Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your AC

May in Southeastern Michigan is a perfect time to declutter the garage, spring clean inside your Clinton Township, MI, home, and get your central air conditioning system ready for summer. 

If you only do one of those tasks this spring, the expert team at Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing recommends maintaining your AC. We even will help you do it!

We assist homeowners throughout Macomb and Oakland counties with their HVAC, electrical, and plumbing needs. Our experienced Great Dane technicians maintain, repair, and install central AC units. We can help you determine if it is time to upgrade your system or if it just needs a little TLC through routine maintenance. 

We can take the lead in cleaning, inspecting, and testing your air conditioner, but we also encourage you to tackle a few simple do-it-yourself tasks before you turn your system on for daily use. 

Why Should I Maintain My AC?

You are the first line of defense against AC failure. You might be surprised by how much you can do to keep your AC in good shape. Awareness of your air conditioner is just the first step in maintaining it. These other straightforward tasks can make a real difference: 

Air Filter

You can wait for a Great Dane technician to replace the air filter during an annual tune-up, but doing it yourself can mean the difference between a clogged filter and a clean one. Clogged and dirty filters can weaken airflow, make your HVAC system work harder, and reduce efficiency and longevity. 

ENERGY STAR^® notes that airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.

We recommend inspecting your air filter monthly and replacing it according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Turn your system off before swapping the dirty and clean filters. 

Outdoor Unit

Trim back weeds, shrubs, and other vegetation that block airflow. Remove debris from around the unit, leaving two feet of space. The outdoor half of our air conditioning system needs good airflow to release heat effectively.

Over time, the outdoor unit’s condenser fins can accumulate pollen, dirt, and other debris. Clean them with a gentle stream of water from your garden hose. Take care not to bend the fins. 

Condensate Drain

Use your manufacturer’s guide to locate the condensate drain near your indoor unit. This drain line removes moisture created during the cooling process. Unscrew the cap and look inside the pipe for blockages or standing water. You can try to clear the pipe with a wet/dry vacuum. 

Clean the drain line with approximately one cup of distilled white vinegar. After pouring it into the drain, wait 30 minutes and flush the pipe with water. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for more information, and be sure to turn off your system at the thermostat and breaker before cleaning the condensate drain. 

Vents

Open all ductwork vents to ensure good airflow. Move any obstructions, such as furniture and drapes.

Learn what maintenance tasks you can do yourself and when to schedule professional service. Regular AC maintenance can extend the life of your system and improve efficiency.

What AC Tasks Should Pros Undertake?

Ideally,  schedule an AC tune-up before the cooling season starts so your technician can catch potential issues before they escalate. Here is a sampling of what a professional tune-up typically includes:

Refrigerant

Only certified technicians should handle refrigerant. Our Great Dane team must abide by federal regulations when recovering and recycling refrigerant or recharging an AC system. We have the professional tools and knowledge to repair refrigerant leaks. Promptly addressing leaks is crucial for the environment and system longevity.

Electrical

Our licensed electricians safely inspect and tighten electrical connections, check capacitors and contactors, and ensure everything functions correctly.

Cleaning

Evaporator and condenser coils can attract dirt, which reduces their ability to transfer heat. A professional cleaning requires expertise and the correct tools to avoid damage. 

System Performance

Our Great Dane pros check your system’s efficiency, airflow, and overall performance. We check your thermostat and system pressures and lubricate all moving parts. 

The Benefits of a Maintained AC System

Investing in maintenance is proactive. Preventative maintenance helps to identify and address potential problems before they cause your system to fail unexpectedly, saving you the stress and expense of emergency repairs.

A clean and well-tuned system runs more efficiently and uses less energy to keep your home cool, reducing energy bills. It also improves indoor air quality (IAQ), in your Macomb County home. 

HVAC Maintenance Plans

Need a nudge to schedule maintenance for your air conditioner? Join our Great Dane Customer Care Program and receive tune-up reminders.

We offer three plans within the program that offer multi-point inspections, 20 percent discounts on repairs, and specials. Top-tier plans include priority scheduling, no overtime fees for repairs, and an annual accrual toward new equipment purchases. 

Schedule AC Maintenance Today!

Let Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing tune up the air conditioner in your Clinton Township, MI, home. Maintenance can prepare your cooling system for the hot summer months ahead. Call us at 586-799-0960 or request service online.