diff --git a/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.cpp b/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.cpp
index a17407f08f..88ed902a11 100644
--- a/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.cpp
@@ -61,6 +61,15 @@ void BedJetClimate::dump_config() {
 }
 
 void BedJetClimate::setup() {
+  // Set custom modes once during setup — stored on Climate base class, wired via get_traits()
+  this->set_supported_custom_fan_modes(BEDJET_FAN_STEP_NAMES);
+  this->set_supported_custom_presets({
+      this->heating_mode_ == HEAT_MODE_EXTENDED ? "LTD HT" : "EXT HT",
+      "M1",
+      "M2",
+      "M3",
+  });
+
   // restore set points
   auto restore = this->restore_state_();
   if (restore.has_value()) {
diff --git a/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.h b/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.h
index 05f4a849e0..d12c2a8255 100644
--- a/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.h
+++ b/esphome/components/bedjet/climate/bedjet_climate.h
@@ -42,21 +42,14 @@ class BedJetClimate : public climate::Climate, public BedJetClient, public Polli
         climate::CLIMATE_MODE_DRY,
     });
 
-    // It would be better if we had a slider for the fan modes.
-    traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes(BEDJET_FAN_STEP_NAMES);
     traits.set_supported_presets({
         // If we support NONE, then have to decide what happens if the user switches to it (turn off?)
         // climate::CLIMATE_PRESET_NONE,
         // Climate doesn't have a "TURBO" mode, but we can use the BOOST preset instead.
         climate::CLIMATE_PRESET_BOOST,
     });
-    // String literals are stored in rodata and valid for program lifetime
-    traits.set_supported_custom_presets({
-        this->heating_mode_ == HEAT_MODE_EXTENDED ? "LTD HT" : "EXT HT",
-        "M1",
-        "M2",
-        "M3",
-    });
+    // Custom fan modes and presets are set once in setup(), stored on Climate base class,
+    // and wired automatically via get_traits()
     traits.set_visual_min_temperature(19.0);
     traits.set_visual_max_temperature(43.0);
     traits.set_visual_temperature_step(1.0);
diff --git a/esphome/components/climate/climate.cpp b/esphome/components/climate/climate.cpp
index 32cac0961c..e132497140 100644
--- a/esphome/components/climate/climate.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/climate/climate.cpp
@@ -484,6 +484,11 @@ void Climate::publish_state() {
 
 ClimateTraits Climate::get_traits() {
   auto traits = this->traits();
+  // Wire custom mode pointers from Climate-owned storage
+  if (this->supported_custom_fan_modes_)
+    traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes_(this->supported_custom_fan_modes_);
+  if (this->supported_custom_presets_)
+    traits.set_supported_custom_presets_(this->supported_custom_presets_);
 #ifdef USE_CLIMATE_VISUAL_OVERRIDES
   if (!std::isnan(this->visual_min_temperature_override_)) {
     traits.set_visual_min_temperature(this->visual_min_temperature_override_);
@@ -681,9 +686,8 @@ bool Climate::set_fan_mode_(ClimateFanMode mode) {
 }
 
 bool Climate::set_custom_fan_mode_(const char *mode, size_t len) {
-  auto traits = this->get_traits();
-  return set_custom_mode<ClimateFanMode>(this->custom_fan_mode_, this->fan_mode,
-                                         traits.find_custom_fan_mode_(mode, len), this->has_custom_fan_mode());
+  return set_custom_mode<ClimateFanMode>(this->custom_fan_mode_, this->fan_mode, this->find_custom_fan_mode_(mode, len),
+                                         this->has_custom_fan_mode());
 }
 
 void Climate::clear_custom_fan_mode_() { this->custom_fan_mode_ = nullptr; }
@@ -691,8 +695,7 @@ void Climate::clear_custom_fan_mode_() { this->custom_fan_mode_ = nullptr; }
 bool Climate::set_preset_(ClimatePreset preset) { return set_primary_mode(this->preset, this->custom_preset_, preset); }
 
 bool Climate::set_custom_preset_(const char *preset, size_t len) {
-  auto traits = this->get_traits();
-  return set_custom_mode<ClimatePreset>(this->custom_preset_, this->preset, traits.find_custom_preset_(preset, len),
+  return set_custom_mode<ClimatePreset>(this->custom_preset_, this->preset, this->find_custom_preset_(preset, len),
                                         this->has_custom_preset());
 }
 
