintenance checklist:

• Tightening up electrical links. This verifies your system is operating safely.
• Lubricating components. When your system isn’t lubricated, friction from moving parts can cause it to malfunction more often.
• Cleaning the condensate drain pipe. Cleaning this line takes care of mold, mildew and clogs, which can cause leaks.
• Cleaning the condenser coil and evaporator coil. These coils become dirty with time, reducing airflow and its ability to take in heat.
• Straightening coil fins. Aluminum fins on the coils can flex and reduce airflow.
• Examining system controls. This ensures your system is starting, running and shutting down correctly.

There are often various kinds of maintenance plans and rates. Take a look at our memberships page to learn about our tiered maintenance memberships.

Regular air conditioner maintenance is important to keeping your equipment operating successfully, and it can reduce the need for unanticipated replacements.

Some key tells that you need air conditioning maintenance services on your system is if your home has poor air movement or hot and cold areas, leaks, unusual sounds or warm air coming from the vents.

Check this full guide to AC maintenance for different things you can do. One of the most important things homeowners can do to help preserve their system, other than having annual yearly or seasonal maintenance done, is to replace your AC unit’s air filter every 60-90 days, or 30 days if you have family pets. Replacing your filter on a routine basis can prolong the life expectancy of your system by reducing wear and tear on the unit, preventing clogs and improving air movement. Using a higher quality HEPA filter can also help maintain the AC unit’s efficiency and decrease instances of illness in your residence.

Yes. Our Experts are just a swift trip away to aid with an AC repair or replacement during an emergency.

• AC leaking water. This is usually the PVC pipe going out of the AC unit. Leaking refrigerant can cause ice to accumulate on the coils and drip water. AC repair is urgent when this occurs and should be treated as an AC emergency.
• Air conditioner won’t turn on. Homeowners can first look at the thermostat settings and check for a tripped breaker on the electrical panel. If the breaker is tripped, it might not require a repair call.
• AC not blowing cold air. Double check the thermostat settings are on the right temperature and that your thermostat has power. Next, replace the filter. You can also make sure the AC unit isn’t blocked with debris, and that it isn’t leaking refrigerant. If you find a leak or your AC is still blowing warm air, call us at 780-474-1481 for emergency AC repair.
• AC making strange noise. Screeching, banging or clicking sounds coming from your AC could indicate a serious problem. If you’re noticing unusual air conditioner noises, shut off your AC and call Enercare McKinley for swift AC repair at 780-474-1481.

Most companies will advise an AC replacement when the expense to fix your system is more than half the cost of a new system. For more considerations, see our blog covering more information on whether to repair or replace your AC.

We service and install all types, including central A/C, ductless mini-splits as well as air-source heat pumps. (Conditional content: As an effort to encourage sustainable HVAC, we also install geothermal and solar HVAC.)

Heat pumps differ from other HVAC equipment because they move heat in or out of the building instead of creating it. Pumping heat into the building also works backward, allowing heat pumps to provide both heating and cooling.

You can prolong better performance from your heat pump by scheduling service at least once a year. Regular maintenance prolongs your heat pump’s life span and can help reduce repair and utility costs.

Keeping your systems maintained will help bring costs down. Take a look at our helpful in-depth tips about keeping your systems healthy. We’ll tell you all about proper maintenance and a few key benefits.

Yes. Professional service is just a short ways away, whether you need heat pump repair or replacement on a weekend day or in the middle of the night. Get in touch by phone at 780-474-1481 for prompt service.

Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, and air-source heat pumps tend to be ideal in moderate climates where temps don’t go below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

A heat pump system can replace a heating system in areas where the climate is temperate. Check our more detailed guide on different heat pump uses in the U.S. Usually, the answer is yes. Because heat pumps transfer hot air rather than creating it from a fuel source, they offer more efficiency than furnaces in most cases, and homeowners can anticipate 30-40% savings on utility expenses when transitioning.

This depends on varying issues that are causing the need for repairs, which our ACE-certified technicians can help diagnose.

We install all different types of heat pumps systems, including air-source heat pumps that utilize central ductwork, ductless mini-split systems and ground-source heat pumps–otherwise known as geothermal heat pumps).

