Home maintenance checklist

Safety first

Before you open any panel or work near your equipment:

• Turn the system off at the thermostat, then switch off the power at the breaker or the disconnect switch beside the unit. Some systems have more than one power source.
• Handle panels and coils carefully; metal edges can be sharp and coil fins bend easily.
• If anything involves gas, wiring or refrigerant, stop and call a professional.

What you can do yourself

• Check the filter every monthA clogged filter makes the whole system work harder and lets dust past into your home. Replace it every month from May to September, and every other month the rest of the year. Check more often during wildfire smoke, after dusty Santa Ana winds, or if you have pets. If your filter is washable, let it dry completely before you put it back.
• Keep the outdoor unit clearKeep a clear space of a couple of feet on every side, and clear leaves and debris from the base so water drains away. A gentle rinse with a garden hose helps; never use a pressure washer, which flattens the fins.
• Near the coast, rinse more oftenSalt carried on the sea breeze corrodes metal. Rinsing the outdoor unit's coil every three months or so adds years to its life.
• Make sure the outdoor unit sits levelIf the pad beneath it has shifted or settled, water may not drain properly. Let us know so we can re-level it.
• Keep vents and returns openFurniture, rugs and curtains over supply vents or return grilles starve the system of air. Closing vents in unused rooms rarely saves energy and can strain the system.
• Watch for water near the indoor unitWater on the floor, a damp ceiling below an attic unit, or a system that shuts off on its own can mean a blocked condensate drain. Call us before it causes damage.
• Look at your furnace each fallWith the power off, look around the furnace and its vent pipe. If you see soot, rust or scorch marks, do not run the furnace until it has been inspected.
• Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarmsTest them monthly and replace batteries as the manufacturer recommends.
• Care for humidifiers and ventilatorsIf you have them, follow the manufacturer's schedule for cleaning and for replacing pads and filters, usually at least once a season.

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What a professional should check

Twice a year, once before summer and once before winter, a trained technician should look at the parts you cannot safely reach. Heat pumps, which work in both seasons, benefit from both visits.

Maintenance & Comfort Plans