Everyone loves a surprise, right? Unless that surprise is a massive home repair bill. The reality is, that most of the time a big problem doesn’t show up out of nowhere. AC units that suddenly stop working have probably been through years of neglected maintenance, incorrect repair, or its lifespan is simply over.
If you’ve lived in Michigan long enough, you already know that our weather doesn’t play fair. One day it’s 55 and sunny. The next day, there’s six inches of snow. Systems that run year-round can only take so much without a little backup. The right HVAC maintenance habits and planning can help Michigan homeowners stay comfortable no matter what the temperature is.
Keep reading for insights from our Oakland County, MI, AC maintenance contractors. In addition to extending the life of your unit, our team is here to help you take advantage of cost savings.
Why Regular Home Maintenance Pays Off
Home maintenance might not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but skipping it can get expensive, really fast. A clogged air filter, dusty furnace, or a random puddle of water near your unit might not seem like a big deal today. Give it a few months though, and those little problems can turn into major repair bills.
A lot of homeowners put off basic maintenance because everything seems fine. Until it isn’t. That buzzing noise from the AC? It turns into a full system shutdown on a 90-degree Saturday. That slow-draining water heater? It waits until the middle of winter to go cold. When you stay ahead of routine HVAC maintenance and other home upkeep, the chance of home equipment going rogue is a lot less.
Michigan homes have their own set of challenges. Between humid summers, nearly freezing winters, and big swings in temperature, your HVAC and other systems work harder than you might realize. That extra strain makes regular HVAC inspections even more important. A quick service call in spring or fall can save you from emergency repairs during extreme weather.
We’ll break down what to check (and when), how to cut costs without cutting corners, and how HVAC Comfort Inc can help you stay ahead of it all.
What Should Be On Your Annual HVAC Maintenance List?
Every season brings its own set of home maintenance must-dos. Staying ahead of them helps keep energy bills low, prevents breakdowns, and extends the life of your equipment. You don’t need much—just a short list, a couple reminders on your calendar, and a reliable HVAC company when it’s time to call in the pros.
Spring + Summer To-Dos
- Schedule an AC inspection before the first heat wave: Don’t wait for an ultra-humid 90-degree day to find out your AC isn’t working. A quick HVAC inspection in the spring can catch issues early and help your system run more efficiently all summer.
- Clean or replace your air filters: A dirty filter makes your system work harder and raises your energy bill. Change filters every 90 days at a minimum. These pink air filters change color to help you remember when it’s time!
- Clear debris from around your outdoor AC unit: Leaves, branches, and yard waste can block airflow. Keep at least two feet of space around the unit for proper ventilation.
- Double-check your thermostat settings: Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool,” the fan is on auto, and the temperature makes sense. Smart thermostats can help fine-tune things for comfort and cost.
Fall + Winter To-Dos
- Schedule a furnace inspection before the first frost: Michigan winters aren’t forgiving. A fall furnace inspection helps you avoid mid-season breakdowns so your heating system is safe and efficient.
- Seal windows and doors: Drafts let cold air in and make your furnace work overtime. A quick DIY seal with weatherstripping or caulk can make a big difference.
- Replace your humidifier filter: Whole home humidifiers prevent dry air and reduce static in the winter, but only if the filter is clean!
- Flush your water heater: Sediment buildup can hurt efficiency and shorten the life of your unit. A quick flush or inspection each year helps keep hot water flowing.
How Preventive HVAC Maintenance Saves You Money
As they say, waiting until something breaks is always the most expensive way to fix it. Well, at least that’s what we say. Homeowners who stick to regular HVAC maintenance spend a lot less in the long run. A quick HVAC inspection can catch problems before they snowball, and keep your system running like it should when the extreme weather hits. Regular tune-ups will reduce energy usage and utility bills in your home.
Air Filters Matter More Than You Think
We touched on air filters a bit already, but it’s worth talking about again. They’re one of the easiest things to control when it comes to HVAC maintenance. When airflow is restricted from dirty filters, your equipment has to work harder to move air through the house. That means higher energy use, faster wear and tear, and more calls for HVAC repair that could’ve been avoided.
And if you’re wondering, “Can skipping a $20 filter really cause problems?” The answer is yes. We’ve seen motors overheat, evaporator coils clog, and systems ice over just because of a filter that hadn’t been swapped in 8 months. 90 days is a good rule of thumb.
Look for higher MERV-rated filters that help reduce pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other indoor air troublemakers—especially during spring and fall when allergy season hits hard around here.
Financing Can Help With Bigger Repairs
Sometimes HVAC repair means a small fix. Other times, it’s a completely new system. When that happens, most homeowners don’t have a few grand sitting around to cover it. And the good is, you don’t need to.
HVAC Comfort Inc offers flexible financing through partners like GreenSky, Michigan Saves, and GoodLeap. All of these lenders have trusted programs that help Michigan homeowners cover bigger costs without draining their savings.
The Worry-Free Home Comfort package is another option worth asking about. It includes a new system with no upfront payment, a low monthly bill, and no surprise charges. 10 years of no-cost HVAC maintenance is part of the package too!
Most of the families we work with don’t pay for a new system all at once. If your system’s aging or already showing signs it’s on the way out, let’s talk about financing before it becomes an emergency.
Stay Ahead of HVAC Costs This Year
You don’t need a major overhaul to make your HVAC system run better and last longer. Most of the savings come from simple, consistent habits.
Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance
A quick tune-up before summer or winter hits can keep your system from breaking down when you need it most. If you had a tune up recently but want to get ahead of system maintenance, schedule an inspection.
Set reminders to check your filters
Every 90 days is a good rule. If you’ve got pets or allergies, make it more often. For optimal performance into the next season, replace your HVAC filter:
- Summer: On or before Memorial Day
- Winter: Before or on Thanksgiving
Book your next HVAC inspection with HVAC Comfort Inc
A trained HVAC contractor can catch minor issues before they become expensive ones. You’ll get the full picture, plus videos and honest advice from the experts at HVAC Comfort Inc. We prioritize extending the life of your unit and conducting maintenance to avoid surprise costs.
Written By: HVAC Comfort Team