Heat pump maintenance is important for the system to execute successfully and have a long life expectancy. A heat pump should go through regular maintenance at least annually. Trust the Experts to assist with this with a maintenance membership.

Your home’s air filter needs to be changed on a regular basis, which is typically every one to two months.

Seasonal maintenance agreements are worth the cost for many reasons. Consistent maintenance keeps everything working as smoothly as feasible, which helps lower power bills while extending your equipment’s life expectancy.

HVAC tune-ups can often be covered in many cases through the labour warranty if your system is still within warranty, but we can check to see if tune-ups are covered. Through the Advantage Program™, crucial services such as heat pump maintenance are included! It’s one of the most valuable HVAC agreements around.

Many customers pay between $250 and $600 for a heat pump repair, but this depends on what the problem is when the HVAC technician arrives to determine the problem.

Heat pumps have a slightly shorter life span than furnaces do as they’re used all year, but with proper maintenance, many heat pump systems last about 10-15 years.

Yes. Our Experts are just a short drive away to help with a heat pump repair or replacement during an emergency.

Packaged HVAC units are all-in-one HVAC systems that house an air handler and unit parts in one metal cabinet system. This is used to save space in a basement or garage, or on rooftops in multifamily buildings.

We install all types of packaged HVAC systems, including packaged air conditioners, packaged gas/electric systems, packaged heat pumps and duel-fueled packaged systems. Give Enercare McKinley a call to find the ideal one for your home.

Popping sounds are common if there’s a problem or damage in your ductwork. The actual sounds appear when there’s more airflow than your ductwork can handle. Problems with your ductwork can lead to other ventilation and air quality issues, such as:

• Continual or undesirable noise
• Escalating energy waste
• Premature equipment failure
• Inconsistent heating and cooling
• Damage to the AC’s compressor
• Overheating
• Mold and mildew growth

A whole-home zoning system helps you adjust where heating and cooling is directed. With supplemental thermostats and dampers installed in the ductwork, each zone’s temperature can be uniquely controlled.

The concentration of indoor airborne particles average 3-5 times more than outdoor air. In fact, EPA research has found that exposure to contaminants can be 100 times higher indoors as compared to outdoors. Allergens, microorganisms and even household chemicals can be a cause of contamination and reduce your indoor air quality. You can obtain a total Home Health® Report Card by calling the air quality Experts at Enercare McKinley.

Indoor air quality refers to pollution in your Edmonton home or workplace. The level of airborne pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than outdoors. Considering that most people spend so much of their time inside and breathe an estimated 3,000 gallons of air each day (according to the American Lung Association), this can eventually lead to problems.

Depending on your specific air quality issues, solutions include things like:

• Air filtration systems capable of catching 99.97% of particles
• Germicidal UV lights to sterilize microbes like bacteria and mold
• Whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers that balance moisture levels
• Ventilation systems to maintain air freshness and flowing smoothly

Some of the most prevalent sources of pollutants include Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) such as cleaning or personal care products, fuel-burning utilities and kitchen appliances, and particulate matter like dust, pollen and smoke.

Absolutely. Pollutants and particulate matter can expose you to illnesses and worsen respiratory conditions, primarily for children and the elderly. For certain contaminants like carbon monoxide gas, the effects may even be lethal.

Resolving indoor air quality challenges can produce a host of benefits to your health and well-being, such as:

• Reduced risk of illness
• Fewer or less-intense asthma/allergy symptoms
• Decrease sinus inflammation or sore throats
• Healthier, moisturized skin

If you find yourself cleaning each day or coughing continuously, your indoor air may be to blame. According to EPA studies, indoor pollutants can reach concentrations as much as 100 times higher than the air outdoors. You can find out your indoor air quality by setting up a Home Health® Report consultation with Enercare McKinley.

Each family has their own perception of home comfort, especially if someone in your Edmonton home has sensitivity to pollen, dust or other pollutants that cause respiratory problems. You may require a single product like a high-efficiency air filtration system, or multiple. Enercare McKinley can aid you in identifying the right mix of equipment.

No. HVAC air filters differ in quality and design, and several have exclusive features. We usually suggest using the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends for your particular system. All filters are assigned MERV ratings on a scale from 1–20. MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and can aid you to identify high-efficiency filters. In most cases, a MERV rating of 11 or lower will be sufficient.

