There’s nothing like stepping into a cool home on a hot summer day—but that comfort doesn’t just happen on its own. Your air conditioner needs a little attention before the heat arrives to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. At AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, in Farmington Hills, MI, we’ve helped countless homeowners prepare their systems for summer without stress.
With the right prep, you’ll ensure your AC is always ready to provide the comfort and convenience you need, when you need it most.
Check and Replace Air Filters
Air filters play a major role in how well your air conditioner performs, yet they’re often overlooked. A clogged or dirty filter makes the system work harder than it should, lowering efficiency and driving up energy costs. By checking your filter at least once a month during the summer and replacing it when it looks dusty or gray, you can potentially save on your energy costs.
If you have pets or live in an area with lots of pollen, you may need to replace it even more frequently. A clean filter improves airflow, protects the system from debris, and helps maintain better indoor air quality. When airflow improves, your AC can cool your home more evenly without wasting energy.
Inspect Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit, or condenser, handles a lot during the summer. It pulls heat from inside and releases it outdoors. Leaves, dirt, grass, and even small branches can block the fins and coils, reducing how well the unit works. Start by clearing away any debris around the base and trimming plants so nothing touches the unit. Look at the fins and coils closely. If they appear bent or packed with dirt, it’s a smart idea to have them professionally cleaned and straightened. This keeps the system from overheating and keeps it running smoothly during long stretches of warm weather.
Check Thermostat Settings and Test the System
Your thermostat controls how and when your air conditioner runs. Before summer arrives, check the thermostat settings to make sure they match your needs. Many people forget to switch from heat to cool mode when the seasons change. Set the temperature to a comfortable but efficient level, usually around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home.
Then, turn on the system and listen as it runs. You want to hear a steady, smooth hum without rattling, banging, or buzzing. Walk from room to room to feel if the cool air is reaching each space evenly. If you notice one area is warm while others are cold, there may be a problem with the airflow or ductwork.
Inspect Ductwork for Leaks or Damage
Air ducts carry cool air from the system into every room. If they have leaks or damage, you lose conditioned air before it reaches where you need it. Check exposed ductwork in attics, crawl spaces, or basements. Look for loose connections, holes, or sections that may have come apart. Feel for air escaping around joints or seams when the system runs.
Sealing leaks with the right materials, like mastic or metal tape, helps the system work efficiently and lowers cooling costs. Keep in mind that flexible ducts can sag or kink, so it’s important to check for bends that block airflow.
Clean Vents and Registers
The vents and registers inside your home allow cool air to enter rooms. Over time, they collect dust, pet hair, and debris that can restrict airflow. Walk through the house and inspect each vent. Make sure no furniture, rugs, or curtains block the openings. Even small blockages reduce how well your AC can circulate air, making the system work harder. If some vents are closed or obstructed, it can create pressure imbalances that strain the system and increase wear on the blower motor.
Check Drain Line and Pan
As your air conditioner cools the air, it also pulls out moisture, which drains through a narrow pipe called the condensate drain line. When this line becomes clogged, water can back up inside the system, leading to spills on floors or potential ceiling damage. Take a look at the drain line near the indoor unit, typically found in a utility closet or attic, and check that water flows properly into the drain pan.
Seal and Improve Home Insulation
Preparing your AC for summer isn’t just about the system itself—it’s also about the space it cools. Poor insulation and gaps around windows or doors let cooled air escape, forcing your AC to work harder to keep up. Walk through your home and check for drafts around window frames, door edges, and attic access points. Look for areas where light shines through or where you can feel warm air sneaking in. Weather stripping and caulk can help seal these gaps effectively.
Adjust Ceiling Fans and Airflow
Many people overlook the fact that ceiling fans have a switch that changes the blade direction. During summer, the blades should spin counterclockwise to push air downward and create a breeze that helps rooms feel cooler. This simple adjustment lets you raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort, reducing how hard the AC has to work.
Lubricate Moving Parts and Check Electrical Connections
Air conditioners have motors, fans, and belts that need to move smoothly to work efficiently. Without proper lubrication, these parts wear down quickly and can even overheat. While many modern systems have sealed components, some older models benefit from professional lubrication.
Electrical connections also play a key role in safe operation. Loose wires or corroded terminals can cause short circuits or reduce system performance. A professional AC maintenance technician can check electrical connections, tighten them as needed, and apply the right protective coatings to prevent future issues. This professional tune-up will give you the peace of mind that your system is in top condition, ready to keep you cool all summer long.
Evaluate Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air inside your AC system. If the levels get too low, the system struggles to absorb heat properly, which can lead to warm air coming from the vents or ice building up on the coils. Checking refrigerant requires specialized tools and should always be done by a licensed professional.
Low refrigerant levels often point to a leak, which not only affects comfort but can also damage the compressor if left untreated. Having a professional evaluate refrigerant levels before summer gives you peace of mind and protects one of the most expensive components in your system. An EPA-certified AC repair expert can find the source of the leak, fix it, and recharge the refrigerant so you’re ready to go.
Test System Performance With a Professional Tune-Up
A professional tune-up gives your air conditioner a full check before summer arrives. Technicians use special tools to check airflow, wiring, refrigerant, and how well the system runs. This helps them catch small problems early, so they don’t turn into big, costly repairs.
During the visit, they usually clean the coils, tighten any loose connections, test safety switches, and look over important parts like capacitors and contactors. This kind of care helps your air conditioner work better, lowers the chance of breakdowns, and helps it last longer. Our Always Here Plan makes AC maintenance easy and helps you save money with discounts and perks.
A little time spent preparing your AC now can save you from headaches when temperatures soar. From better performance to lower energy bills, giving your system a seasonal checkup pays off. If you’re ready for expert help making sure your AC is prepared to handle the summer, the team at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is here to make it easy for you. Along with HVAC services, we provide air quality solutions, insulation upgrades, and duct cleaning to help improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Contact AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today for more information!
