HVAC maintenance schedule by season
Check the air filter every month and replace it when it looks dirty (at least every 3 months). Have a contractor service the cooling system every spring and the heating system every fall, before the busy season. ENERGY STAR suggests tying the two check-ups to the spring and fall clock changes so you remember.
HVAC maintenance schedule by season
Checklist
- Check the HVAC filter; replace it when it looks dirtyMonthly
- Test smoke and CO alarmsMonthly
- Book the AC / heat pump tune-upSpring (clocks forward)
- Clear leaves and trim plants back from the outdoor unit (about 2 feet)Spring and fall
- Check the condensate drain line and pan are clearSpring and mid-summer
- Book the furnace / boiler / heat pump heating checkFall (clocks back)
- Make sure supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furnitureFall
- Clear snow from the outside furnace intake and exhaust pipes (high-efficiency furnaces)After each snow
- Test the thermostat schedule; replace its batteries if it has themSpring and fall
Get reminders for these automatically: upnextmaint.com/get
What the pro tune-up should include
Per ENERGY STAR, a typical check-up covers: thermostat settings, tightening electrical connections and measuring motor voltage and current, lubricating moving parts, clearing the condensate drain, and testing the system starts, runs and shuts off properly.
For cooling, add cleaning the indoor and outdoor coils, checking the refrigerant level, and adjusting the blower. For heating, add checking the gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and the heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide, which is one reason the fall check matters.
Why spring and fall
Contractors are slow in spring and fall and slammed in the first heat wave or cold snap. Booking before the season means a quicker appointment and finding a problem before you need the system.
Heat pumps do both jobs, so they get both visits. A boiler or furnace you only run in winter needs just the fall check, and a window AC only needs its filter cleaned and a look at the drain.
DIY jobs between visits
The filter is the big one: a clogged filter makes the system work harder and can freeze an AC coil or overheat a furnace. Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass clippings and shrubs. If water collects around the indoor unit in summer, the condensate drain is likely clogged: that is worth a call before it damages the floor or ceiling.
What you'll need
- Furnace filters (check your size)Spares for the monthly check
- Condenser fin combStraightens bent fins on the outdoor unit
- Combination smoke + CO alarmEvery home with gas heat needs CO alarms
As an Amazon Associate, UpNext earns from qualifying purchases. Links go to Amazon search results so you can pick the size and brand that fits.
Questions
How often should HVAC be serviced?
Once a year per system before its season: the AC (or heat pump) in spring, the furnace or boiler in fall. A heat pump gets both. Check the filter monthly in between.
Is a yearly HVAC tune-up worth it?
For most homes, yes. It catches worn parts, clogged drains and refrigerant or gas problems before they cause a breakdown in peak season, and it keeps the system running efficiently.
What can I do myself?
Change the filter, keep the outdoor unit clear, keep vents open, check the condensate drain, and clear snow from outside vent pipes. Leave electrical, refrigerant and gas work to a licensed contractor.
Sources
Related guides
General guidance for typical homes. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and hire a pro for anything you're not comfortable doing.