@@ -703,6 +706,10 @@ const char *Climate::find_custom_fan_mode_(const char *custom_fan_mode) {
 }
 
 const char *Climate::find_custom_fan_mode_(const char *custom_fan_mode, size_t len) {
+  if (this->supported_custom_fan_modes_) {
+    return vector_find(*this->supported_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode, len);
+  }
+  // Fallback for deprecated path: external components may set modes on ClimateTraits directly
   return this->get_traits().find_custom_fan_mode_(custom_fan_mode, len);
 }
 
@@ -711,6 +718,10 @@ const char *Climate::find_custom_preset_(const char *custom_preset) {
 }
 
 const char *Climate::find_custom_preset_(const char *custom_preset, size_t len) {
+  if (this->supported_custom_presets_) {
+    return vector_find(*this->supported_custom_presets_, custom_preset, len);
+  }
+  // Fallback for deprecated path: external components may set modes on ClimateTraits directly
   return this->get_traits().find_custom_preset_(custom_preset, len);
 }
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/climate/climate.h b/esphome/components/climate/climate.h
index 0251365dd8..04f653a2b0 100644
--- a/esphome/components/climate/climate.h
+++ b/esphome/components/climate/climate.h
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <vector>
 #include "esphome/core/component.h"
 #include "esphome/core/entity_base.h"
 #include "esphome/core/helpers.h"
@@ -234,6 +235,28 @@ class Climate : public EntityBase {
   void set_visual_max_humidity_override(float visual_max_humidity_override);
 #endif
 
+  /// Set the supported custom fan modes (stored on Climate, referenced by ClimateTraits).
+  void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(std::initializer_list<const char *> modes) {
+    this->ensure_custom_fan_modes_().assign(modes.begin(), modes.end());
+  }
+  void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(const std::vector<const char *> &modes) {
+    this->ensure_custom_fan_modes_() = modes;
+  }
+  template<size_t N> void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(const char *const (&modes)[N]) {
+    this->ensure_custom_fan_modes_().assign(modes, modes + N);
+  }
+
+  /// Set the supported custom presets (stored on Climate, referenced by ClimateTraits).
+  void set_supported_custom_presets(std::initializer_list<const char *> presets) {
+    this->ensure_custom_presets_().assign(presets.begin(), presets.end());
+  }
+  void set_supported_custom_presets(const std::vector<const char *> &presets) {
+    this->ensure_custom_presets_() = presets;
+  }
+  template<size_t N> void set_supported_custom_presets(const char *const (&presets)[N]) {
+    this->ensure_custom_presets_().assign(presets, presets + N);
+  }
+
   /// Check if a custom fan mode is currently active.
   bool has_custom_fan_mode() const { return this->custom_fan_mode_ != nullptr; }
 
@@ -336,13 +359,14 @@ class Climate : public EntityBase {
    * called from publish_state()
    */
   void save_state_(const ClimateTraits &traits);
-  void save_state_() { this->save_state_(this->traits()); }
+  void save_state_() { this->save_state_(this->get_traits()); }
 
   void dump_traits_(const char *tag);
 
   LazyCallbackManager<void(Climate &)> state_callback_{};
   LazyCallbackManager<void(ClimateCall &)> control_callback_{};
   ESPPreferenceObject rtc_;
+
 #ifdef USE_CLIMATE_VISUAL_OVERRIDES
   float visual_min_temperature_override_{NAN};
   float visual_max_temperature_override_{NAN};
@@ -353,16 +377,33 @@ class Climate : public EntityBase {
 #endif
 
  private:
+  /// Lazy-allocate custom mode vectors (never freed — entity lives forever).
+  std::vector<const char *> &ensure_custom_fan_modes_() {
+    if (!this->supported_custom_fan_modes_) {
+      this->supported_custom_fan_modes_ = new std::vector<const char *>();  // NOLINT
+    }
+    return *this->supported_custom_fan_modes_;
+  }
+  std::vector<const char *> &ensure_custom_presets_() {
+    if (!this->supported_custom_presets_) {
+      this->supported_custom_presets_ = new std::vector<const char *>();  // NOLINT
+    }
+    return *this->supported_custom_presets_;
+  }
+
+  std::vector<const char *> *supported_custom_fan_modes_{nullptr};
+  std::vector<const char *> *supported_custom_presets_{nullptr};
+
   /** The active custom fan mode (private - enforces use of safe setters).
    *
-   * Points to an entry in traits.supported_custom_fan_modes_ or nullptr.
+   * Points to an entry in supported_custom_fan_modes_ or nullptr.
    * Use get_custom_fan_mode() to read, set_custom_fan_mode_() to modify.
    */
   const char *custom_fan_mode_{nullptr};
 
