Homeowner guide
Seasonal homeowner checklist
A few minutes before each season catches problems while they're still small and cheap.
Every month
- Check the air filter. Change it if it's dirty.
- Listen for new noises and watch for water around the indoor unit.
Spring, before the first hot day
- Change the filter.
- Clear 2 feet around the outdoor unit and trim back shrubs.
- With the power off at the disconnect, gently rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose.
- Make sure water drips from the drain line outlet when the AC runs.
- Test cooling before you need it, so a problem doesn't wait for a heat wave.
- Schedule a spring tune-up.
Fall, before the first cold night
- Change the filter.
- Test the heat before you need it. A little burning-dust smell the first time is normal.
- Test your CO and smoke alarms.
- Keep storage, paint and chemicals away from the furnace and water heater.
- Make sure furniture isn't blocking vents or return grilles.
- Schedule a fall tune-up.
All year
- Keep gutters above the outdoor unit clear so water doesn't pour onto it.
- Keep the outdoor unit level and clear of leaves, snow and ice.