maximize your air conditioning

How To Maximize Your Air Conditioning in the Summer

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How much of your energy bill is used to heat or cool your home? Do you know? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling account for approximately half of the typical home’s energy usage. That percentage is even higher when temperatures fluctuate above or below the norm for summer or winter. When energy prices are already high, you need your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible. Since we are in the hottest part of the year now, here are some practical ways to help you get the most out of your air conditioning. 

Tips to Maximize Your Air Conditioning System

Schedule Regular Maintenance

If your HVAC system is not regularly checked and maintained, it’s much less likely to meet top performance standards. Annual professional check-ups can prevent issues and ensure your air conditioning works well when you need it to. If you do notice an issue, you should contact Weinkauf right away. Otherwise your air conditioning system will struggle to cool your home, using far more energy to meet minimum standards of cooling. 

AC maintenance typically involves cleaning components, performing repairs, and refilling the refrigerant. Grime and dirt on parts like the evaporator coil can diminish the system’s performance, while proper care will extend the life of your equipment. 

Weinkauf offers a number of maintenance plans to ensure that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems remain in top-notch condition.

Replace Your Filters

Your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter. Over time, this may result in system failure and additional, unnecessary repairs. Also, a dirty filter can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, creating an unhealthy atmosphere to live or work in. 

For an HVAC unit that sees nearly year-round use, you should change your air filter at least every three months – more often if you have pets or your system is working around the clock to heat or cool. 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Many HVAC professionals recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees to balance your comfort and your energy use. To save more energy, you can raise the thermostat settings to about 80 degrees when you’re away on vacation or at work. You can also set different temperatures in the morning and night when you sleep. The best and easiest way to manage this use is with a programmable thermostat.

maximize your air conditioning

Address Airflow Problems 

If your vents are blocked by furniture or other objects, this interrupts your airflow and forces your HVAC system to work harder to cool. Inside the house, clear away anything that obstructs your vents and vacuum them regularly. Outside your home, you should also remove anything around your AC unit and make sure that it is not clogged with sticks, leaves, or other vegetation. You can also shade your AC unit from direct sunlight to improve its efficiency. 

Check for Air Leaks 

Sometimes the issue is not with your air conditioner but with air leaks. If your home is inadequately insulated or there are leaks in your ductwork or around your doors and windows, your HVAC system will have a tougher job cooling it. Ask Weinkauf about an energy audit if you would like to pinpoint spaces with inadequate insulation or are worried about air leaks in your home. We can find any problematic areas that need upgrading or sealing. 

Add a Ductless Mini-Split System to Hard-To-Cool Areas

Zoning hard-to-cool areas in your home may be a more efficient way to cool them than running your HVAC system more often. Zones are independent areas that are regulated separately. They can be cooled efficiently with a ductless mini-split air conditioner. A ductless system does not require ductwork to transfer heat energy across larger spaces and is often the best way to extend air conditioning to an extra room in your home.

Prevent the Buildup of Ambient Heat

You can keep your rooms cooler by effectively managing ambient heat in your home. During sunny periods, close the curtains or shades. Using ceiling fans can help distribute cool air more evenly, reducing the strain on your air conditioner. 

Use a Dehumidifier

Michigan has an average relative humidity of 72.1%. When it’s hot outside, the moisture in the air only makes it feel hotter. Turning down your thermostat only overworks your equipment, but adding a dehumidifier can reduce utility bills and enhance indoor comfort during the muggy days of summer. It can also prevent moisture damage to your furnishings and other valuables.

Take Practical Steps to Get More Out of Your Air Conditioner

In the summer your air conditioning is what keeps your family comfortable. Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently is a must for staying cool and keeping your energy costs down. By following the above tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and cost-effective summer. If you ever have any concerns about the functionality of your HVAC or would like to discuss adding features that would make it more effective at cooling, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We are always ready to help! 



Should you turn off boiler in spring - here are our tips.

Should You Turn Off Your Boiler in Spring?

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After a long Northern Michigan winter, homeowners in Alpena and Oscoda are more than ready to stop paying for heat. We’re ready to open our windows and bask in the natural warmth of that yellow thing in the sky. As temperatures finally begin to rise in May, you might be wondering if you can turn your boiler off now. And, if not right now, when?