   /** The active custom preset (private - enforces use of safe setters).
    *
-   * Points to an entry in traits.supported_custom_presets_ or nullptr.
+   * Points to an entry in supported_custom_presets_ or nullptr.
    * Use get_custom_preset() to read, set_custom_preset_() to modify.
    */
   const char *custom_preset_{nullptr};
diff --git a/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.cpp b/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.cpp
index 9bf2d9acd3..398e25f69e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,33 @@
 
 namespace esphome::climate {
 
+// Compat: shared empty vector for getters when no custom modes are set.
+// Remove in 2026.11.0 when deprecated ClimateTraits setters are removed
+// and getters can return const vector * instead of const vector &.
+static const std::vector<const char *> EMPTY_CUSTOM_MODES;  // NOLINT
+
+const std::vector<const char *> &ClimateTraits::get_supported_custom_fan_modes() const {
+  if (this->supported_custom_fan_modes_) {
+    return *this->supported_custom_fan_modes_;
+  }
+  // Compat: fall back to owned vector from deprecated setters. Remove in 2026.11.0.
+  if (!this->compat_custom_fan_modes_.empty()) {
+    return this->compat_custom_fan_modes_;
+  }
+  return EMPTY_CUSTOM_MODES;
+}
+
+const std::vector<const char *> &ClimateTraits::get_supported_custom_presets() const {
+  if (this->supported_custom_presets_) {
+    return *this->supported_custom_presets_;
+  }
+  // Compat: fall back to owned vector from deprecated setters. Remove in 2026.11.0.
+  if (!this->compat_custom_presets_.empty()) {
+    return this->compat_custom_presets_;
+  }
+  return EMPTY_CUSTOM_MODES;
+}
+
 int8_t ClimateTraits::get_target_temperature_accuracy_decimals() const {
   return step_to_accuracy_decimals(this->visual_target_temperature_step_);
 }
diff --git a/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.h b/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.h
index 80ef0854d5..082b2127a9 100644
--- a/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.h
+++ b/esphome/components/climate/climate_traits.h
@@ -147,27 +147,45 @@ class ClimateTraits {
   void add_supported_fan_mode(ClimateFanMode mode) { this->supported_fan_modes_.insert(mode); }
   bool supports_fan_mode(ClimateFanMode fan_mode) const { return this->supported_fan_modes_.count(fan_mode); }
   bool get_supports_fan_modes() const {
-    return !this->supported_fan_modes_.empty() || !this->supported_custom_fan_modes_.empty();
+    if (!this->supported_fan_modes_.empty()) {
+      return true;
+    }
+    // Same precedence as get_supported_custom_fan_modes() getter
+    if (this->supported_custom_fan_modes_) {
+      return !this->supported_custom_fan_modes_->empty();
+    }
+    return !this->compat_custom_fan_modes_.empty();  // Compat: remove in 2026.11.0
   }
   const ClimateFanModeMask &get_supported_fan_modes() const { return this->supported_fan_modes_; }
 
+  // Remove before 2026.11.0
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Call set_supported_custom_fan_modes() on the Climate entity instead. Removed in 2026.11.0", "2026.5.0")
   void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(std::initializer_list<const char *> modes) {
-    this->supported_custom_fan_modes_ = modes;
+    // Compat: store in owned vector. Copies copy the vector (deprecated path still copies this vector).
+    this->compat_custom_fan_modes_ = modes;
   }
+  // Remove before 2026.11.0
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Call set_supported_custom_fan_modes() on the Climate entity instead. Removed in 2026.11.0", "2026.5.0")
   void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(const std::vector<const char *> &modes) {
-    this->supported_custom_fan_modes_ = modes;
+    this->compat_custom_fan_modes_ = modes;
   }
-  template<size_t N> void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(const char *const (&modes)[N]) {
-    this->supported_custom_fan_modes_.assign(modes, modes + N);
+  // Remove before 2026.11.0
+  template<size_t N>
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Call set_supported_custom_fan_modes() on the Climate entity instead. Removed in 2026.11.0", "2026.5.0")
+  void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(const char *const (&modes)[N]) {
+    this->compat_custom_fan_modes_.assign(modes, modes + N);
   }
 
   // Deleted overloads to catch incorrect std::string usage at compile time with clear error messages
   void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(const std::vector<std::string> &modes) = delete;
   void set_supported_custom_fan_modes(std::initializer_list<std::string> modes) = delete;
 
