HVAC Maintenance Checklist
A seasonal checklist to keep your system efficient, prevent breakdowns, and extend equipment life.
Why a Seasonal Checklist Matters
Your HVAC system works hard year-round — running almost every day in the Coachella Valley heat. Without regular maintenance, dust builds up, components wear out, and efficiency drops. A simple seasonal checklist helps you:
- Maintain peak energy efficiency and lower utility bills
- Prevent costly mid-season breakdowns when you need your system most
- Extend the lifespan of your equipment by years
- Keep your indoor air clean and your family comfortable
Spring (AC Prep)
- Replace air filter with a fresh, correctly-sized unit
- Clean condenser coils on the outdoor unit
- Check refrigerant lines for leaks or damage
- Clear debris, leaves, and vegetation around the outdoor unit (2ft clearance)
- Inspect ductwork for visible leaks or disconnections
- Test thermostat accuracy and replace batteries
- Check for unusual noises or odors when the system starts
- Inspect electrical connections and capacitor terminals
- Lubricate moving parts on the blower motor (if applicable)
- Verify condensate drain line is clear and flowing
Fall (Heating Prep)
- Replace air filter with a fresh, correctly-sized unit
- Inspect furnace burners and heat exchanger visually
- Check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
- Test thermostat in heating mode
- Inspect ductwork for leaks, gaps, or damage
- Clear debris around the outdoor heat pump unit
- Check for unusual noises, odors, or soot around the furnace
- Inspect electrical connections and gas valve
- Lubricate blower motor and check belt tension (if applicable)
- Verify condensate drain line is clear before heating season
DIY vs. Professional Tune-Ups
The items above are great DIY tasks that any homeowner can handle. But a true bi-annual tune-up goes deeper — checking refrigerant charge, testing electrical components under load, calibrating the thermostat, inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, and measuring airflow.
We recommend a professional tune-up twice a year — once in spring before the cooling season, and once in fall before the heating season. Our technicians catch small issues before they become expensive emergencies, and a well-maintained system can last 5-10 years longer than a neglected one.
LET OUR TECHNICIANS HANDLE IT
Skip the ladder and the guesswork. Our bi-annual maintenance plan covers everything on this checklist — and more.