AC Preparation: What Michigan Homeowners Should Check Before Summer

 Homeowners Should Check Before Summer

As Michigan's notoriously humid summer approaches, ensuring your air conditioning system is ready for the seasonal demands can save you from uncomfortable indoor temperatures and costly emergency repairs. Before switching on your AC unit for the first time this season, a thorough inspection and maintenance routine will help maximize efficiency, extend equipment life, and ensure reliable cooling when you need it most.

Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit

Michigan's distinct seasons leave your outdoor condenser unit vulnerable to various debris. Start by examining the exterior condenser for accumulated leaves, twigs, and vegetation from fall and winter months. Clear any debris within a two-foot perimeter around the unit to ensure proper airflow.

Remove the protective cover if you used one during winter months. While covers protect against harsh winter conditions, leaving them on during operation will cause the system to overheat rapidly. Inspect the unit for any visible damage that may have occurred during winter storms or from falling ice.

Gently clean the condenser fins using a garden hose with moderate pressure, spraying from the inside out to push debris away from the unit. Avoid using pressure washers, which can bend the delicate aluminum fins. For stubborn dirt, consider using a commercial coil cleaner specifically designed for AC units.

Check and Replace Air Filters

Michigan's seasonal changes, particularly spring pollen, can quickly clog air filters. Locate and examine your system's air filter, typically found near the indoor air handler or return air duct. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and potentially causing freezing of the evaporator coil.

Most residential filters should be replaced every 1-3 months during active cooling season. Consider upgrading to higher-efficiency filters if anyone in your household suffers from allergies, as Michigan's spring and summer months bring significant pollen and other airborne allergens.

Test Thermostat Functionality

Before the season's first heatwave strikes, verify that your thermostat accurately controls your cooling system. Replace batteries if your thermostat is battery-operated, as drained batteries are a common cause of apparent system failures.

Test the thermostat by setting it to cooling mode at a temperature below the current room temperature. The system should activate within a few minutes. If you're still using an older manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, which can reduce energy consumption by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.

Examine Ductwork and Vents

Michigan's extreme temperature fluctuations between seasons can cause ductwork to expand and contract, potentially creating leaks. Inspect visible ductwork for any disconnections, tears, or obvious leakage points. Seal any accessible leaks with metal-backed tape (not standard duct tape, which deteriorates quickly).

Check that all supply and return vents throughout your home are open and unobstructed by furniture, drapes, or other items. Closed or blocked vents create pressure imbalances that reduce system efficiency and can lead to premature equipment failure.

Verify Drainage Systems

Michigan's humid summer air means your air conditioner will remove significant moisture from your home. Locate the condensate drain line (typically a PVC pipe) and check for any blockages. Pour a cup of white vinegar through the drain to help clear algae or mold that may have developed during the dormant period.

Inspect the drain pan for any signs of standing water or previous overflow. If your system includes a condensate pump, test it by pouring water into the reservoir to ensure it activates properly.

Consider Professional Maintenance

While DIY inspection is valuable, an annual professional maintenance service provides comprehensive system evaluation. Licensed HVAC technicians can check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, measure airflow, and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

Schedule professional maintenance in spring before peak summer demand creates long wait times for service appointments. Many Michigan HVAC companies offer maintenance plans that include priority scheduling and discounted repairs.

Taking these preventative steps before activating your air conditioning system will help ensure comfortable, efficient cooling throughout Michigan's warm and humid summer months while potentially avoiding disruptive mid-season breakdowns.