-  const std::vector<const char *> &get_supported_custom_fan_modes() const { return this->supported_custom_fan_modes_; }
+  // Compat: returns const ref with empty fallback. In 2026.11.0 change to return const vector *.
+  const std::vector<const char *> &get_supported_custom_fan_modes() const;
   bool supports_custom_fan_mode(const char *custom_fan_mode) const {
-    return vector_contains(this->supported_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode);
+    return (this->supported_custom_fan_modes_ &&
+            vector_contains(*this->supported_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode)) ||
+           vector_contains(this->compat_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode);  // Compat: remove in 2026.11.0
   }
   bool supports_custom_fan_mode(const std::string &custom_fan_mode) const {
     return this->supports_custom_fan_mode(custom_fan_mode.c_str());
@@ -179,23 +197,32 @@ class ClimateTraits {
   bool get_supports_presets() const { return !this->supported_presets_.empty(); }
   const ClimatePresetMask &get_supported_presets() const { return this->supported_presets_; }
 
+  // Remove before 2026.11.0
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Call set_supported_custom_presets() on the Climate entity instead. Removed in 2026.11.0", "2026.5.0")
   void set_supported_custom_presets(std::initializer_list<const char *> presets) {
-    this->supported_custom_presets_ = presets;
+    this->compat_custom_presets_ = presets;
   }
+  // Remove before 2026.11.0
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Call set_supported_custom_presets() on the Climate entity instead. Removed in 2026.11.0", "2026.5.0")
   void set_supported_custom_presets(const std::vector<const char *> &presets) {
-    this->supported_custom_presets_ = presets;
+    this->compat_custom_presets_ = presets;
   }
-  template<size_t N> void set_supported_custom_presets(const char *const (&presets)[N]) {
-    this->supported_custom_presets_.assign(presets, presets + N);
+  // Remove before 2026.11.0
+  template<size_t N>
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Call set_supported_custom_presets() on the Climate entity instead. Removed in 2026.11.0", "2026.5.0")
+  void set_supported_custom_presets(const char *const (&presets)[N]) {
+    this->compat_custom_presets_.assign(presets, presets + N);
   }
 
   // Deleted overloads to catch incorrect std::string usage at compile time with clear error messages
   void set_supported_custom_presets(const std::vector<std::string> &presets) = delete;
   void set_supported_custom_presets(std::initializer_list<std::string> presets) = delete;
 
-  const std::vector<const char *> &get_supported_custom_presets() const { return this->supported_custom_presets_; }
+  // Compat: returns const ref with empty fallback. In 2026.11.0 change to return const vector *.
+  const std::vector<const char *> &get_supported_custom_presets() const;
   bool supports_custom_preset(const char *custom_preset) const {
-    return vector_contains(this->supported_custom_presets_, custom_preset);
+    return (this->supported_custom_presets_ && vector_contains(*this->supported_custom_presets_, custom_preset)) ||
+           vector_contains(this->compat_custom_presets_, custom_preset);  // Compat: remove in 2026.11.0
   }
   bool supports_custom_preset(const std::string &custom_preset) const {
     return this->supports_custom_preset(custom_preset.c_str());
@@ -258,13 +285,25 @@ class ClimateTraits {
     }
   }
 
+  /// Set custom mode pointers (only Climate::get_traits() should call these).
+  void set_supported_custom_fan_modes_(const std::vector<const char *> *modes) {
+    this->supported_custom_fan_modes_ = modes;
+  }
+  void set_supported_custom_presets_(const std::vector<const char *> *presets) {
+    this->supported_custom_presets_ = presets;
+  }
+
   /// Find and return the matching custom fan mode pointer from supported modes, or nullptr if not found
   /// This is protected as it's an implementation detail - use Climate::find_custom_fan_mode_() instead
   const char *find_custom_fan_mode_(const char *custom_fan_mode) const {
     return this->find_custom_fan_mode_(custom_fan_mode, strlen(custom_fan_mode));
   }
   const char *find_custom_fan_mode_(const char *custom_fan_mode, size_t len) const {
-    return vector_find(this->supported_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode, len);
+    if (this->supported_custom_fan_modes_) {
+      return vector_find(*this->supported_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode, len);
+    }
+    // Compat: check owned vector from deprecated setters. Remove in 2026.11.0.
+    return vector_find(this->compat_custom_fan_modes_, custom_fan_mode, len);
   }
 
   /// Find and return the matching custom preset pointer from supported presets, or nullptr if not found
@@ -273,7 +312,11 @@ class ClimateTraits {
     return this->find_custom_preset_(custom_preset, strlen(custom_preset));
   }
   const char *find_custom_preset_(const char *custom_preset, size_t len) const {
-    return vector_find(this->supported_custom_presets_, custom_preset, len);
+    if (this->supported_custom_presets_) {
+      return vector_find(*this->supported_custom_presets_, custom_preset, len);
+    }
+    // Compat: check owned vector from deprecated setters. Remove in 2026.11.0.
+    return vector_find(this->compat_custom_presets_, custom_preset, len);
   }
 
   uint32_t feature_flags_{0};
@@ -289,16 +332,17 @@ class ClimateTraits {
   climate::ClimateSwingModeMask supported_swing_modes_;
   climate::ClimatePresetMask supported_presets_;
 
