Air Conditioning FAQs

We install and service both central air conditioning systems and mini split air conditioners. Central air conditioners circulate cool air throughout a home using air ducts, while mini split systems are ductless, and provide room-by-room air conditioning through air handlers that are mounted to the wall.

Air conditioners last an average of 10-15 years when properly maintained by a certified HVAC technician. However, failure to perform routine air conditioner maintenance and service can significantly decrease the lifespan of a system. Similar to tune-ups and oil changes on a car, annual service helps prevent equipment breakdowns and costly repairs.

Central air conditioning systems and mini split air conditioners should be serviced once a year by a professional HVAC technician. During your annual service appointment, our AC technician will inspect all components for cleanliness, safety and performance, check refrigerant levels, and perform cleaning and repairs.

In addition to professional AC service, air filters should be changed regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 1-3 months, and air ducts should be professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.

Air conditioners can ice up when there’s insufficient airflow across the condenser coil, or a low refrigerant level. Other causes include a dirty evaporator coil or a mechanical failure, such as a defective motor or relay. If your air conditioner is icing up, it’s best to contact a professional. Our AC technicians are available 24/7 for emergency air conditioner service and repairs.

If your air conditioner is leaking water, it could be from ice defrosting on the AC coil or air handler. Water leaks can also result when the condensate drain line is clogged with dirt, dust or mold, and the water isn’t able to drain properly or a broken condensate pan. Our AC technicians can help you identify and fix the problem.

The most common reason for an air conditioner to stop blowing cold air is a low level of refrigerant or a refrigerant leak. However, a dirty or clogged air filter could also be the problem. If changing the air filter doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to contact the professionals. Our HVAC technicians will check refrigerant levels and thermostat-related issues and look for leaks, broken condenser coils, and blocked registers.

Most air conditioners can only handle a 20-degree difference between the inside and outside air temperature, which is why we recommend following the 20-degree rule. Your thermostat should always be set within 20 degrees of the outside air temperature. For example, if the temperature outside is 90 degrees, then your thermostat should be set for no lower than 70 degrees.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and it measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. The U.S. currently requires a minimum SEER rating of 14 for air conditioning systems in the Northern U.S. Most air conditioners have a SEER rating of 16, but some highly efficient systems have a rating of 23.

Changing your air filters and scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance with a HVAC professional will ensure your air conditioner runs more efficiently, lowering your energy bills. In some cases, you may need to upgrade your air conditioner to a more efficient model. We also recommend installing a programmable thermostat to regulate your air conditioning use, and turning off your AC when you’re not at home. We also offer Home Energy Assessments and can inspect your insulation and address any weak points.