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Is Your AC Ready for the Heat Wave? A Pre-Summer Checklist

Prepping for the summer heat in Southern Michigan means having a cooling system that can handle the extreme high temperatures and humidity of the season.

Knowing how to prepare your AC for hot, muggy weather can help you stay more comfortable inside when the temperatures outside become unbearable. Use this guide for summer AC preparation to be ready when the scorching heat sets in.

Two outdoor AC condensers outside a brick home in summer during tune up. Red and black tool bag on top of taller unit. Yellow work gloves on top of shorter unit in foreground.

Why You Should Prep Your AC for Summer

Preparing your air conditioner ahead of summer helps you stay comfortable and keep costs lower. You’ll enjoy these benefits when you prep your system this spring:

  • Prevent unexpected breakdowns and failures.
  • Keep cooling costs lower with energy-efficient operation.
  • Schedule repairs with plenty of time ahead of summer.
  • Comply with warranty requirements.
  • Keep your system healthy for a longer useful life.
  • Improve your indoor air quality.

Inspect & Replace the Air Filter

Your cooling system uses an air filter to trap dust and contaminants that circulate through the system. This filter helps keep the air blowing through your home clean while preventing buildup inside the system.

A dirty or clogged filter can hinder airflow, causing your AC to work harder and longer to cool your home. Clogged filters can also cause your system to overheat and break down due to the added strain.

Inspect your air filter before you switch to cooling mode, and change it every one to three months to prevent clogs.

Check & Clean the Outdoor Unit

The part of the system that sits outside your house is the condenser. This unit includes coils and a fan, among other components, and helps make the cold air needed for your home comfort.

It’s crucial to keep the condenser clear and clean for optimal cooling. Remove all debris from the top of the unit, including leaves and twigs. Clear vegetation and other items from around it, and give it 2 to 3 feet of clearance.

You can use your garden hose to gently spray the outside of the condenser to remove dust and dirt from the coil. Do not spray water directly into the top of the unit when cleaning it. If you’d rather not take a chance doing it yourself, our technicians can clean the condenser during your professional AC tune-up.

Inspect Air Vents & Ductwork

Before turning on the air conditioner, make sure all your vents are clear and open. Move furniture and other belongings away from the vents to ensure plenty of open space for cold air to blow. Clean the vents and ducts at the opening where you can reach.

Schedule a ductwork inspection to ensure your air ducts have a clean and leak-free path of travel for cold air. If you feel like some rooms aren’t getting as much airflow as others, consider calling us for air balancing. This service helps create even cooling in every room without hot spots.

Test the Thermostat Before Summer

It’s wise to test your system ahead of the summer heat. If it doesn’t turn on, makes strange sounds, or doesn’t cool your home, your AC may need a repair. You might also need to check the thermostat for proper functioning.

If your thermostat isn’t properly calibrated, it won’t send accurate signals to the AC. This is also a good time to check the batteries and replace them if they’re low.

Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up

Along with these simple tasks you can do yourself, you need regular professional maintenance. Our technicians take a deep dive into your system, cleaning inside it, checking the refrigerant lines for leaks, clearing the condensate drain, and lubricating the moving parts. Our service ensures you’re ready for summer and helps prevent AC breakdowns.

Need Help? 810-844-4178

Why Schedule Your Spring Tune-Up With Dominion Service Company?

With years of experience serving the Southern Michigan area, our trained and trusted technicians provide nothing but the best when you call us for cooling services. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services, giving you peace of mind as we head into the brutal heat of summer. Count on us for transparent upfront pricing, so there will be no surprises when you get your bill.

We offer easy financing options on approved credit to help you get service now and pay later, and with our comprehensive maintenance plan, you can keep your system healthy and enjoy many added perks. Head into summer with peace of mind knowing your AC system is ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Contact Dominion Service Company today to schedule air conditioner maintenance in Brighton, MI.

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