Frequently Asked Questions

Small tasks like replacing the air filter as well as keeping your equipment tidy can go a long way in improving energy efficiency. visit our full guide for savings you can earn by keeping your HVAC system healthy.

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

The right sized AC system depends upon the size of your house, the local climate and also several other variables. You need to effectively size the AC unit to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

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 the unit mentions 10,000 BTUs, the model 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 upkeep 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 space they’re mounted in.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures how effectively your air conditioner 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 guide 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 reasonable monthly price.

It’s often less pricey to replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. Plus, you’ll also enjoy greater energy efficiency year-round. If your units are older than 15 years or you need 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 conditioning systems, geothermal, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Schedule a quote to find the best fit for your home by calling McKinley Heating Service Experts at 780-800-7092.

We offer the HVAC Advantage Program, which covers everything from new systems to repairs* and maintenance for a low monthly cost

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

• Tightening up electrical links. This guarantees your system is working safely.
• Lubricating components. When your system isn’t lubricated, resistance from moving parts can cause it to break down more regularly.
• Cleaning the condensate drain pipe. Cleaning this line takes care of mold and clogs, which can cause leaks.
• Cleaning the condenser coil and evaporator coil. These coils can get dirty gradually, decreasing air movement and its potential to take in heat.
• Straightening coil fins. Aluminum fins on the coils can bend and limit airflow.
• Examining system controls. This ensures your system is starting, running and shutting down properly.

There are usually various kinds of maintenance agreements and pricing. Check out our memberships page to learn about our tiered maintenance memberships.

Routine air conditioner maintenance is essential to keeping your equipment operating successfully, and it can decrease the need for unexpected 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, uncommon sounds or warm air coming from the ventilation.

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 pets. Replacing your filter on a regular basis can extend the life span of your system by reducing wear and tear on the unit, preventing blockages and improving air movement. Using a higher quality HEPA filter can also help maintain the AC unit’s efficiency and minimize instances of illness in your house.

Yes. Our technicians are just a quick trip away to assist 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 electic panel. If the breaker is tripped, it might not require a service call.
• AC not blowing cold air. Double check the thermostat settings are on the correct temperature and that your thermostat has power. Then replace the filter. You can also ensure the AC unit isn’t clogged with debris, and that it isn’t leaking refrigerant. If you find a leak or your AC is still blowing hot air, call us at 780-800-7092 for emergency AC repair.
• AC making odd noise. Screeching, banging or clicking sounds coming from your AC could indicate a serious problem. If you’re noticing strange air conditioner noises, switch off your AC and call McKinley Heating Service Experts for prompt AC repair at 780-800-7092.

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 article 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 rather than creating it. The flow of heat can be reversed, 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. This will help prolong the system’s life span and help to reduce repair and utility costs.

Maintaining energy-efficient equipment helps bring costs down. Take a look at our helpful in-depth guide about keeping your systems healthy. We’ll tell you all about proper maintenance and its benefits.

Yes. Professional service is just a short ways away, whether you’re in need of a heat pump repair or replacement on a weekend day or in the middle of the night. Give us a call at 780-800-7092 for prompt service.

Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, and air-source heat pumps tend to be best suited in mild climates where temps don’t dip 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 many cases, and homeowners can anticipate 30-40% savings on utility expenses when switching.

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

We install all different types of heat pumps systems, such as air-source heat pumps that use central ductwork, ductless mini-split systems and ground-source heat pumps–also 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 handle this with a maintenance membership.

Your home’s air filter needs to be changed on a routine basis, which is usually every 30 to 60 days.

Seasonal maintenance agreements are worth the cost for many reasons. Consistent maintenance keeps everything working as smoothly as feasible, which helps reduce utility bills while lengthening your equipment’s life span.

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 thorough HVAC plans around.

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

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

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

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

We install all kinds of packaged HVAC systems, including packaged air conditioners, packaged gas/electric systems, packaged heat pumps and duel-fueled packaged systems. Give McKinley Heating Service Experts a call to find the right 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:

• Frequent or unpleasant noise
• Escalating energy waste
• Premature equipment failure
• Inconsistent heating and cooling
• Damage to the AC’s compressor
• Overheating
• Mold and mildew development

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

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 contribute to contamination and reduce your indoor air quality. You can get an all-inclusive Home Health® Report Card by contacting the air quality professionals at McKinley Heating Service Experts.

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 the vast majority of their time inside and breathe roughly 3,000 gallons of air each day (according to the American Lung Association), this can eventually lead to complications.

Depending on your specific air quality concerns, solutions consist of:

• Air filtration systems capable of capturing 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 refresh the air regularly and flowing smoothly

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

Absolutely. Pollutants and particulate matter can bring about illnesses and worsen respiratory conditions, primarily for children and the elderly. For certain contaminants like CO, the effects may even be deadly.

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 discomfort or sore throats
• Healthier, hydrated 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 arranging a Home Health® Report consultation with McKinley Heating Service Experts.

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. McKinley Heating Service Experts can aid you in identifying the right pairing 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 short for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and can help you 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 encourage 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 120 days.
• A 4″ pleated air filter should be exchanged every 6 months.
• A 5” or 6″ pleated air filter ought to be replaced every 9-12 months.

Presuming the condition is not your body’s hydration, very dry air can irritate your throat and sinuses. Start thinking about buying a whole-home humidifier if you consistently 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 space, but a central humidifier ensures 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 creating 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 maintaining 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. Needless to say, drier climates will use more water to keep humidity balanced.

Scheduled preventive maintenance is often vital for long-term equipment efficiency, and your humidifier is no exception. The humidifier’s reservoir should be routinely 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 improperly. CO is toxic to the body and is life-threatening at high levels or prolonged exposure.

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

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Vomiting

Yes. Getting rid of carbon monoxide should be a key concern 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 practices 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 holds true for gas equipment such as lawn mowers or snowmobiles.
• Don’t 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 a longer period in small spaces.
• Never operate a gas generator indoors. The fumes will have a much harder time dissipating.
• Have your fireplace checked by a specialist. This makes certain chimneys and vents aren’t clogged and are connected appropriately.
• Make sure gas appliances are functioning correctly, in particular your heater. You can ensure efficient, safe operation by arranging routine furnace maintenance with McKinley Heating Service Experts.

If carbon monoxide has been identified, you should promptly vacate the building and notify the fire department and utility company. If a leak is discovered, you should then contact a dependable 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 similar to a smoke alarm, monitoring the air and notifying you if carbon monoxide levels are too high. If it is possible, you should have at least one detector near every bedroom on all floors in your home. Additional detectors can be placed near the kitchen, living areas or near combustion appliances. These detectors are most effective when used in combination with our HVAC maintenance memberships, which keep your device in good shape and may help you prevent 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 resolved with the sanitation properties of a germicidal UV light. They are particularly effective against odor-producing microorganisms.