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Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist
The yearly tune-up to book and the small jobs to do yourself between visits.
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Most HVAC professionals recommend one professional tune-up a year, ideally in spring before cooling season starts. An older or heavily used system may need more. Between visits, a few small jobs are yours. Trane says to plan on a new filter every 1 to 3 months and to keep plants out of a 2-foot radius around the outdoor unit. Constellation Home says check the filter in fall and spring at the least, and a permanent filter can be washed and dried while a disposable one gets replaced. This list covers central air, the checks you can do yourself, and the yearly pro visit to book.
Why these items are on the list
- Turn off, clean or replace filter. Trane says every 1 to 3 months. Constellation Home says check more often with pests or poor air quality.
- Switch the unit off first. Turn it off completely before pulling the filter, so dirty air doesn't circulate meanwhile.
- Check every system's filter. Separate upstairs and downstairs systems each have their own filter. Don't stop at one.
- Clear supply and return vents. Move furniture and tie back long drapes so air can move freely.
- Keep plants 2 feet from unit. Plants, vines or weeds too close to the outdoor unit can get in the way of airflow.
- Clear debris around outdoor unit. Sticks, leaves and grass clippings make it work harder. Don't store things next to it.
- Inspect outdoor unit for damage. Look for rust, dents, irregular fins and oil leaks. Call a pro for anything serious.
- Wipe down the indoor unit. A damp cloth does it. Don't spray liquid directly onto the unit.
- Flush the condensate drain. ElectricityPlans suggests 1/4 cup of vinegar at least once a quarter, since a clog can overflow the pan.
- Check ductwork for sags and tears. Seal leaks with metal foil tape, not duct tape.
- Check duct and line insulation. Hot attics and crawl spaces steal cool air from ducts. Replace refrigerant line insulation that's missing or damaged.
- Close doors and windows. The less cool air that escapes, the less the unit has to work.
- Shade windows from midday sun. Awnings and drapes help a unit that's running nonstop on very hot days.
- Consider a breathable winter cover. Worth considering in heavy snow or rain, and only while it's off. Skip tarps, since they trap moisture.
- Book the yearly tune-up. Trane says spring, before cooling season. Comfort By Design says older or heavily used systems may need more visits.
- Ask for the service checklist. See what's included before you book, because some companies charge extra for certain tasks.
- Check for a free utility tune-up. Some utilities offer one. ElectricityPlans says you may qualify every 3 to 5 years.
- Budget for the service visit. Trane puts an annual visit at $100 to $350. Repairs found on the visit cost extra.
- Keep your service records. Comfort By Design says many manufacturers want proof of regular maintenance before they'll honor a warranty.
Tick the jobs off one by one as you walk the house and yard, so you can see at a glance what's done and what's left.
When to use it
Use it in spring, before cooling season begins, when the yearly tune-up is due.