AC Maintenance Checklist To Keep Your System Healthy

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Check and replace your air filters

This is the most important — and most frequently skipped — maintenance task. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, force your air conditioning system to work harder, and can shorten its lifespan while driving up your AC’s energy consumption. Check monthly, and replace based on filter type (see our filter replacement guide below).

Inspect your outdoor unit

Clear away leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and any overgrown landscaping from around your condenser. Blocked airflow around the outdoor unit forces your system to work harder and can contribute to premature failure. Don’t forget this step — it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your equipment between professional visits.

Listen for unusual noises

Grinding, rattling, hissing, or clicking sounds can be early warning signs of a developing problem, including a possible refrigerant leak. Pay attention to these signals and address them early, since catching issues sooner often means a smaller repair bill later.

Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

Clean the condenser and evaporator coil

Dirty coils reduce your system’s ability to transfer heat efficiently, driving up energy usage and straining components. Keeping the evaporator coil clean is essential for helping your air conditioner reach peak performance during the summer months.

Check the condensate drain

A clogged condensate drain can cause water damage, contribute to ice buildup on the indoor unit, and trigger safety shutoffs on your system.

Inspect ductwork for leaks

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your conditioned air before it even reaches your rooms, driving up bills without you knowing why.

Test your thermostat settings

Make sure your thermostat is accurately reading room temperature and responding correctly to setting changes. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if you haven’t already, since better thermostat settings can meaningfully reduce your overall energy usage.