Michigan summers do not get the reputation Arizona or Texas summers do, and that is exactly why air conditioning in Michigan tends to be neglected. From months of ice and snow, it can be switched on for a week of 90 degree heat and thick lake humidity in July. The maintenance performed by homeowners ahead of summer can have a big impact on whether the air conditioning remains in working condition or ends up on a tow truck on the hottest day of the year. This article will take a look at what that maintenance includes, how often it should be performed, and what homeowners can do between services to help their air conditioner remain in good condition
What Does Air Conditioning Maintenance Actually Include?
Air conditioning maintenance refers to a general set of seasonal inspections and component cleanings performed on a cooling system to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency while addressing any minor issues before they balloon into major ones
An average air conditioning service call includes cleaning and inspection of the indoor and outdoor coils, inspection of refrigerant levels and electrical connections, blower motor inspection, and clearing the condensate drain line of any buildup. The technician will also ensure the thermostat is functioning properly and replace or inspect the air filter. None of these tasks are particularly involved, which is the point – catching a fraying capacitor or slow refrigerant leak before they result in a system shutdown.
How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?
As a general rule, once per year is sufficient, with the ideal time to schedule that appointment being in the spring, preferably April or May. This timing ensures any issues that might arise are addressed before the onset of summer heat. Homeowners with pets, dusty households, nearby construction sites, or cottonwood trees all might consider a second service appointment in early fall as a precautionary measure. Air filters meanwhile require much more frequent inspection.
Checking them monthly during the cooling season is a good idea, with replacement frequency varying by the type of filter used and the specific home but generally falling between every 1-3 months. Guidelines from the manufacturer should be followed in either case.
Why Michigan’s Climate Makes Maintenance More Important
The specific climate conditions in Michigan are one of the major factors driving the need for more frequent air conditioning maintenance. There are three main reasons for this, beginning with the harsh winters that air conditioners and heat pumps must survive. An outdoor condenser sits exposed to the elements for months at a time, with heavy snowfall and ice buildup common during winter.
This increases the likelihood of damage occurring as well as debris buildup that can restrict airflow once warm weather returns. The humid conditions present throughout much of the year are another contributing factor. While most people are aware air conditioners cool a home, fewer are aware of the fact that they also dehumidify, a process that is severely hindered if coils are dirty or airflow is otherwise blocked.
Finally, the brief but extreme summer heat waves are also a consideration, as an overwhelmed air conditioner will experience greatly increased wear and tear. The combination of these three factors means the margin for error on an air conditioner is greatly reduced in Michigan as compared to other regions, and homeowners should be mindful of any changes in their system’s performance.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Maintenance?
Reduced energy costs are the biggest benefit of any maintenance schedule, and air conditioning is no exception. Dirty coils and filters restrict airflow and cause the system to run less efficiently, increasing electric bills without delivering the expected results.
Improved reliability is a second major benefit of air conditioning maintenance in Michigan with the inclusion of refrigerant and pressure checks
Worn capacitors, electrical connections, and motors often display warning signs before failing completely, and minor fixes performed during a maintenance visit can be significantly more cost-effective than an emergency repair. The overall lifespan of the system is a third benefit, with a well-maintained central air conditioner typically seeing service between 12-20 years, with the higher end of that range being much more common with proper care. Warranty coverage also overlaps into this category, as many manufacturers specifically require maintenance records to be kept on file in order to receive full coverage on a defective part.
Air quality improvements are a fourth benefit of regular maintenance on an air conditioning system. Filters and coils that accumulate dirt and gunk increase the likelihood of poor indoor air quality, with the drain line becoming a particular culprit in this regard. A well-maintained air conditioner will be less likely to suffer from the musty smell caused by standing water in the drain line.
