Proudly Serving West Michigan & Southwest Michigan
(616) 207-4097
When the summer arrives, the scorching weather comes with it. During the hottest months of the year, you’ll likely rely heavily on your air conditioner to keep your Michigan home cool and comfortable. However, if you dramatically increase your AC usage without preparing your cooling system, there can be severe consequences. For example, your air conditioner may become overworked, leading to decreased energy efficiency, poor performance, and an increased risk of serious equipment failure.
If you take the time to get your air conditioner ready for peak summer usage, you can ensure that it continues running smoothly when you need it the most.
Here, we’ll cover a handful of simple, effective steps you can take to prepare your AC unit for the sweltering summer months.
Check and Clean Your Air Vents
For your AC unit to run like new this summer, your home’s air vents must be clean and unobstructed. Whenever you have the AC on, your cooling system must pass conditioned air through the ductwork and out of the air vents. These vents allow cool air to reach the different areas of your house. However, if the vents become blocked or dirty, they will prevent your AC unit from doing its job properly.
Over time, contaminants like dust, dirt, and small debris will accumulate inside your home’s air vents. Before the summer weather arrives, check each vent in your dwelling to check and clean it. Make sure there isn’t furniture or clutter obstructing any of the vents. Then, using a screwdriver, remove the cover panel from each vent. Finally, clean any contaminants out of the vent’s interior with a vacuum cleaner’s hose extension.
If you clean your air vents now, you can improve your air conditioner’s performance and also ensure other benefits. For example, you’ll notice improved indoor air quality, even temperatures around the house, and lower monthly energy bills.
Replace Your AC Filter
The air filter is an integral part of your air conditioner. As the AC unit cycles, all the air passes through the filter. The filter traps airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and many pollutants. This allows the appliance to run smoothly and efficiently while maintaining clean indoor air for your living space. After a while, though, these filters run out of space for catching particles.
At least once every few months, you will need to replace your air conditioner’s filter. Generally, you should do this before the hot Michigan summer begins. If you fail to switch out a dirty filter, your air conditioner will work harder and harder to pull air through. This will worsen its efficiency and prevent it from doing its job effectively. Plus, the odds of a serious mechanical failure will increase substantially.
If you’re unsure whether your AC unit’s air filter needs replacing, you can visually inspect it. Take the filter out and hold it up to a light source. If you can’t see the light shining through, then it’s time to replace it with a clean air filter.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor cooling unit’s energy efficiency can also be compromised if it becomes dirty or is surrounded by debris. Before the weather heats up, take the time to check the outdoor condenser unit and, if necessary, clean it. You’ll want to check that things like leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris aren’t on top of or around the unit.
You can effectively clean an outdoor condenser unit in a couple of different ways. For one, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any debris. You can also use a hose on a gentle setting to rinse away things like dirt and leaves. Doing this now will ensure that your AC unit can keep your home comfortable while maintaining high efficiency this summer.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
To get the most out of your cooling unit, scheduling professional AC maintenance every year is essential. Typically, the best time to get this service done is during the spring or in the early summer. After the AC tune-up, your air conditioner should be running like new for the foreseeable future. This means that it will provide reliable, energy-efficient cooling during the hottest time of the year.
When you schedule air conditioning maintenance with Service Professor, one of our expert technicians will promptly visit your home. They will inspect your AC unit, checking various components to see if anything needs repairing, adjusting, or replacing. They will also clean the unit and run tests to ensure it’s operating properly.
In addition to improving your cooling system’s health, energy efficiency, and overall performance, AC maintenance allows you to catch mechanical problems before they cost you time and money. If your hired technician finds any indicators of an upcoming equipment issue, they can take preventative measures to keep it from transforming into a severe problem requiring an expensive repair.
At Service Professor, we offer a cost-effective AC maintenance plan for our Michigan clients. Our MVP Protection Plan ensures that your air conditioner will never miss a tune-up. With this plan, you’ll receive priority scheduling for AC maintenance as well as a discount on parts if you need repairs.
Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning
Your home’s ductwork is easy to overlook, but it plays an important role in the health and efficiency of your HVAC system. If you haven’t gotten your air ducts cleaned in more than a couple of years, schedule a duct cleaning appointment before the summer weather arrives.
When you wait too long to clean your ductwork, it can become packed with various contaminants, including mold, dirt, dust, pet dander, and even pest droppings. The dirtier and more clogged the air ducts are, the harder your air conditioner will need to work to effectively circulate cold air.
- Rising energy bills
- Uneven temperatures in your home
- Weak AC airflow
- Unpleasant odors
- Worsening indoor air quality
- Increased likelihood of AC equipment problems
By scheduling professional duct cleaning now, you can make it much easier for your AC unit to run at optimal performance and efficiency all summer long. At Service Professor, our ductwork professionals will thoroughly clean your home’s air ducts and check for any leaks or damage that need addressing.
Your Trusted Local AC Professionals
Since we opened our doors in 1978, we at Service Professor have provided West and Southwest Michigan with top-tier home comfort services. In addition to expert AC services, our skilled professionals offer a full slate of heating, plumbing, ductwork, and electrical services.
Whether you need HVAC maintenance, indoor air quality solutions, electrical installation, or any other essential household service, we’ll be there to help. On every job, our mission is to provide unparalleled customer service and 100% satisfaction.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, simply contact us at Service Professor today!