The answer depends on your home, your heating system, and what your boiler is responsible for besides heat. In many cases, shutting it down completely may not be your best option. Here is what homeowners should know before flipping that switch off.

Some Boilers Do More Than Heat Your Home

One of the biggest misconceptions about boiler systems is that they only provide heat for radiators or baseboard heating. Many boiler systems also produce your home’s hot water.

If your boiler supplies hot water for showers, sinks, laundry, or dishwashing, turning it off completely will leave you without hot water entirely. Not ideal.

This setup is especially common in older homes that use hydronic heating systems. So before shutting your boiler down for the season, it is important to know exactly what systems in your home it supports.

Spring Temperatures in Northern Michigan Can Change Quickly

Even though May feels like spring, Northern Michigan weather is unpredictable. Temperatures can swing dramatically from one week to the next. A sunny 65-degree afternoon will often turn into a frosty 35-degree night.

That is why many homeowners keep their boiler system operational well into late spring. Rather than shutting the boiler off completely, it may be better to simply lower the thermostat or allow the system to run only when needed during cooler mornings and evenings. This approach helps maintain overall comfort while reducing unnecessary energy use.

Is It Okay to Shut a Boiler Off Completely?

In some situations, yes.

If your boiler is used strictly for heat and your home no longer needs heating during warmer weather, it may be reasonable to turn it off for the season. However, you should still consider:

  • Older boiler systems may benefit from periodic operation to prevent parts from seizing
  • Some systems have circulating pumps that should occasionally run
  • Completely shutting down a neglected system can sometimes make startup issues more likely in the fall

If you are unsure about your specific boiler setup, it is always a good idea to ask a professional before shutting the system down entirely. 

Spring Is Actually a Great Time for Boiler Maintenance

One of the best things homeowners can do in spring is schedule boiler maintenance before next winter arrives. After working hard through another long heating season, boilers can develop buildup, wear, or small issues that are easier and less expensive to address now rather than during a January cold snap.

Spring boiler maintenance can include:

  • Checking system pressure
  • Inspecting pumps and valves
  • Looking for leaks or corrosion
  • Cleaning components
  • Testing controls and safety systems

Scheduling service during the offseason can also mean more flexible appointment availability before the busy winter rush begins again. 

Watch for Signs Your Boiler Needs Attention

Even if your system is still operating normally, spring is a good time to pay attention to warning signs that may indicate maintenance or repairs are needed. Watch for:

  • Uneven heating
  • Strange noises like banging or gurgling
  • Leaks around the boiler
  • Rising energy bills
  • Slow heating performance

These issues may seem minor now, but they can become major problems once cold weather returns.

Boiler Systems Remain a Reliable Heating Option in Northern Michigan

Boiler systems continue to be popular throughout Michigan because they provide steady, comfortable heat and perform well during harsh winters. Many homeowners appreciate the quiet operation and consistent warmth that hydronic heating systems provide, especially in older homes without traditional ductwork. Whether your boiler is brand new or decades old, proper maintenance and seasonal care can help extend its lifespan and improve efficiency.

New Heating Options for Boiler Homes

As heating technology evolves, some homeowners with boiler systems are also starting to explore newer options like air-to-water heat pumps. These systems can work alongside traditional boilers by helping provide efficient heat during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, when temperatures are cool but not severely cold. Instead of replacing the boiler entirely, the heat pump can help reduce how often the boiler needs to run during milder weather.

This type of hybrid setup offers an interesting way to improve efficiency while still relying on the dependable performance of a boiler during the coldest winter months.

Need Boiler Service This Spring?

If you are unsure whether to turn off your boiler in spring or want to schedule seasonal maintenance, Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating can help. We service and install boiler systems throughout Alpena, Oscoda, and Northern Michigan, including hydronic heating systems from trusted manufacturers like Weil-McLain and Lochinvar.

Contact Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating today to schedule a boiler inspection or seasonal maintenance appointment or to discuss other heating and cooling options for your home. We are here to keep you and your family comfortable in winter, spring, summer and fall!