How to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency Between Visits
There are a number of measures homeowners can take to improve the performance of their air conditioner outside of a professional maintenance visit. First and foremost is the air filter, as the Department of Energy has found that replacing that filter with a clean one can reduce the amount of energy an air conditioner consumes by up to 15% – a significant saving.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner should also be kept free of shrubs, weeds, and stored items that might block airflow to or from it, with a light hosing down with a garden hose when the power is turned off being an easy way to clear away dirt and pet hair. Inside the home, closing blinds on west facing windows during the afternoon, using ceiling fans to supplement the air conditioner’s output, and installing a programmable thermostat to keep the air conditioner from running unnecessarily while the home is empty are all useful steps. Sealing off leaks in the ductwork in attics, basements, and crawl spaces can also yield noticeable improvements. The thermostat setting itself will not cool the house down any quicker, and will instead only increase the runtime of the air conditioner.
Signs a System Needs Service Sooner
There are several warning signs that indicate an air conditioning system may need to be serviced sooner rather than later, with restricted airflow from the ducts being one of the primary considerations. So is the presence of warm air emanating from the vents while the air conditioner is in operation, unusual noises such as grinding, buzzing, or squealing, evidence of water leakage or buildup near the indoor unit, a musty odor coming from the air conditioner, and short cycling with the outdoor unit turning on and off repeatedly.
DIY Care vs. Professional Service
As mentioned above, there are a number of things a homeowner can do themselves in order to improve the performance of their air conditioner. That being said, any work regarding the refrigerant, electrical connections, or internal coils should always be left to a professional technician.
In the United States, the handling of refrigerant is a certified process, and unauthorized tampering risks both violating EPA regulations and damaging the air conditioner beyond repair. Any work related to electrical connections is also best left to technicians who have received the appropriate training to perform it. When selecting a technician, homeowners should ensure they are certified by the state, Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees that process.
In addition, a valid insurance policy, adherence to standard operating procedures through a service checklist, and the ability to provide up-front cost estimates are all good signs that a technician is trustworthy. Many heating units are served during the same time of year as air conditioners, and furnaces that are owned separately can often be included in a combined appointment.
Scheduling the visit in the spring, while the weather is still comfortably cool, will put a homeowner in the best position to manage their time given the demands of the season, although waiting until shortly before the 90 degree summer days arrive will still produce results.
FAQs:
How often should you service your air conditioner?
A central air conditioning unit should be serviced at least once per year, preferably in the spring when the temperatures begin to rise. Units that are used intensively, kept in conditions conducive to debris accumulation, or reaching the end of their expected service life may benefit from a second maintenance appointment in early fall. Air filters should be replaced much more frequently, with the exact schedule varying by the type of filter and the conditions of the home but generally every 1-3 months. Guidelines from the manufacturer should be followed in all cases
How can you improve air conditioner efficiency without calling a technician?
The most immediately impactful step a homeowner can take is to replace a dirty filter with a clean one, as the Department of Energy has found that a dirty filter can reduce an air conditioner’s efficiency by as much as 15%. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner should also be kept free of shrubs, weeds, and other items that might impede airflow to or from it. Further steps include closing blinds during the afternoon, using ceiling fans to improve circulation, and installing a programmable thermostat to avoid unnecessary cooling when occupants are not present.
When is the best time to schedule air conditioning service?
The period of April to early June is generally considered the best time to schedule an air conditioning service appointment, as it falls before the hottest summer days of the year while still being far enough removed from the coldest days of winter that technicians will be available. Scheduling towards the end of the spring or early summer also means any issues identified during the appointment can be dealt with before the peak of summer heat, and can often be performed without interrupting daily life. Appointments scheduled in July or later are more likely to result in longer wait times and higher prices due to the seasonal demand for repairs.
Does skipping air conditioning maintenance really make a difference?
Dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, and restricted drain lines are all issues that will negatively affect the performance of the air conditioner while also increasing the likelihood of a full system failure at an inconvenient time. Skipping air conditioning maintenance is also a recipe for higher energy bills due to the system’s reduced efficiency. Finally, a lack of regular servicing can cause minor problems to balloon into expensive repairs that drastically shorten the system’s service life, which can be much more costly than a single maintenance appointment.