How Michigan’s Spring Weather Affects Your HVAC System
If you’ve lived in Michigan long enough, you know that spring isn’t exactly a smooth transition. One day it’s sunny and pushing 70 degrees; the next day you’re scraping frost off your windshield again. This kind of unpredictable weather isn’t just hard on your wardrobe—it can take a toll on your HVAC system, too.
At Third Coast Heating and Air, we’ve helped hundreds of West Michigan homeowners—from Holland to Grand Haven—get their heating and cooling systems ready for spring. And over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how this season’s back-and-forth weather can affect comfort, efficiency, and air quality inside your home.
Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for—and how to keep your system running at its best.
The Spring Shuffle: Heating in the Morning, Cooling by Afternoon
Michigan spring has a mind of its own. It’s not unusual to wake up to freezing temps and be sweating by dinner time. These swings might feel refreshing, but they put extra stress on your HVAC system.
If you’re switching from heat to AC (and back again) every other day, your system is constantly adjusting. That frequent cycling can wear out parts faster and drive up your energy bills. It’s also a good way to discover weak points—like a sluggish thermostat or a clogged filter—at the worst possible time.
Quick tip: If you haven’t already, look into upgrading to a smart thermostat. They’re great at managing Michigan’s mood swings and can make those transitions smoother for both your comfort and your system.
Humidity’s Back—and It’s Complicated
As we roll into spring, Michigan starts to get a little... damp. Between the snow melt and the rain, humidity creeps back into our homes. If your HVAC system isn’t handling that moisture well, it can lead to stuffy air, window condensation, and even mold growth in tight spaces.
Older systems or ones that aren’t sized properly might cool your home without removing enough moisture. The result? You feel clammy instead of cool.
We often recommend adding a whole-home dehumidifier to help balance things out. Not only does it improve your comfort, but it also reduces strain on your AC when summer hits.
Pollen, Dust, and Indoor Air Quality Woes
If you or someone in your household has allergies, spring is probably not your favorite time of year. Between the tree pollen, mold spores, and all the dust stirred up from spring cleaning, the air inside your home can get downright irritating.
Your HVAC system can help—or hurt—depending on how well it’s maintained.
Here’s what we recommend:
Change your air filter regularly (every 1–3 months)
Consider an air purifier or upgraded filtration system
If it’s been a few years, schedule a duct cleaning
These simple steps go a long way in keeping your indoor air fresh, especially when outdoor allergens are at their peak.
Spring Storms and Your System’s Safety
Rain, wind, lightning—it’s all part of the spring package here in West Michigan. While we might be used to it, your HVAC system can still be vulnerable to power surges and water damage.
We’ve seen storms knock out compressors, fry circuit boards, or trigger blown fuses. Surge protectors designed for HVAC units are a smart (and often overlooked) investment.
If your home tends to lose power during storms, a backup generator might be something to consider, too—especially if you rely on your HVAC system for heating or dehumidification.
Spring Is the Season for Preventive Maintenance
If there’s one thing we want every homeowner to know, it’s this: spring is the perfect time to give your HVAC system a little TLC.
A seasonal tune-up helps you:
Catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs
Improve your system’s energy efficiency
Extend the lifespan of your equipment
Keep your warranty valid (a big one!)
At Third Coast Heating and Air, our spring maintenance service covers all the bases:
Thorough inspections of all major components
Coil and burner cleanings
Filter checks and recommendations
Thermostat calibration
Airflow and safety tests
Whether you’ve got a traditional furnace and AC setup or a ductless mini-split system, we’re trained and ready to keep it running smoothly.
Trusted HVAC Service in West Michigan
We’ve been serving Holland, Zeeland, West Olive, Grand Haven, and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. As a veteran-owned company, we take pride in showing up on time, doing honest work, and making sure your home stays comfortable—no matter what Michigan’s spring throws at us.
Our team has worked on every kind of system out there, and we’re not satisfied until you are.
Ready for a Tune-Up? Let’s Get You on the Schedule.
Spring can be wild, but your HVAC system doesn’t have to be. Give us a call at (616) 209-8019 or book online to schedule your spring maintenance.
We’ll help make sure your system is ready to handle whatever West Michigan’s weather decides to do next.