Air Conditioning FAQs
Give us a call today: 612-724-1899Air conditioning systems are an important part of our daily lives through much of the middle of the year in Minneapolis, MN, and the Twin Cities Metro Area. But many homeowners don’t know the details about how these systems operate or what to expect from them—especially when they don’t work! Have no fear: Residential Heating and Air Conditioning is here to answer many of your questions in this FAQ.
- Our technicians are NATE-certified
- We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- We’re a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer
You can rely on our expertise for any AC service you may need, from new installations to repairs and maintenance. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, feel free to call us and we’ll be glad to help. Customer satisfaction is our #1 goal, and we’ll always go above and beyond to ensure you’re happy with our work.
Call us for service and you’ll feel the difference!
What is the average lifespan of a central air conditioner in Minneapolis?
The average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. If you have an older unit, a replacement system will be a big money–saver. New models have high efficiency built–in and use less energy. The cost savings over the long term are significant. Call us for a free evaluation and estimate.
What is SEER rating?
The efficiency of central air conditioners is rated according to their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. The SEER rating is the BTU of cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input in watt–hours during the same period. The higher the SEER rating of a unit, the more energy efficient it is. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. The minimum SEER allowed today is 13. Installing a system with a high efficiency rating will save you money and reduce your energy usage. We carry a wide range of Carrier and Payne high–efficiency models.
Why is a bigger air conditioner not necessarily better?
If your split air conditioner is not properly sized to fit your home, your comfort will suffer. A unit that is too large will fail to dehumidify the air. A unit that is too small will not be able to cool your home to the desired level. It is important to find the "Goldilocks system" for your space: one that is neither too large nor too small, but just right. Our technicians can help you determine your perfect fit.
Will my new air conditioner be noisy?
No. As an award–winning Carrier dealer in Minneapolis–St. Paul, our company offers the quietest central air conditioners on the market today, manufactured by Carrier and Payne. Call us for details about today’s modern, quiet, efficient models.
Are heat pumps cost–effective in Minnesota?
Heat pump technology is relatively new in the residential HVAC industry. Carrier and Payne central air conditioning units equipped with heat pump options are very reasonably priced. The cost for heat pump capabilities is low, and adds little to your initial cost when installing a new or replacement AC system. By providing efficient heating in temperatures down to 30 degrees or even lower, an air source heat pump system creates a hybrid system that maximizes your comfort during the spring and fall months, while saving on your energy bills. As the Twin Cities’ leading residential HVAC contractor, we’ll be glad to show you all of your options with a free consultation in your home.
Does Residential Heating and Air cover the Twin Cities suburbs?
Yes. Our extensive service area covers the 7–county metro, including Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey, Carver, Anoka, Scott, and Washington County. Our service vans are seen in all communities, from Plymouth, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park and Golden Valley in the west to Woodbury, White Bear Lake, Maplewood, and Cottage Grove in the east, and from Blaine, Roseville, Coon Rapids, and Brooklyn Park in the north to Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Richfield, and Edina in the south.
Does anyone still make AC systems that use Freon refrigerant?
Freon R–12 and R–22 as a refrigerant for air conditioning systems has been phased out due to the harmful effects of chlorinated fluorocarbons on the atmosphere. Today, almost all new air conditioning systems being manufactured use environmentally safe R–410A refrigerant. All new Carrier AC systems use Carrier’s Puron refrigerant, a trademarked brand of R–410A refrigerant. For our customers with older systems that use older refrigerants, we can make repairs and recharge their systems, using the earlier refrigerants, recycled from systems taken out of service.
Can I add refrigerant to my own central AC unit?
As a licensed and fully qualified residential HVAC repair contractor in the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metro Area, we strongly advise that you DO NOT attempt this job. Today’s central air conditioning and heat pump systems and ductless mini–split AC systems require exactly the right amount of refrigerant to operate properly. It’s not a job for amateurs. Instead, call us if you suspect you need to add refrigerant to your system. We’ll make the proper tests, identify the reason for low refrigerant levels, and make any needed repairs. Then, we’ll add exactly the right amount of refrigerant. Don’t risk damaging your equipment.
What brands of equipment does Residential Heating and Air service?
We repair and maintain all brands of residential air conditioners, including Carrier, Bryant, Trane, Lennox, Daikin, York, Rheem, Ruud, Heil, Coleman, American Standard, Janitrol, Goodman, Magic Chef, Payne, Mitsubishi, Fraser Johnson, Samsung, Fredrich, Comfortmaker, Armstrong, and more. We have fast access to replacement parts and can get your air conditioner repaired or serviced right away.
What happens to my old air conditioner?
The refrigerant in the old system will be reclaimed and the old air conditioner will be removed. As an environment–friendly HVAC contractor, we will recycle your old equipment properly.
How much does a central air conditioner cost in Minneapolis?
When it comes to residential air conditioning, one size doesn’t fit all. Every home is unique and the cooling requirements are special. We will be happy to provide you an in–home evaluation and an accurate price quote. In our estimate, you will find the cost of your new central AC system.
Will my new air conditioner control the humidity in my home in the summer?
The only way to control humidity is to have a properly sized air conditioner. A professional comfort consultant from our Minneapolis locally owned AC company will make sure the system is sized correctly to control both humidity and temperature.
How often do I have to service my air conditioner?
We recommend you have your unit serviced every year to ensure optimal energy efficiency and smooth operation. Call us to schedule this AC tune–up service before the weather heats up and you’ll have a cool, comfortable home all summer.
Why is my air conditioner not cooling very well?
There are many possible causes, ranging from low refrigerant levels to a dirty system filter. Call us to schedule a diagnostic visit by one of our expert technicians.
Are there any rebates on an AC purchase?
Many of our high–efficiency products qualify for rebates offered by energy companies. Some Carrier models are eligible for the Carrier Cool Cash rebate program. Because rebate offers change from month to month, it is best to contact us and find out how to maximize your savings through available rebates. Some Carrier products qualify for cash rebates from CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy.
Arrange for Quality Air Conditioning Service in Minneapolis, MN
Since 1991, Residential Heating and Air Conditioning has delivered award–winning professional HVAC services to the Twin Cities Metro Area. You can rely on our experienced technicians for any air conditioning service you may need: they repair, install, and maintain all brands. Because we purchase large volumes of equipment from our suppliers, we can pass along the deep discounts along to our customers.
Our #1 priority is seeing our customers receive complete satisfaction. Whether you need a small repair for a malfunctioning AC or you’re looking into a full cooling system installation in Minneapolis, MN, you can put your trust in us. Join our list of over 35,000 satisfied customers.