-  /** Custom mode storage using const char* pointers to eliminate std::string overhead.
+  /** Custom mode storage - pointers to vectors owned by the Climate base class.
    *
-   * Pointers must remain valid for the ClimateTraits lifetime. Safe patterns:
-   *  - String literals: set_supported_custom_fan_modes({"Turbo", "Silent"})
-   *  - Static const data: static const char* MODE = "Eco";
-   *
-   * Climate class setters validate pointers are from these vectors before storing.
+   * ClimateTraits does not own this data; Climate stores the vectors and
+   * get_traits() wires these pointers automatically.
    */
-  std::vector<const char *> supported_custom_fan_modes_;
-  std::vector<const char *> supported_custom_presets_;
+  const std::vector<const char *> *supported_custom_fan_modes_{nullptr};
+  const std::vector<const char *> *supported_custom_presets_{nullptr};
+  // Compat: owned storage for deprecated setters. Copies copy the vector (copies include this vector).
+  // Remove in 2026.11.0.
+  std::vector<const char *> compat_custom_fan_modes_;
+  std::vector<const char *> compat_custom_presets_;
 };
 
 }  // namespace esphome::climate
diff --git a/esphome/components/demo/demo_climate.h b/esphome/components/demo/demo_climate.h
index c5f07ac114..c6d328b1bc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/demo/demo_climate.h
+++ b/esphome/components/demo/demo_climate.h
@@ -16,6 +16,19 @@ class DemoClimate : public climate::Climate, public Component {
  public:
   void set_type(DemoClimateType type) { type_ = type; }
   void setup() override {
+    // Set custom modes once during setup — stored on Climate base class, wired via get_traits()
+    switch (type_) {
+      case DemoClimateType::TYPE_1:
+        break;
+      case DemoClimateType::TYPE_2:
+        this->set_supported_custom_fan_modes({"Auto Low", "Auto High"});
+        this->set_supported_custom_presets({"My Preset"});
+        break;
+      case DemoClimateType::TYPE_3:
+        this->set_supported_custom_fan_modes({"Auto Low", "Auto High"});
+        break;
+    }
+    // Set initial state
     switch (type_) {
       case DemoClimateType::TYPE_1:
         this->current_temperature = 20.0;
@@ -105,14 +118,13 @@ class DemoClimate : public climate::Climate, public Component {
             climate::CLIMATE_FAN_DIFFUSE,
             climate::CLIMATE_FAN_QUIET,
         });
-        traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes({"Auto Low", "Auto High"});
+        // Custom fan modes and presets are set once in setup()
         traits.set_supported_swing_modes({
             climate::CLIMATE_SWING_OFF,
             climate::CLIMATE_SWING_BOTH,
             climate::CLIMATE_SWING_VERTICAL,
             climate::CLIMATE_SWING_HORIZONTAL,
         });
-        traits.set_supported_custom_presets({"My Preset"});
         break;
       case DemoClimateType::TYPE_3:
         traits.add_feature_flags(climate::CLIMATE_SUPPORTS_CURRENT_TEMPERATURE |
@@ -123,7 +135,7 @@ class DemoClimate : public climate::Climate, public Component {
             climate::CLIMATE_MODE_HEAT,
             climate::CLIMATE_MODE_HEAT_COOL,
         });
-        traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes({"Auto Low", "Auto High"});
+        // Custom fan modes are set once in setup()
         traits.set_supported_swing_modes({
             climate::CLIMATE_SWING_OFF,
             climate::CLIMATE_SWING_HORIZONTAL,
diff --git a/esphome/components/midea/ac_adapter.cpp b/esphome/components/midea/ac_adapter.cpp
index d903db4a1b..8b20a562c8 100644
--- a/esphome/components/midea/ac_adapter.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/midea/ac_adapter.cpp
@@ -168,8 +168,8 @@ void Converters::to_climate_traits(ClimateTraits &traits, const dudanov::midea::
     traits.add_supported_preset(ClimatePreset::CLIMATE_PRESET_BOOST);
   if (capabilities.supportEcoPreset())
     traits.add_supported_preset(ClimatePreset::CLIMATE_PRESET_ECO);
-  if (capabilities.supportFrostProtectionPreset())
-    traits.set_supported_custom_presets({Constants::FREEZE_PROTECTION});
+  // Frost protection custom preset is handled by AirConditioner directly
+  // since custom presets are stored on the Climate base class
 }
 
