Cooling and Air Conditioning FAQ’s2026-07-18T15:02:28-04:00

COOLING ISSUES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COOLING ISSUES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CLAYTON MCKAY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COOLING SYSTEMS/HVAC

As professional HVAC Heating and Cooling services providers, we often hear common questions from homeowners looking for answers about their cooling systems, air conditioners and mini splits. We are always happy to share our knowledge. We hope you find these questions and answers about air conditioning to be helpful and relevant to you as a homeowner. Of course, we are always here to speak with you directly about your particular issue and help you resolve it!

What is a ductless mini split?2026-07-16T02:19:56-04:00

A ductless mini split is a heating and cooling system that uses an outdoor condenser connected to one or more indoor air handling units. These systems provide efficient zoned comfort without requiring traditional ductwork.

Can dirty ductwork reduce cooling in my house?2026-07-16T02:19:01-04:00

Yes. Excessive dust, debris, and restrictions within ductwork can reduce airflow, lower efficiency, and negatively impact indoor air quality. In some cases, duct cleaning and sealing may improve system performance.

Is air conditioner refrigerant supposed to be replaced often?2026-07-16T02:18:21-04:00

No. Refrigerant circulates in a sealed system and should not require replacement unless a leak develops. If refrigerant levels are low, the system should be inspected for leaks rather than simply refilled.

Why are some rooms in my house warmer than others?2026-07-16T02:17:46-04:00

Warm rooms can be caused by inadequate airflow, ductwork problems, poor insulation, excessive sun exposure, blocked vents, or an improperly balanced HVAC system. Identifying the root cause can help improve comfort throughout the home.

Why is my energy bill so high in the summer?2026-07-16T02:16:58-04:00

High summer utility bills can result from dirty filters, aging equipment, poor insulation, air leaks, thermostat settings, ductwork problems, or excessive system run times. Improving efficiency often requires a combination of maintenance and home energy improvements.

How long does a central air system last?2026-07-16T02:16:23-04:00

Most central air conditioning systems last between 12 and 20 years when properly maintained. Regular maintenance, annual inspections, timely repairs, and proper installation can help maximize the lifespan of the equipment.

Why is water leaking from my air conditioner?2026-07-16T02:15:46-04:00

Water leaks often occur when a condensate drain line becomes clogged with dirt, algae, or debris. A damaged drain pan, frozen evaporator coil, or improper installation can also cause leakage. Addressing water leaks quickly can help prevent damage to ceilings, floors, and nearby building materials.

How often should I change my air conditioner filter?2026-07-16T02:14:27-04:00

Most homeowners should replace air filters every one to three months depending on the type of filter, household occupancy, pets, and indoor air quality conditions. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, increase utility costs, and can contribute to system breakdowns.

Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?2026-07-16T02:13:59-04:00

An air conditioner that blows warm air may have a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, a thermostat problem, a frozen evaporator coil, or a malfunctioning compressor. Sometimes the issue is as simple as the thermostat being set incorrectly. If basic troubleshooting does not resolve the problem, professional diagnosis is recommended.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

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Evie Saunders profile picture
Evie Saunders
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What a nice young man came to fix our mini split. The company responded to our call with a couple days and Sean was able to resolve our issue and show us how to clean the filters ourselves. I would definitely recommend ClaytonMcKay services !
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Doret Phillip profile picture
Doret Phillip
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I had an emergency water leak from my water tank and a technician was sent out to my own The technician was experienced, professional and friendly he explained what needed to be done and my agreement to the plan
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Larry Cuzzi profile picture
Larry Cuzzi
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The service was prompt, professional, and complete. Two hours after I called them indicating that I had a leak in my bathroom someone was here. It was somewhat complicated in that the leak was coming from an upstairs bathroom. However, Rob was able to diagnose the issue, especially since it potentially involved, shutting off the water to my entire condominium building. He was able to track the leak to a relatively innocuous problem within my unit, so we did not need to involve the whole building. As of yet I have not received the price, but the promptness and the professionalism displayed makes that a very distant second consideration to using this company
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Diane Spencer profile picture
Diane Spencer
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I have have had a very positive experience and now renewing my contract for a third year. The brilliant tech Adam found an issue with my system because he is thorough and doesn't rush through inspections. It was covered under warranty, but I would have had a miserable summer if he hadn't been alert. Adam trained Kim and together they make a great team. In an emergency, the response is immediate! JP fixed a problem today and did a great job!
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Kelly Shanley profile picture
Kelly Shanley
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Nick was timely and very knowledgeable. He trouble-shot our AC unit and listened to our description and ultimately resolved the issue. In addition we decided to take advantage of the annual maintenance program available through the company.

AWARD-WINNING SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON

Clayton McKay is proud to have been recognized for our outstanding service and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by our team. We have been voted “Best Of” Service for multiple years running and maintain an “Excellent” rating on main service platforms. Have a look at our Google Reviews to discover why our happy customers choose Clayton McKay for their service needs.

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