Skip to content 
Given our region’s bone-chilling winters and sweltering summers, proper HVAC performance is critical for Michigan homeowners. You don’t want to find yourself stuck waiting for a service visit during January or August. But while equipment malfunctions are always possible, proper HVAC maintenance will help prevent many issues and keep your system working as it should.
The problem is, relatively few homeowners know exactly what kind of HVAC maintenance they should carry out. So, we’ll try to help by sharing some of the key steps you’ll want to take to keep your system operating effectively and efficiently.
Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Steps for Michigan Homeowners
Though summer and winter are the most demanding times of year for your heating and cooling system, each season places different kinds of stress on your HVAC. So, you’ll want to carry out different maintenance steps at different times of the year.
Spring HVAC Maintenance
Springtime HVAC maintenance is generally pretty simple and primarily focused on getting your system ready for the summer.
Start by replacing your air filters or cleaning them if they’re of the reusable variety. This will help ensure proper airflow through the unit and prevent it from having to work harder than necessary. Just make sure that you always purchase replacement filters that are properly matched to your HVAC.
You’ll also want to check your thermostat settings and start transitioning from wintertime set points to those that are appropriate for the rising temperatures. To ensure your electricity bills don’t skyrocket, most utilities advise Michigan homeowners to set their thermostat to 78° Fahrenheit in the summer.
If you notice anything wrong with your HVAC system at all, this is the time to schedule a service call. Once summer rolls around, HVAC professionals become very busy, which could leave you suffering from high temperatures for weeks.
Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips
Hopefully, your springtime maintenance steps will set your HVAC up to work properly during the hottest portion of the summer. But there are still a few things you’ll want to do to help sidestep any potential problems.
Start by simply monitoring the system, especially the amount of air flowing from the vents. Go around your home checking each one while the unit should be blowing cool air. You can also check intakes by using a single piece of printer paper — there should be enough force to keep the paper stuck to the intake grate.
You’ll also want to monitor the basic performance of the system. Does your home feel suitably cool? Does the thermostat show that your home is actually achieving the desired temperature? If you can’t answer “yes” to both of those questions, schedule a service call immediately.
Don’t forget to check for humidity issues, too. Make sure the dehumidifier function is working properly (if present) and watch for condensation forming on cool surfaces in your home.
Fall HVAC Maintenance
Assuming your HVAC made it through summer in good shape, you can start enjoying the cooler fall weather and begin preparing your system for the cold winter.
It’s almost always a good idea to have your furnace inspected at this time of year, and it’s also wise to have a service tech provide tune-up services. This will help ensure you catch any problems that have begun to arise, and your system will be ready to work at peak efficiency once the mercury plummets.
Also, be sure to fire up your heating system before winter sets in. As with the summer, winter is a busy time of year for HVAC professionals, and you don’t want to be left without heat during sub-freezing weather — that will not only leave you shivering but also raise the possibility of your pipes freezing.
This is also a good time of year to look for any air leaks or drafts. Be sure to check all of the exposed ductwork you can safely access and seal any gaps you find. It’s also important to check your carbon monoxide detectors at this time and ensure they’re working properly — most have a “test” feature specifically for this purpose.
Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips
With the arrival of winter, you’ll need your HVAC system working in tip-top condition to ensure you stay warm and cozy.
One of the most important things to do is replace or clean your filters if you haven’t done so since the spring. In fact, you may find it helpful to replace the filters more than once during the winter, as this will help ensure maximum efficiency for the unit.
Additionally, be sure that you keep all of the vents in your home clear — many homeowners run into problems when they accidentally move furniture or other items in front of their home’s vents.
Aside from that, you will also want to monitor the system regularly and be on the lookout for any unusual signs. This could be strange noises coming from your furnace or vents, or it could be odd odors emanating through the house. If anything seems amiss at all, schedule a service call as soon as possible.
Why HVAC Maintenance Is Especially Important in Michigan
Let’s be clear: It’s important for every homeowner to maintain their HVAC system. It doesn’t matter if you live in Michigan, Florida, or Alaska; routine HVAC maintenance is a critical responsibility. However, we’ll share a few key reasons that it is important for homeowners living in the Great Lakes State to take HVAC maintenance seriously:
- Our region’s cold winters place considerable strain on your furnace. Without regular maintenance, reduced performance is almost guaranteed, and small problems can become very expensive issues for neglected HVAC systems.
- Michigan’s hot, humid summers make things very difficult for AC units. Keeping your home cool throughout the summer is hard for many AC units, which means that even minor problems can lead to inadequate performance or complete system failure.
- Seasonal transitions can stress HVAC systems. Because our temperatures can swing nearly 100 degrees from summer to winter (or the opposite), it’s important that your HVAC is always kept in tip-top shape and ready to deal with these transitions.
