Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Auburn, MI

You should use a breathable, weather-resistant cover with ventilation. It can be a top cover or a full cover that has mesh to allow airflow. A full, non-breathable cover can cause moisture to build up, leading to rust, frozen parts, and corrosion. A full cover also attracts unwanted critters, such as mice, that can damage the wiring and your unit. If you need to protect your AC unit from falling icicles, choose a sturdy top cover or piece of wood that prevents icicles from damaging your unit.

This depends on the extent of the freezing. Some ACs only need an hour or two to thaw out, but others may need a full day to completely unfreeze. Once you turn off the system to let it unfreeze, check it periodically to make sure the drain pan doesn’t overflow. When you turn the system back on, keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t start freezing again.

Here’s how AC professionals will clean your AC coils:

1. Unplug the AC unit or turn off the breaker to the unit in your circuit breaker box.

2. Remove the faceplate.

3. Spray a vacuum hose attachment or compressed air can to remove debris, dust, dirt, and grime.

4. Use a soft-bristled fin comb to remove stubborn caked-on debris.

5. Use the vacuum hose to suck up any extra debris.

6. Take a coil-safe cleaning solution and spray it onto the coils. Try to choose a no-rinse solution.

7. Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes.

8. Gently wipe away loosened grime and debris with a microfiber cloth.

9. Reattach the faceplate, plug in your AC system, or turn the breaker back on.

Traditional central air conditioning systems require ductwork to circulate air throughout the home. Alternatively, you can add air conditioning with a mini-split ductless air conditioning system, which can be just as energy efficient as a central air conditioner. This type of system consists of two units–an outside unit that holds the compressor and condenser and an indoor unit that holds an air-handler. With multi-zone ductless systems, there are multiple indoor air handlers tied to a single outdoor compressor/condenser, allowing the system to cool multiple rooms.