Cooling services in St. Paul, MN
Air conditioning installation, repair and tune-ups, plus ductless mini-splits, for homes in the St. Paul area.
Guides for homeowners
AC Repair or Replacement? How to Decide
When your central air conditioner breaks down, the choice between repair and replacement depends on age, the type of repair, refrigerant, and how well the system has performed. This guide walks through each factor.
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What Happens During an AC Tune-Up (and How Often)
An AC tune-up is a set of inspections, cleaning and measurements that keep your central air conditioner running safely and efficiently. Here is what is included, how often to book one, and what you can do between visits.
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Why Your Air Conditioner Is Freezing Up
Ice on an air conditioner usually points to an airflow or refrigerant problem. Here is what causes it, how to thaw the system safely, and which checks you can do yourself.
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Ductless Mini-Split for an Addition, Garage or Attic?
Additions, garages and finished attics are often the rooms your central system cannot reach well. Here is how to tell whether a ductless mini-split is the right way to heat and cool them.
Read the guide →Central air or a ductless mini-split
Central air conditioning uses the same ducts as your furnace. An outdoor unit connects to a coil at the furnace, and the furnace blower moves cooled air through the house. If your ducts are in good shape, central air is usually the simplest choice.
That shared equipment matters when you replace. ENERGY STAR says the only way to ensure a new air conditioner reaches its rated efficiency is to replace the heating system as well. It stresses this when the furnace is over 15 years old.
A ductless mini-split has an outdoor unit and one or more indoor heads on a wall or ceiling. ENERGY STAR describes mini-splits as designed for homes or sections of homes without ductwork. They suit older homes without ducts, additions and home offices.
Mini-splits are heat pumps, so they also heat. ENERGY STAR says certified models use up to 60% less energy than standard electric radiators. One wall unit will not reach every room evenly, because closed doors block airflow. See our ductless mini-split options.
Running the refrigerant line through closets, attics or basements can reduce wall and ceiling patching. If your home already has ducts, ENERGY STAR suggests a ducted heat pump may be the better fit. Your technician can compare both choices for your layout.
SEER2 basics
SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. It is the federal rating for how efficiently an air conditioner cools over a season. A higher number means the unit uses less electricity for the same amount of cooling.
The federal efficiency standard for central air conditioners sets a national minimum, with higher rules in the Southeast and Southwest. In Minnesota, split systems made since January 1, 2023, must rate at least 13.4 SEER2. Units made before 2023 carry the older SEER rating instead. Higher-rated models cost more up front, so weigh the price against how much you run your AC.
Ask for the SEER2 rating of the exact system you are quoted. Installation affects the efficiency you get at home. ENERGY STAR warns that improper installation can reduce efficiency by up to 30 percent. A careful central air conditioning installation protects the rating you paid for.
Humidity in Minnesota summers
Humid summer air makes a home feel warmer than the thermostat reading. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent, to limit mold. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers both help you reach that range.
If your home feels clammy while the AC runs, have a technician check the system. Krinkie’s Club members get an AC tune-up each spring. Between visits, check your filter monthly and change it at least every 3 months.
Need service now?
Technicians are on call 24 hours. Book online or call us.