Just finished an air conditioner cleaning in Birmingham and wanted to share a timely explanation of why coil cleanliness matters disproportionately during extreme heat — because the relationship between coil condition and system performance is not linear.  
**Why extreme heat compounds the impact of a dirty coil:**  
During moderate temperatures a partially restricted coil reduces efficiency but the system can still generally maintain set point with longer run times  
During extreme heat the system is already operating at or near maximum capacity — the margin between adequate and inadequate is gone  
A contaminated coil that was manageable at 80 degrees becomes a genuine performance failure at 95 degrees  
The restriction that raised operating temperatures slightly during mild weather raises them significantly during extreme heat — exactly when the compressor has the least tolerance for additional thermal stress  
**What the cleaning involved:**  
Professional grade foaming coil cleaner applied — penetrates between the fins through chemical action lifting embedded grease and contamination that water pressure cannot dislodge  
No scrubbing — coil fins are thin aluminum that bends easily under mechanical pressure — the foam does the work without risking permanent fin damage  
Complete rinse removing all dissolved contamination  
System verified at full performance before departure  
**The practical takeaway right now:**  
If your system has not been professionally cleaned this season and Michigan is currently dealing with sustained heat — this is the moment that matters. A clean coil during relentless heat is not optional maintenance — it is what allows the system to perform when it is needed most.  
Matheson Heating Air Plumbing 1965 Best Dr Commerce Twp, MI 48390 248-363-4154

AC cleaning completed in Birmingham — why a clean coil matters most during the relentless heat Michigan is dealing with right now