April 10, 2025 • AC Maintenance
As the last traces of Michigan's winter melt away, it’s easy to forget about the summer heat that’s just around the corner. But early spring is the perfect time to prepare your air conditioning system. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent a stressful and expensive breakdown during the first real heatwave.
Here are three essential tips to get your AC unit in top shape for the cooling season.
1. Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit, the condenser, needs to breathe. Over the fall and winter, leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris can accumulate around and on top of it, restricting airflow. This forces the system to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of overheating. Take a few minutes to:
• Clear away any leaves, grass clippings, or branches in at least a two-foot radius around the unit.
• Gently hose down the exterior fins with a garden hose (not a pressure washer) to remove packed-in dirt and dust.
2. Change the Indoor Air Filter
This is a familiar tip for a reason—it’s crucial for both heating and cooling. A clogged air filter is the number one cause of HVAC system failure. It restricts airflow, making your AC struggle to circulate cool air through your home. This not only drives up your energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the system's components. Start the season fresh with a new, clean filter.
3. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
While the first two steps are great DIY tasks, nothing replaces a professional inspection. An annual AC tune-up is the best way to ensure your system is running safely, efficiently, and reliably. During a maintenance visit, a certified technician will:
• Check for proper refrigerant levels.
• Clean the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils.
• Inspect and tighten all electrical connections.
• Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction.
• Ensure the thermostat is calibrated correctly.
This preventative service catches small issues before they become major problems, saving you from an inconvenient mid-summer breakdown.
Beat the Rush and Be Ready for Summer
By preparing your AC in the spring, you ensure your family’s comfort and help your system run more efficiently all summer long. The team at Mechanical Temp is here to provide expert AC maintenance and repair services. Schedule your professional AC tune-up today and relax knowing you're ready for the heat.