Tips to Extend the Life of Your AC Unit in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’ve lived in Grand Rapids long enough, you know how unpredictable summer can be. One day the breeze feels perfect, and the next it’s so humid it practically wraps around you like a blanket. On those sticky, sweltering days, your air conditioner isn’t just a convenience—it’s the hero that keeps your home livable.

But here’s the reality: AC units don’t last forever. Most will give you about 12–17 years of service, and how long yours keeps running smoothly depends a lot on the care it gets. It’s kind of like a car: skip routine maintenance, and trouble is bound to show up sooner or later. The same goes for your AC.

The good news? Even without HVAC know-how, small changes can make a huge impact. A few simple habits can help your system last longer, lower your energy bills, and keep your home comfortable, even when Michigan’s humidity cranks up.

Get started with these straightforward tips to protect your AC and your comfort:

1. Change Your Filters (Yep, It’s That Important)

Filters are basically your AC’s lungs. When they get clogged with dust, pollen, and pet hair, your system has to push harder just to move air. That extra strain adds up.

In Grand Rapids—where spring pollen is relentless and summer dust is everywhere—plan to swap filters every 1–3 months. Got pets? Change them even more often. It’s cheap, quick, and one of the easiest ways to protect your system.

2. Keep the Area Around Your AC Unit Clear

Your outdoor AC unit works best when it has some space to breathe. If it’s crowded by shrubs, piled with leaves, or blocked by debris, it has to work harder to keep your home cool.

Make sure nothing’s crowding it; a two-foot gap around the unit helps it work efficiently. Trim back plants, rake away leaves, and give it a quick rinse with the hose a couple of times a year. If it’s in direct sun all day, adding some shade can help too.

3. Don’t Forget About Your Ducts

Uneven cooling between rooms? That could be a duct problem. Leaks, dirt buildup, or poor insulation force your AC to work overtime.

This is especially common in older Grand Rapids homes, where ductwork isn’t always in great shape. A professional duct cleaning and sealing can give your AC a huge break.

4. Book a Yearly Tune-Up

Think of your AC like your car—it needs a regular checkup to keep running smoothly. Spring is the ideal time to do it, before the summer heat really kicks in.

A typical AC tune-up involves giving the coils a thorough cleaning, making sure refrigerant levels are just right, tightening any loose connections, and catching small problems early—before they turn into costly headaches.

5. Be Smart With the Thermostat

Turning your thermostat way down doesn’t cool your house faster—it just makes your AC run longer.

A more effective solution:



• Enhance comfort and cut costs with a programmable thermostat.
  
• Raise the thermostat a bit when you’re away or catching some sleep.
  
• Keep the fan on “auto” so it isn’t constantly running.
  
  

These little tweaks reduce strain on your AC and lower your energy bills.

6. Insulate and Seal Your Home

Sometimes it’s not the AC—it’s the house. If cool air is slipping out through leaky windows or a drafty attic, your system is working double-time.

Check your attic insulation, seal gaps around doors and windows, and replace worn-out weather stripping. A tighter home means a happier AC.

7. Check the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t just cool—it also pulls humidity from the air (which is a lifesaver in Michigan summers). The condensation normally flows out through a drain line, but if that line gets blocked, it can cause leaks and even water damage.

Take a peek now and then to make sure it’s draining properly. If you see puddles near the unit, don’t wait—get it looked at.

8. Don’t Ignore Odd Sounds or Unusual Odors

Weird rattles, squeals, or sudden spikes in your energy bill are your AC’s way of crying for help.

Catching small issues early—like a loose part or a minor refrigerant leak—can save you from a full breakdown in July.

9. Give It a Break When You Can

On cooler spring nights or early fall days, open the windows and turn on a fan instead. Every hour your AC rests is an hour added to its life.

The Bottom Line

Caring for your AC doesn’t have to feel like a big project—or a big expense. Simple habits like swapping out dirty filters, keeping your ducts clear, and scheduling that once-a-year tune-up can go a long way. Those small steps add up to a cooler home, fewer “uh-oh” repair calls, and lower energy bills.

And when you want a hand with the upkeep, that’s where we come in. At Grand Rapids Duct Cleaners, we make it easy to give your AC the attention it needs. Whether it’s a deep duct cleaning, sealing up leaks, or a full system check, our team is here to help your unit run better, longer.

Call us today to book your service—and relax knowing your AC is prepped to handle anything Michigan’s summer heat brings.