Key takeaways
- Check filters monthly
- Keep outdoor units clear
- Book spring and fall tune-ups
- Watch for changes in sound, smell and bills
Your part
Check the filter monthly and change it as needed. Keep leaves, grass and shrubs at least two feet clear of the outdoor unit. Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked. Check the drain line and the condensate pan on a humid day. Test the thermostat's batteries each season.
Note any new sounds or smells.
A technician's part
Spring for cooling and fall for heating, a technician cleans coils, tests electrical parts, checks refrigerant and combustion readings and clears drains.
A written report shows how readings change from year to year.
Warning signs
Rising bills, uneven rooms, short cycling, ice on lines, water at the unit, burning or musty smells and unusual noises all mean it is time to call.
A maintenance plan keeps these on a schedule.
Related services
Quick answers
How often should I clean the outdoor unit?
Rinse it gently with a garden hose when it gets dirty, and have it cleaned professionally during a tune-up.
Can I skip a tune-up if the system works?
You can, but small problems build quietly. A yearly service catches them early.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.