 }  // namespace ac
diff --git a/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.cpp b/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.cpp
index 4d59a4fbbc..50521cf238 100644
--- a/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,25 @@ template<typename T> void update_property(T &property, const T &value, bool &fla
 }
 
 void AirConditioner::on_status_change() {
+  // Add frost protection custom preset once when autoconf completes
+  if (this->base_.getAutoconfStatus() == dudanov::midea::AUTOCONF_OK &&
+      this->base_.getCapabilities().supportFrostProtectionPreset() && !this->frost_protection_set_) {
+    // Read existing presets (set by codegen), append frost protection, write back
+    const auto &existing = this->get_traits().get_supported_custom_presets();
+    bool found = false;
+    for (const char *p : existing) {
+      if (strcmp(p, Constants::FREEZE_PROTECTION) == 0) {
+        found = true;
+        break;
+      }
+    }
+    if (!found) {
+      std::vector<const char *> merged(existing.begin(), existing.end());
+      merged.push_back(Constants::FREEZE_PROTECTION);
+      this->set_supported_custom_presets(merged);
+    }
+    this->frost_protection_set_ = true;
+  }
   bool need_publish = false;
   update_property(this->target_temperature, this->base_.getTargetTemp(), need_publish);
   update_property(this->current_temperature, this->base_.getIndoorTemp(), need_publish);
@@ -91,17 +110,15 @@ ClimateTraits AirConditioner::traits() {
   traits.set_supported_modes(this->supported_modes_);
   traits.set_supported_swing_modes(this->supported_swing_modes_);
   traits.set_supported_presets(this->supported_presets_);
-  if (!this->supported_custom_presets_.empty())
-    traits.set_supported_custom_presets(this->supported_custom_presets_);
-  if (!this->supported_custom_fan_modes_.empty())
-    traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes(this->supported_custom_fan_modes_);
+  // Custom fan modes and presets are stored on Climate base class and wired via get_traits()
   /* + MINIMAL SET OF CAPABILITIES */
   traits.add_supported_fan_mode(ClimateFanMode::CLIMATE_FAN_AUTO);
   traits.add_supported_fan_mode(ClimateFanMode::CLIMATE_FAN_LOW);
   traits.add_supported_fan_mode(ClimateFanMode::CLIMATE_FAN_MEDIUM);
   traits.add_supported_fan_mode(ClimateFanMode::CLIMATE_FAN_HIGH);
-  if (this->base_.getAutoconfStatus() == dudanov::midea::AUTOCONF_OK)
+  if (this->base_.getAutoconfStatus() == dudanov::midea::AUTOCONF_OK) {
     Converters::to_climate_traits(traits, this->base_.getCapabilities());
+  }
   if (!traits.get_supported_modes().empty())
     traits.add_supported_mode(ClimateMode::CLIMATE_MODE_OFF);
   if (!traits.get_supported_swing_modes().empty())
diff --git a/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.h b/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.h
index 70833b8bcc..8dbc71b422 100644
--- a/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.h
+++ b/esphome/components/midea/air_conditioner.h
@@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ class AirConditioner : public ApplianceBase<dudanov::midea::ac::AirConditioner>,
   void set_supported_modes(ClimateModeMask modes) { this->supported_modes_ = modes; }
   void set_supported_swing_modes(ClimateSwingModeMask modes) { this->supported_swing_modes_ = modes; }
   void set_supported_presets(ClimatePresetMask presets) { this->supported_presets_ = presets; }
-  void set_custom_presets(std::initializer_list<const char *> presets) { this->supported_custom_presets_ = presets; }
-  void set_custom_fan_modes(std::initializer_list<const char *> modes) { this->supported_custom_fan_modes_ = modes; }
+  void set_custom_presets(std::initializer_list<const char *> presets) { this->set_supported_custom_presets(presets); }
+  void set_custom_fan_modes(std::initializer_list<const char *> modes) { this->set_supported_custom_fan_modes(modes); }
 
  protected:
   void control(const ClimateCall &call) override;
@@ -55,8 +55,7 @@ class AirConditioner : public ApplianceBase<dudanov::midea::ac::AirConditioner>,
   ClimateModeMask supported_modes_{};
   ClimateSwingModeMask supported_swing_modes_{};
   ClimatePresetMask supported_presets_{};
-  std::vector<const char *> supported_custom_presets_{};
-  std::vector<const char *> supported_custom_fan_modes_{};
+  bool frost_protection_set_{false};
   Sensor *outdoor_sensor_{nullptr};
   Sensor *humidity_sensor_{nullptr};
   Sensor *power_sensor_{nullptr};
diff --git a/esphome/components/thermostat/thermostat_climate.cpp b/esphome/components/thermostat/thermostat_climate.cpp
index d979359c1f..d8478d2648 100644
--- a/esphome/components/thermostat/thermostat_climate.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/thermostat/thermostat_climate.cpp
@@ -333,15 +333,7 @@ climate::ClimateTraits ThermostatClimate::traits() {
     traits.add_supported_preset(entry.preset);
   }
 
