Central air conditioner
15–20 years
Homeowner guide
Your heating & cooling, explained simply
No jargon, no sales pitch. Just helpful answers to the questions we hear most, so you can make confident decisions about your home.
Save a service call
5 quick checks before you call
Many "broken" systems are fixed by one of these. If none of them work, call us. We're glad to help.
1
Check the thermostat
Is it set to Cool or Heat (not "Off" or "Fan")? Is the temperature set below (for cooling) or above (for heating) the room temperature? If the screen is blank, try new batteries.
2
Check the circuit breaker
Look in your electrical panel for a breaker labeled AC, furnace or HVAC. If it's tripped, switch it fully off and back on once. If it trips again, stop and call us.
3
Look at the air filter
A filter clogged with dust can block airflow and even cause the AC to freeze. Hold it up to a light. If you can't see light through it, replace it.
4
Check the furnace door & switch
Furnaces have a safety switch that stops them running if the front panel isn't closed tightly. There's also a light-switch-style power switch nearby. Make sure it's on.
5
Clear around the outdoor unit
Keep plants, leaves and storage at least 2 feet away so the unit can breathe. Make sure vents inside the house aren't blocked by furniture or rugs.
Know the signs
What your system is trying to tell you
| What you notice | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Warm air from the AC | Dirty filter, failed part or low refrigerant | Check filter and thermostat, then call |
| Ice on pipes or coil | Blocked airflow or refrigerant problem | Turn cooling off, fan on to thaw, then call |
| Water near the indoor unit | Clogged drain line | Turn off the system to prevent water damage and call |
| Turns on and off every few minutes | "Short-cycling": sizing, refrigerant or electrical issue | Book a diagnosis; it wears parts out fast |
| Loud banging, grinding or squealing | Loose or failing motor, fan or belt | Turn it off and call |
| Energy bills creeping up | Dirty coils, leaky ducts or an aging system | A tune-up is a good first step |
| Gas smell or CO alarm | Possible gas leak or venting problem | Leave the home and call 911 |
Planning ahead
How long do systems last?
Typical ranges with regular maintenance. Coastal salt air and heavy use can shorten them.
Gas furnace
15–25 years
Heat pump
10–15 years
Glossary
HVAC words, in plain English
- HVAC
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Everything that heats, cools and moves air in your home.
- Compressor
- The "heart" of your AC, in the outdoor unit. It pumps refrigerant around the system.
- Capacitor
- A small part that gives motors a jolt to start. One of the most common (and affordable) AC repairs.
- Refrigerant
- The fluid that carries heat out of your home. Sometimes called "Freon," which is an old brand name.
- Evaporator coil
- The indoor coil that gets cold and pulls heat out of your air.
- Condenser
- The outdoor unit. It releases the heat taken from inside your home.
- Heat pump
- A system that both heats and cools by moving heat in or out of your home.
- Mini-split
- A ductless system with a slim indoor unit on the wall. Great for single rooms.
- SEER2
- An efficiency rating for air conditioners. Higher numbers mean lower energy bills.
- Ton
- A measure of cooling power, not weight. Most homes need 2 to 5 tons.
- Short-cycling
- When a system turns on and off too often. It wastes energy and wears parts out.
- MERV
- A filter rating from 1 to 16. Higher catches smaller particles, but too high can restrict airflow.
A little history
How air conditioning came into our homes
From a Brooklyn printing plant to the quiet system in your backyard. Here are the moments that shaped home comfort, and why some of them matter to you today.
1902
The first modern air conditioner
Engineer Willis Carrier designed a system to control humidity at a printing plant in Brooklyn, New York. Keeping the air dry kept the paper from warping, and cooler air came along with it.
1914
AC comes home
One of the first home air conditioning systems was installed in a Minneapolis mansion. It was enormous and very expensive.
1920s
Cool movie theaters
Theaters installed air conditioning and advertised it on their signs. Many Americans felt cooled air for the first time at the movies.
1950s
The window unit boom
After World War II, affordable window units and new suburban homes brought cooling to everyday families, including right here in Southern California.
2010
Goodbye to R-22 in new systems
New air conditioners stopped using R-22 refrigerant to protect the ozone layer. Why it matters: if your system is older than this, it likely uses R-22.
2020
R-22 production ends
The U.S. stopped producing and importing R-22. Only recycled supplies remain, so repairs needing a recharge on older systems have become costly.
2023
New efficiency standards
New efficiency rules took effect and systems began using the updated "SEER2" rating, which better reflects real-world performance.
2025
Cleaner refrigerants
New systems are moving to refrigerants with a lower environmental impact, such as R-454B and R-32. We can explain your options when it's time to replace.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Forthright Climate Care is licensed by the California Contractors State License Board, C-20 Warm-Air Heating & Air Conditioning, LIC #1163069. We carry full liability coverage and contractor bonding, so every job is protected from start to finish.
Do you offer same-day or emergency service?
Same-day and emergency service are subject to availability. Call or text (714) 483-1897 to check.
Will you try to sell me something I don't need?
No. No one here works on commission, so our recommendations are based on your needs, not sales quotas. If a repair makes more sense than a replacement, we'll tell you.
What warranty do you offer?
Qualifying installations and repairs carry a 2-year labor warranty, twice the industry standard. Premium Comfort Plan members get a 3-year labor warranty, one extra year.
How often should I change my air filter?
For most standard 1-inch filters, every 1 to 3 months. Check it monthly if you have pets, allergies or a lot of dust.
Which cities do you serve?
Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster and Yorba Linda. See our service areas.
Integrity in every degree
Ready when you are
Talk to a real HVAC pro, not a salesperson. Call or text anytime.