How to Get Your HVAC System Ready for Spring in West Michigan
After a long Michigan winter, your HVAC system has been working hard. Before you switch over to cooling mode, a little preparation goes a long way. These simple steps help you avoid surprise AC problems on the first hot day and keep your system running efficiently all season.
Your Spring HVAC Checklist
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Your filter has been catching dust, pet hair, and particles all winter. A fresh filter improves airflow, helps your AC cool more effectively, and keeps your energy bills lower. If you haven't changed it in the last 90 days, now is the time.
2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Take a look at your outdoor condenser. Over the winter, leaves, debris, and dead vegetation may have accumulated around it. Clear at least two feet of space on all sides. This airflow is critical for your AC to release heat efficiently. If you covered the unit for winter, remove the cover before running the system.
3. Clean the Outdoor Unit
Gently hose down the condenser fins to remove dirt and debris. Use a regular garden hose — not a pressure washer, which can bend the delicate fins. Spray from the inside out to push debris away from the coil.
4. Check Your Thermostat
Switch your thermostat to cooling mode and set a temperature below the current room temperature. Listen for the outdoor unit to kick on. If it doesn't start, check your breaker panel — the outdoor unit may be on a separate breaker that was turned off for winter.
5. Inspect Your Vents
Walk through your house and make sure all supply and return vents are open and unblocked. Furniture, rugs, and curtains can end up covering vents over the winter, which restricts airflow and creates hot spots.
6. Test the System
Run your AC for 15-20 minutes and check a few things: Is cool air coming from the vents? Are any unusual noises happening? Is the outdoor unit running? This test run lets you catch issues while the weather is still mild — not on the first 90-degree day when every HVAC company in town is booked solid.
7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A spring AC tune-up includes cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical connections, and inspecting the full system. It's the best way to catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. Most manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep your warranty valid, too.
Bonus: Check Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in spring and summer to push air down and create a cool breeze. Most fans have a small switch on the housing to change direction. Using ceiling fans alongside your AC lets you set the thermostat a few degrees higher while still feeling comfortable — saving energy and money.