DIY HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Here in Central Florida, our air conditioners go through a lot. Summer temps can reach well into the 90’s and stay there from May through September.

Which is why a proper HVAC maintenance plan is so important.

You rely on your central air conditioning to keep you cool and comfortable during the summer and warm and cozy during the winter (well, as much as Florida gets a “winter”).

But it doesn’t happen by accident. Your air conditioning system needs some tender love and care from time to time. Read on for our HVAC inspection checklist so that your unit can last you many years.

Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

Like any large appliance, your HVAC system works hard, and proper maintenance (whether it’s DIY HVAC maintenance or an HVAC technician) helps it to keep working at the same level you’re used to.

But ac maintenance also extends the life of your ac unit and makes it more energy efficient (hooray lower energy bills!). By getting regular inspections and performing routine DIY maintenance, you’ll be saving double. Not only will your utility bills go down (because you’ll be saving energy), you’ll be able to use your unit longer before having to replace it.

Here’s a DIY HVAC maintenance checklist you can use to keep your A/C system up and running all year.

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Perform the following HVAC maintenance checklist once a year. May is the perfect month for this, as the cooling season is over, but the summer heat hasn’t yet set in.

1. Shut Off Power

Any time you are working with electricity, moving parts, and large appliances, you should shut off power to the unit right from the source.

Use the shutoff box next to the exterior condenser unit (the large system on the side of your house) and turn off power at the breaker box as well. This will prevent serious injury.

Take this time to inspect any electrical connections that have condensation, rust, or other residue. If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, you may need an HVAC technician or professional home inspector stop by to take a look at your outdoor unit.

2. Clear Debris

Any good HVAC inspection should involve cleaning around the area. If there are leaves, twigs, or garbage around, it could ruin your unit. The purpose of the exterior condenser unit is to move warm air from the inside of your home to the outside. In order for it to work properly, it needs proper ventilation.

Start by trimming back any foliage that might be growing too close to the unit and clear any dirt, leaves, cobwebs, or other debris from around the unit.

3. Clean the Unit

Remove the cover grille from the top of the unit. Inside of the box, you’ll see coils of pipe surrounded by thousands of thin metal fins. These allow the coils more surface area to exchange heat.

A typical garden hose with a spray head is the easiest way to clean the fins. Spray them from inside the unit, pushing the dust and debris outward. Do not use a pressure washer for this! Pressure washers are one of the most common causes for bent fins, and sometimes they cannot be straightened.

If your garden hose will not reach to the HVAC unit or heat pump, you can use a vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment and vacuum the fins clean.

4. Straighten the Fins

Bent fins will restrict airflow, making your HVAC unit work harder. Straighten any bent fins with a fin comb, found at any hardware store.

5. Oil the Motor

While the air handler is still opened is a good time to oil the motor. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

6. Clean the Coils

Locate the evaporator and condenser coils and clean them of any debris. If they collect dust or dirt, this can insulate the coil, causing the refrigerant inside to freeze.

This might sound like a good thing (“We’ll be super cool!”), frozen refrigerant actually causes your unit to overheat and break down. If you notice a layer of frost on your evaporator coil or condenser coil, call a technician to identify the problem.

7. Restart Your HVAC Unit

Once you have reinstalled the cover grille, switch the power on and turn the A/C on to make sure it is working. After about 10 minutes, feel the insulated copper tubing that runs from the unit into the house to make sure it feels cool to the touch. (The uninsulated tube should feel warm.) This ensures that your unit is working properly.

Now that you are finished with the exterior air handler, you can move to your inside HVAC unit.

8. Air Filter

Air filters remove pollen, dust, and other particles so that they no longer circulate in the air.

The filter should be periodically washed or replaced, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty air filter will not only degrade indoor air quality, but it will also strain the motor to work harder to move air through it, increasing energy costs and reducing energy efficiency.

You should replace your filter every 30 days during heavy use during the cooling seasons (for Florida this is spring, summer, and occasionally the fall) to ensure proper airflow. You may need to change the filter more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, if building occupants have respiratory problems, if you have pets with fur, or if dusty conditions are present.

9. Inspect the Drain Line

Condensate drain lines are located on the side of the inside fan unit. Sometimes there are two drain lines—a primary drain line that’s built into the unit, and a secondary drain line that can drain if the first line becomes blocked.

First, inspect the drain line for obstructions, such as algae and debris. If the line becomes blocked, water will back up into the drain pan and overflow, causing a safety hazard or water damage to your home.

Most condensate drains are fitted with a maintenance cap at the air handler drain connection. Pour white vinegar or a mild diluted bleach solution through the condensate drain to prevent it from becoming blocked by algae growth.

Reconnect the hose, making sure it fits securely.

10. Professional Maintenance

Our HVAC preventive maintenance checklist can go a long way toward keeping your system at its best, but you should still have your air-conditioning and heating system professionally inspected once or twice a year.

As a homeowner, there are certain things that you will not be able to do yourself, such as checking coolant levels and cleaning ducts. Getting professional cleanings and home inspections will help you keep an eye out for major system malfunctions and be on top of general maintenance.

Conclusion

Your air conditioner does a lot for you.

Make sure you return the favor by performing routine home HVAC maintenance to keep your system up and running.

By regularly cleaning the air handler, changing the air filters, and clearing and unclogging the drain hose, you’ll be helping your central A/C stay at the top of its game.

At EDC Professional Home Inspections, we know homes inside and out. Call today for your wind mitigation, buyer/seller, or progressive home inspection. Your inspection is only as good as the person performing it, so make sure you get the very best.