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Winterize And Prep Your Air-Conditioner For A Michigan Winter

Michigan Winter can start at a moment’s notice. Time to Winterize And Prep Your Air-Conditioner For A Michigan Winter. Now Is The Time To Prepare The transition from summer to…

Air Conditioner

AIR UNIT

Scott Randall

Michigan Winter can start at a moment's notice. Time to Winterize And Prep Your Air-Conditioner For A Michigan Winter.

Now Is The Time To Prepare

The transition from summer to winter in Michigan is fast. it’s important to prep Your Air-Conditioner unit before the first snowfall. By winterizing your AC, you can protect it from harsh weather, ice, and rust so you don't have to worry when it's time for the Michigan Summer heat.

Air conditioner unit in the summer

Air conditioner (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Follow These Few Tips

I learned the following tips from my longtime friend Mark Causley. Leaving your AC unit exposed to seasonal conditions can damage your unit and cost you money for repairs. A few simple steps will save you time, money, and sweat when summer returns.

  1. Turn the power to the AC Off - Locate the AC disconnect switch  near your unit and flip the switch to “off.” If there isn’t one, then switch the breaker at the main panel to “off”. When your AC has no available power, it won’t surprise you in January.
  2. Change The Filter - Don't know how many times my friend Mark Casley has told me, to change your filters. With a dirty and clogged filter, you run the risk of circulating dirt throughout your home.
  3. Clean the Unit Before You Cover It - Covering your AC unit helps protect it from ice, snow, and cold winds. A waterproof vinyl cover works best. Make sure to secure it down. Michigan winds are famous for blowing covers off everything
  4. Inspect the Foam Insulation on The Pipes - Make sure the foam pipe cover is in good repair and doesn’t expose the copper tubing anywhere.
  5. It always Good To Have A Professional Look At Your Air Unit-  A Professional inspection is always a good idea in case you might miss something. A good AC tech will always go through a point checklist to make sure everything is safe and up to standards. Trust me this will save you a lot of money in the long run and expensive repairs in the future.
Mark CausleyScott Randall

This is my friend Mark Causley. If you don't change your filters you might see him when something breaks

My friend Mark Causley saved my father from a costly repair from a company that tried to take advantage of a senior citizen. A local company that I won't name tried to sell him an AC unit he didn't need. So I asked Mark for a second opinion. Glad I did as Mark was honest and showed me a simple condenser wire had come off. He put it back on and told my father no charge. Good to know there are honest companies and people out there. Make sure you do your homework on repeatable companies. To save you time and hassle, winterize your air conditioner and ensure that your unit is properly cared for by a good trusting company. 

Do you ever have issues with your air conditioner? Let us know in the comments!

Born in Mt Clemens, Screamin’ Scott has been a part of the Detroit airwaves for 30-plus years. With 40 years of experience in radio. When he’s not out on the streets for WCSX, you can find him devoting time to local charities with his, “Screamin Angels”; and for 16 years with Rock 4 Tots charity. And last 10 years with his local band, "Chit!." Screamin Scott likes to write about nostalgic Detroit area memories, classic rock, and local metro Detroit topics.