- Efficiency is important for your family’s comfort and budget. Maintenance helps to ensure your HVAC system continues to work efficiently throughout the year. This not only helps keep your home feeling more comfortable but also keeps your energy bills as low as possible.
DIY HVAC Maintenance Isn’t Enough: The Importance of Professional HVAC Maintenance
While Michigan homeowners can handle a lot of basic HVAC maintenance tasks, professional maintenance is crucial for keeping your heating and cooling system safe, efficient, and reliable. This is especially important for Michigan residents, given our state’s extreme weather and climate.
Homeowner-Appropriate HVAC Maintenance
While homeowners can’t complete some of the advanced kinds of HVAC maintenance tasks professionals can, there are a few things homeowners can do on a regular basis. These steps help support system performance between professional visits, but are not a substitute for a full inspection.
Homeowner maintenance typically includes things like:
- Replacing or cleaning air filters every one to three months
- Keeping your supply and return vents clear of dust, furniture, and debris
- Visually inspecting outdoor units and clearing leaves or snow buildup
- Monitoring thermostat settings and system performance
- Noticing unusual noises, odors, or airflow changes
These actions help maintain airflow, support indoor air quality, and prevent obvious obstructions, but they will not address things like internal system wear or safety issues.
What Professional HVAC Maintenance Covers
Professional HVAC maintenance involves detailed inspections of the internal components of your HVAC system, as well as precise adjustments, intended to optimize performance. Homeowners aren’t qualified to carry out these tasks, as they require specialized training, tools, and licensing.
A professional HVAC maintenance visit typically includes:
- Inspecting and cleaning internal HVAC components such as coils, burners, and heat exchangers
- Testing electrical connections, controls, and safety switches
- Checking refrigerant levels and system pressures
- Measuring airflow and system efficiency
- Inspecting gas connections and combustion performance
- Verifying proper system operation under load
In Michigan homes, professional maintenance is especially important before peak heating and cooling seasons, when systems are placed under the greatest stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Maintenance in Michigan
Still have questions about maintaining your HVAC system? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions our customers have and answered them below.
How often should I change my HVAC filter?
The ideal replacement schedule for your HVAC filter will change depending on the type of filter you have and several factors relating to your home. Generally speaking, you’ll need to replace 1-inch filters every 30 to 90 days, though thick, pleated filters may last six months to a year between replacements.
Just note that you’ll want to change your filters more frequently than this if your home has a lot of smoke, dust, dander, or pet hair. Similarly, if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, you’ll want to replace the filters every 45 to 60 days.
Is HVAC maintenance really necessary every year?
Yes, HVAC maintenance is a yearly requirement. Ideally, you’ll have an HVAC professional come to your home and carry out a complete service visit. But if that’s not possible, you’ll still want to perform all of the steps outlined above, such as changing your filters.
Can maintenance help with indoor air quality?
Absolutely — regular HVAC maintenance (especially periodic filter changes) will help keep the air in your home cleaner and ensure that your system works as it should.
What happens if I skip HVAC maintenance?
In a best-case scenario, you may just notice slightly declining performance if you fail to have your HVAC maintained in a given season. But in a worst-case scenario, minor problems may turn into major issues, potentially leaving you without climate control during extreme weather.
What is the three-minute rule for AC?
The three-minute rule is a guideline that states you should always wait for three minutes after turning your AC off before turning it back on. This allows the refrigerant pressure to equalize, protecting the compressor from the strain of an immediate restart. This is especially important for older systems or those without built-in compressor delay protection.
What’s the best HVAC maintenance schedule?
Ideally, homeowners should conduct HVAC maintenance four times per year (with each changing season), and they should have their system professionally serviced in the spring and fall.
Can I do HVAC maintenance myself?
There are several maintenance steps homeowners can perform themselves, such as visual inspections of the exterior and filter changes. But tasks beyond that are best left to professionals.
What is the average lifespan of an HVAC in Michigan?
Most HVAC units will last between 10 and 25 years in Michigan. A significant factor in determining whether your unit will work for the higher or lower end of that range comes down to maintenance — the more maintenance you carry out, the longer your HVAC system is likely to last.
Trust Dynamic HVAC for Your Heating and Cooling Needs!
Even with regular maintenance, HVAC systems occasionally suffer from problems that require professional help. But the heating and cooling experts at Dynamic HVAC are here to help! From AC installation to furnace repairs and everything in between, we can help solve any HVAC-related issues you’re experiencing. We even offer professional maintenance plans for your AC, heat pump, or furnace.
Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and enjoy the kind of year-round comfort you deserve!
