Air Conditioning Tips for Summer

Every summer in Michigan can be unpredictable. The only thing that’s constant is the heat — it’s just a matter of when and how much we’re going to get. In this article, I’ll go over some tips and tricks for keeping your AC system running and in its best condition.

Step One: Routine Maintenance

Completing routine AC maintenance at the start of every spring and summer will ensure there are no electrical problems with your unit. A trained professional can also confirm that your AC is charged with the correct amount of refrigerant. Having both your electrical components and your refrigerant at the correct levels ensures your AC is not overworking itself. When either of those things begins to deteriorate, your AC will run harder to cool your home. Failing electrical components can prevent your AC from starting to cool your home at all.

Step Two: Cleaning the Unit

One common issue is that people are not cleaning and changing their filters. Just as changing your furnace filter with the seasons is important, it’s equally important to wash and clean your AC. Using an AC-safe cleaner available at your local hardware store, you can gently clean your AC and finish with a hose rinse. Brushes are available that allow you to clean the fins more thoroughly, but be warned that the fins are quite fragile and can bend or break easily. Along with cleaning your AC unit in the off-season, it’s a good idea to cover the fan. In Michigan, where fall brings leaves and winter brings heavy snow, protecting the opening of the unit will help prolong its life. Not all AC units look the same — some have a metal case that completely covers the fins. This doesn’t mean those units stay clean all year; grass clippings from mowing, dirt, and debris can still get inside. Cleaning those units can be a bit more involved, as removing the shell can be difficult. Calling an All Seasons Heating and Cooling professional to service and clean it may be the best approach if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Cleaning is just one part of the AC tune-up process.

Step Three: Don’t Block Your Unit

In some cases, customers have had things blocking the airflow of their unit. Blocking the unit’s airflow makes it work harder to cool your home. Tall grass, weeds, and debris are just some of the examples we see in the field.

Step Four: Utilize Your Fans

Your AC may need some help cooling your home on those hot summer days — this is where ceiling fans and bedroom fans can help dramatically. While your AC is producing cold air, using fans to circulate it may take some of the stress off your AC. Make sure not to use window fans or have your windows open while your AC is running, as that is a quick way to waste a lot of energy.

Step Five: Let Your Unit Rest When You’re Not Home

In conditions where it would be appropriate to turn off your unit, you should consider it. Not only will this help with your utility bill at the end of the month, but it will also benefit your AC. Cooler nights and milder days are prime conditions to give your central AC system a much-needed break. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees and raising it several degrees when no one is home — including your pets. If you have trouble setting your thermostat, consider having an All Seasons Heating and Cooling professional install a programmable one and show you how to use it.

In all cases, having an All Seasons Heating and Cooling professional out every year to service your furnace and air conditioning is the best way to make sure your system is clean and running smoothly. Call us today at (989) 710-9390">(989) 710-9390.