Preventative Tips Before Booking Air Conditioning Service in Rochester, MI
There are several preventative measures homeowners can take to improve their system’s efficiency and potentially avoid costly repairs. In this blog, we’ll explore simple, effective steps you can complete before booking a service call, how those actions contribute to system longevity, and why annual maintenance remains essential in maintaining your AC’s performance over time.
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
Taking small actions before booking air conditioning service in Rochester, MI, can go a long way. Many homeowners wait until a major breakdown before contacting a professional, but this reactive approach can lead to expensive repairs or even full system replacement. Preventative steps—like inspecting airflow, adjusting thermostat settings, or clearing outdoor debris—help keep your system running efficiently. These easy tasks also enable service professionals to work more efficiently during their visit, resulting in quicker diagnostics and optimized repairs.
Simple Steps to Prepare Your AC for Service
Clear Your Air Vents and Registers
Blocked or dirty air vents are one of the most common—and preventable—causes of poor airflow in a home. Before calling for air conditioning service in Rochester, MI, walk through each room and inspect the air vents. Ensure they’re open, unobstructed by furniture, and free from dust buildup. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt and debris, which can accumulate over time and restrict airflow. This step helps your system circulate cool air more efficiently and reduces strain on your AC unit.
Test Your Thermostat’s Accuracy
Before reaching out for professional help, it’s smart to ensure your thermostat is functioning properly. An inaccurate thermostat can misread the room temperature, forcing your air conditioning unit to overwork or underperform. To test this, use an indoor thermometer placed near the thermostat (but not in direct sunlight or near vents). If there’s a significant discrepancy between the readings, it could be time to replace the thermostat or recalibrate it.
Remove Debris From the Outdoor Unit
Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit plays a vital role in cooling your home, but it's often neglected. Leaves, grass clippings, branches, and other debris can obstruct airflow and reduce your unit’s efficiency. Before calling for air conditioning service in Rochester, MI, take a few minutes to inspect the area around your outdoor unit. Clear at least two feet of space on all sides and gently rinse the exterior with a hose to remove dirt from the fins (make sure the power is off first).
Replace or Clean Your Air Filters
Dirty filters are a major culprit behind AC inefficiency and breakdowns. If you haven’t replaced your air filter in the last 30 to 90 days, now’s the time. Clogged filters restrict airflow, force your system to work harder, and can even contribute to frozen coils. Before booking your air conditioning service in Rochester, MI, swap out the old filter or clean reusable ones according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clean air filter helps your A/C to run more efficiently, and helps to reduce dust and allergens, improving the quality of the air you breathe.
How Small Steps Prevent Big Repairs
Think of your air conditioning system like your car: regular attention keeps it running smoothly. Skipping pre-service maintenance or delaying service altogether can allow minor issues—like a loose wire or dirty coil—to escalate into full system failures. By taking small DIY steps ahead of your appointment, you’re setting the stage for more effective service and potentially avoiding expensive, unnecessary repairs. It also helps your technician focus on complex diagnostics rather than routine cleaning.
Why Annual Maintenance Is Key to System Longevity
Routine annual maintenance is one of the most important steps homeowners can take to extend the life of their HVAC system. Just like a vehicle needs regular oil changes to perform well over time, your air conditioning unit requires consistent checkups to stay efficient, reliable, and safe. Annual maintenance allows technicians to identify worn-out parts, clean critical components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure the system is operating at peak performance.
This is where McQuade Heating & Cooling Plumbing & Refrigeration shines. Our staff of expert technicians at McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration have been providing the finest HVAC and plumbing service in Macomb County and Oakland County. With 55 years of industry expertise and a stellar reputation in Rochester, MI, our team doesn’t just fix problems, we help prevent them. By identifying potential issues early, we can help homeowners avoid system breakdowns during peak summer heat, reduce energy bills, and extend the overall lifespan of the system.
Get Ahead of the Heat
Taking the time to perform preventative tasks before booking air conditioning service in Rochester, MI, not only helps your AC run more efficiently but also empowers professionals like McQuade Heating & Cooling Plumbing & Refrigeration to deliver faster, more effective results. Simple actions like clearing vents, testing your thermostat, and replacing filters can make a significant difference in both comfort and cost.
Call now to schedule an appointment, to ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly all season long. Don’t wait until a heatwave hits Southeast Michigan!