-  // Extract custom preset names from the custom_preset_config_ vector
-  if (!this->custom_preset_config_.empty()) {
-    std::vector<const char *> custom_preset_names;
-    custom_preset_names.reserve(this->custom_preset_config_.size());
-    for (const auto &entry : this->custom_preset_config_) {
-      custom_preset_names.push_back(entry.name);
-    }
-    traits.set_supported_custom_presets(custom_preset_names);
-  }
+  // Custom presets are stored on Climate base class and wired via get_traits()
 
   return traits;
 }
@@ -1306,6 +1298,13 @@ void ThermostatClimate::set_preset_config(std::initializer_list<PresetEntry> pre
 
 void ThermostatClimate::set_custom_preset_config(std::initializer_list<CustomPresetEntry> presets) {
   this->custom_preset_config_ = presets;
+  // Populate Climate base class custom presets vector
+  std::vector<const char *> names;
+  names.reserve(presets.size());
+  for (const auto &entry : this->custom_preset_config_) {
+    names.push_back(entry.name);
+  }
+  this->set_supported_custom_presets(names);
 }
 
 ThermostatClimate::ThermostatClimate() = default;
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/__init__.py b/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ba9eff2d89
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+"""Legacy climate component — tests deprecated ClimateTraits setters backward compat.
+
+Remove this entire directory in 2026.11.0 when the deprecated setters are removed.
+"""
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/climate/__init__.py b/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/climate/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0810ae02a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/climate/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+"""Legacy climate platform that uses deprecated ClimateTraits setters."""
+
+import esphome.codegen as cg
+from esphome.components import climate
+import esphome.config_validation as cv
+from esphome.types import ConfigType
+
+legacy_climate_ns = cg.esphome_ns.namespace("legacy_climate_test")
+LegacyClimate = legacy_climate_ns.class_("LegacyClimate", climate.Climate, cg.Component)
+
+CONFIG_SCHEMA = climate.climate_schema(LegacyClimate).extend(cv.COMPONENT_SCHEMA)
+
+
+async def to_code(config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    var = await climate.new_climate(config)
+    await cg.register_component(var, config)
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/climate/legacy_climate.h b/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/climate/legacy_climate.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bdf5179fa5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/external_components/legacy_climate_component/climate/legacy_climate.h
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "esphome/components/climate/climate.h"
+#include "esphome/core/component.h"
+
+namespace esphome::legacy_climate_test {
+
+/// Test climate that uses the DEPRECATED ClimateTraits setters for custom modes.
+/// This validates backward compatibility for external components that haven't migrated.
+class LegacyClimate : public climate::Climate, public Component {
+ public:
+  void setup() override {
+    this->mode = climate::CLIMATE_MODE_OFF;
+    this->target_temperature = 22.0f;
+    this->current_temperature = 20.0f;
+    this->publish_state();
+  }
+
+ protected:
+  climate::ClimateTraits traits() override {
+    auto traits = climate::ClimateTraits();
+    traits.add_feature_flags(climate::CLIMATE_SUPPORTS_CURRENT_TEMPERATURE);
+    traits.set_supported_modes({climate::CLIMATE_MODE_OFF, climate::CLIMATE_MODE_HEAT, climate::CLIMATE_MODE_COOL});
+    traits.set_visual_min_temperature(16.0f);
+    traits.set_visual_max_temperature(30.0f);
+    traits.set_visual_temperature_step(0.5f);
+
+    // DEPRECATED API: setting custom modes directly on ClimateTraits.
+#pragma GCC diagnostic push
+#pragma GCC diagnostic ignored "-Wdeprecated-declarations"
+    traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes({"Turbo", "Silent", "Auto"});
+    traits.set_supported_custom_presets({"Eco Mode", "Night Mode"});
+#pragma GCC diagnostic pop
+
+    return traits;
+  }
+
+  void control(const climate::ClimateCall &call) override {
+    if (call.get_mode().has_value()) {
+      this->mode = *call.get_mode();
+    }
+    if (call.get_target_temperature().has_value()) {
+      this->target_temperature = *call.get_target_temperature();
+    }
+    if (call.has_custom_fan_mode()) {
+      this->set_custom_fan_mode_(call.get_custom_fan_mode());
+    }
+    if (call.has_custom_preset()) {
+      this->set_custom_preset_(call.get_custom_preset());
+    }