The ideal schedule for cleaning or replacing your air filter is based on a variety of factors, like the filter design and MERV rating as well as the existing indoor air quality. For conventional 1”-3” filters, most brands advise replacement every 30-90 days. Pets, health conditions and even surrounding pollution sources can necessitate replacing the filter more often.

• A 1″ pleated air filter must be replaced every 30-60 days.
• A 2″ pleated air filter should be switched out every 3 months.
• A 3” pleated air filter should be changed every 4 months.
• A 4″ pleated air filter should be exchanged bi-annually.
• A 5” or 6″ pleated air filter ought to be replaced every 9-12 months.

Assuming the issue is not your body’s hydration, very dry air can irritate your throat and sinuses. Start thinking about getting a whole-home humidifier if you persistently struggle with a dry, itchy throat.

Your HVAC system extracts moisture as it functions, producing situations where humidity levels become unbalanced. Portable humidifiers can fix humidity challenges in a single room or small zone, but a central humidifier provides balanced humidity throughout the entire structure— home or business.

For most people, comfortable humidity levels fall between 30-60%. These levels are rather hard to sustain in the winter, as frigid air does not hold onto moisture as well as warm air. Furthermore, your furnace displaces moisture by producing hot, dry heat.

The smartest way to determine an appropriate whole-house humidifier is by measuring the height of your ceiling multiplied by the total square footage of the room. This will help figure out how many gallons of water each hour is needed to balance humidity.

You should also think about your finances, as a humidifier needs routine maintenance just like any other mechanical products.

While specific amounts depend on the model, whole-house humidifiers average between 1.5 to 12 gallons per day. As you can imagine, drier environments will use more water to keep humidity stable.

Regular preventive maintenance is often vital for sustainable equipment efficiency, and your humidifier is no exception. The humidifier’s reservoir should be frequently drained and cleaned to prevent mold.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by partial fuel combustionthat is commonly caused by inadequate access to oxygen. Appliances relying on natural gas, charcoal, wood or kerosene are common sources of CO gas, usually if they are not running correctly or have been installed wrong. CO is poisonous to the body and is fatal at high levels or prolonged exposure.

Initial symptoms such as nausea and fatigue are often wrongly diagnosed as a result of the flu. But CO gas exposure can advance, oftentimes leading to confusion, organ damage or even death. Other symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Vomiting

Yes. Eliminating carbon monoxide should be a priority because of the jeopardy it poses to your health and well-being. CO gas can be encountered in any Edmonton home or commercial property, making effective ventilation and prevention tactics universally beneficial.

Prevention is the best place to start. A few safety precautions to take include:

• Do not start a fuel-source engine in a closed garage. Automobiles are a major source of carbon monoxide poisoning, so do not leave yours going in the unventilated space of a closed garage. The same point is true for gas equipment such as lawn mowers or snowmobiles.
• Do not use ovens or grills as a way of staying warm indoors. These appliances are safe when used right but can make carbon monoxide when used for an extended period in small spaces.
• Never run a gas generator indoors. The fumes will have a much harder time dissipating.
• Have your chimney examined by a specialist. This makes certain chimneys and vents aren’t obstructed and are connected appropriately.
• Confirm gas appliances are working correctly, particularly your heater. You can ensure efficient, safe performance by booking routine furnace maintenance with Enercare McKinley.

If carbon monoxide has been found, you should quickly vacate the building and call the fire department and utility company. If a leak is uncovered, you should then contact a trusted HVAC company for repairs.

Because carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and life-threatening in substantial concentrations, using carbon monoxide detectors in central locations is the best way to warn you to its presence.

A carbon monoxide detector is comparable to a smoke alarm, monitoring the air and telling you if carbon monoxide levels are too high. If it is possible, you should have at least one detector near every bedroom on all levels in your home. More detectors can be placed near the kitchen, living areas or near combustion appliances. These detectors are best used in combination with our HVAC maintenance memberships, which keep your product in good shape and may help you reduce the risk of carbon monoxide.

If an air freshener isn’t doing the trick, there may be microbes or contaminants nearby producing the unpleasant odor. Bacteria and mold are typical sources, but they can be fixed with the sanitation properties of a germicidal UV light. They are really effective against odor-producing microorganisms.