Air Conditioning FAQs

The main difference between central air and ductless mini-splits is that central air uses a network of hidden ducts to push cool air throughout your home, while ductless mini-splits use individual, wall-mounted air handlers in specific rooms, eliminating the need for ductwork.

Extreme Climates installs, repairs and services both central air conditioning systems and mini-split air conditioners, and can help you determine which is the best option for your home.

Both central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-splits have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. However, usage, climate and how often you perform routine system maintenance can all affect the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

If you are concerned about the age or condition of your air conditioning system, our HVAC technicians can perform an inspection and provide you with details about its health and energy efficiency, even if we didn’t install it.

Both your air conditioning and heating system should be checked yearly by a professional HVAC technician. The most ideal time to have your air conditioning system serviced is in the springtime before the arrival of hot summer weather.

Extreme Climates offers affordable Maintenance Plans to save you money and ensure that your air conditioning system is professionally inspected, cleaned and tuned-up seasonally.

HVAC air filters should be changed regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 1-3 months. If you have air ducts, they should be professionally cleaned every 3-5 years. You can also help maintain your air conditioning system by keeping the outdoor unit free of dirt, leaves and lawn debris.

The “20-degree rule” recommends setting your indoor thermostat within 20°F of the outdoor temperature during the summer. For example, if the temperature outside is 95 degrees, then your thermostat should be set for no lower than 75 degrees.

Following this guideline prevents your air conditioner from constantly running, reduces the risk of system breakdowns, and significantly lowers your energy costs.

If your air conditioner is icing up, shut the cooling system off, and switch your thermostat to “fan only” to circulate warmer air over the coils and prevent further damage to the compressor. Do not chip or scrape away the ice, as this can puncture delicate coils and cause expensive refrigerant leaks. Instead, try changing the air filter and make sure that you don’t have any blocked vents.

If a dirty filter or blocked vents is the issue, your system should run normally once thawed. If the ice returns, it’s time to call Extreme Climates. Our HVAC technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and perform 24/7 emergency air conditioner service and repairs.

Sometimes, a dirty air filter or incorrect thermostat settings can cause an air conditioner to blow warm air. To troubleshoot the problem, change your air filter and confirm that thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set at least a few degrees lower than the current room temp. Next, make sure the fan setting on your thermostat is set to “auto”. If the fan is set to “on”, it will circulate room-temperature air without cooling it.

If these simple checks don’t resolve the problem, the issue could be caused by low refrigerant levels, problems with the capacitor or compressor, faulty condenser coils or a broken reversing valve. Give us a call and we’ll send over an HVAC technician to identify and fix the problem.