+    this->publish_state();
+  }
+};
+
+}  // namespace esphome::legacy_climate_test
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/legacy_climate_compat.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/legacy_climate_compat.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..112e50a468
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/legacy_climate_compat.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+esphome:
+  name: legacy-climate-compat
+
+host:
+api:
+logger:
+  level: DEBUG
+
+external_components:
+  - source:
+      type: local
+      path: EXTERNAL_COMPONENT_PATH
+    components: [legacy_climate_component]
+
+climate:
+  - platform: legacy_climate_component
+    name: "Legacy Climate"
+    id: legacy_climate
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_legacy_climate_compat.py b/tests/integration/test_legacy_climate_compat.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..aad71dd04a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/test_legacy_climate_compat.py
@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+"""Integration test for backward compatibility of deprecated ClimateTraits setters.
+
+Verifies that external components using the old traits.set_supported_custom_fan_modes()
+and traits.set_supported_custom_presets() API still work correctly during the
+deprecation period.
+
+Remove this entire test file and the legacy_climate_component external component
+in 2026.11.0 when the deprecated ClimateTraits setters are removed.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import asyncio
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import aioesphomeapi
+from aioesphomeapi import ClimateInfo
+import pytest
+
+from .state_utils import InitialStateHelper
+from .types import APIClientConnectedFactory, RunCompiledFunction
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_legacy_climate_compat(
+    yaml_config: str,
+    run_compiled: RunCompiledFunction,
+    api_client_connected: APIClientConnectedFactory,
+) -> None:
+    """Test that deprecated ClimateTraits custom mode setters still work end-to-end."""
+    external_components_path = str(
+        Path(__file__).parent / "fixtures" / "external_components"
+    )
+    yaml_config = yaml_config.replace(
+        "EXTERNAL_COMPONENT_PATH", external_components_path
+    )
+
+    loop = asyncio.get_running_loop()
+
+    async with run_compiled(yaml_config), api_client_connected() as client:
+        entities, _ = await client.list_entities_services()
+        initial_state_helper = InitialStateHelper(entities)
+
+        climate_infos = [e for e in entities if isinstance(e, ClimateInfo)]
+        assert len(climate_infos) == 1, (
+            f"Expected 1 climate entity, got {len(climate_infos)}"
+        )
+
+        test_climate = climate_infos[0]
+
+        # Verify custom fan modes set via deprecated ClimateTraits setter are exposed
+        assert set(test_climate.supported_custom_fan_modes) == {
+            "Turbo",
+            "Silent",
+            "Auto",
+        }, (
+            f"Expected custom fan modes {{Turbo, Silent, Auto}}, "
+            f"got {test_climate.supported_custom_fan_modes}"
+        )
+
+        # Verify custom presets set via deprecated ClimateTraits setter are exposed
+        assert set(test_climate.supported_custom_presets) == {
+            "Eco Mode",
+            "Night Mode",
+        }, (
+            f"Expected custom presets {{Eco Mode, Night Mode}}, "
+            f"got {test_climate.supported_custom_presets}"
+        )
+
+        # Set up state tracking with InitialStateHelper
+        turbo_future: asyncio.Future[aioesphomeapi.ClimateState] = loop.create_future()
+
+        def on_state(state: aioesphomeapi.EntityState) -> None:
+            if (
+                isinstance(state, aioesphomeapi.ClimateState)
+                and state.custom_fan_mode == "Turbo"
+                and not turbo_future.done()
+            ):
+                turbo_future.set_result(state)
+
+        client.subscribe_states(initial_state_helper.on_state_wrapper(on_state))
+
+        try:
+            await initial_state_helper.wait_for_initial_states()
+        except TimeoutError:
+            pytest.fail("Timeout waiting for initial states")
+
+        # Verify we can set a custom fan mode via API (tests find_custom_fan_mode_ compat path)
+        client.climate_command(test_climate.key, custom_fan_mode="Turbo")
+
+        try:
+            turbo_state = await asyncio.wait_for(turbo_future, timeout=5.0)
+        except TimeoutError:
+            pytest.fail("Custom fan mode 'Turbo' not received within 5 seconds")
+
+        assert turbo_state.custom_fan_mode == "Turbo"