Hey, it's Mavi 💁
I get it—life’s busy, and most of us don't think about our central AC until it breaks down during a 97° heatwave with 100% humidity and a full house. But here’s the real tea: a little maintenance goes a long way, and no—you don’t need to be an HVAC tech to handle the basics.
Whether you’re trying to cut energy bills, extend your system’s lifespan, or just avoid that dreaded "why is it so hot in here?" moment, I’ve got your back with this easy, practical checklist.
Ready? Let’s do some cooling system adulting. 💪
🔍 Step 1: Start With a Visual Inspection
Before you grab any tools or YouTube tutorials, let’s take a good ol’ fashioned look around.
Indoor unit:
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Is there dust, rust, or debris near your air handler or furnace?
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Check for any signs of water around the base—this could indicate a clogged drain or refrigerant issue.
Outdoor unit:
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Is the unit level on its pad?
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Any leaves, twigs, or gunk clogging up the fins or coil?
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Are any refrigerant lines frayed or cracked?
Even if you don’t fix anything right away, these observations give you a heads-up on what needs attention.
🌬️ Step 2: Swap Out That Air Filter (Seriously!)
This might be the easiest AC maintenance task—and the most neglected. A dirty filter chokes airflow, strains your system, and spikes your bills.
How often should you replace it?
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1” filters: Every 1–3 months
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HEPA or thicker filters: Every 6–12 months (check manufacturer guidelines)
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Pets or allergies? You might need to swap monthly
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder, or make it part of your first-of-the-month checklist (right after paying rent or the mortgage 😉).
Check out Energy Star's guide on filter maintenance if you want to go deep.
💧 Step 3: Clean the Condensate Drain Line
You know that little PVC pipe sticking out near your indoor AC unit? That’s your condensate drain line, and when it clogs, you get leaks, mold, and sometimes… no cooling.
What to do:
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Turn off power to your system.
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Find the access cap (usually near the indoor unit).
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Pour in about 1 cup of white vinegar or use a wet/dry vacuum at the drain outlet.
Still stuck? HomeServe’s step-by-step drain guide walks you through it.
🌳 Step 4: Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit
Your condenser needs breathing room—and if it’s covered in leaves, mulch, or grass clippings, it can’t cool your home efficiently.
Checklist for outdoor AC maintenance:
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Clear 2–3 feet around the unit
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Trim any nearby plants or shrubs
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Clean off the top grate and fan blades with a garden hose (gently, not a pressure washer!)
If you want a deep dive, HVAC.com has a great condenser-cleaning how-to.
⚙️ Step 5: Check Thermostat Accuracy
If your thermostat says it’s 72°F but your body says “sweat lodge,” we have a problem.
How to check it:
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Place a basic indoor thermometer next to your thermostat
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Let both sit for about 30 minutes
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If they’re off by more than 2–3 degrees, recalibrate or replace your thermostat
Bonus points if you upgrade to a smart thermostat like Ecobee or Nest—they help optimize efficiency and even alert you to maintenance needs. Learn more from Consumer Reports' smart thermostat comparison.
🔩 Step 6: Tighten and Inspect Electrical Connections
⚠️ Warning: If you're not comfortable doing this, call in a licensed HVAC tech.
But if you’re handy and have already shut off the power at the breaker:
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Open the service panel and inspect wiring for signs of wear or corrosion
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Look for loose terminals or overheating (black marks)
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Tighten screws gently—don’t overtighten!
Improper wiring is one of the top reasons your AC might not start, so this one’s important.
🧊 Step 7: Give Your Refrigerant Lines a Peek
The copper lines that connect your indoor and outdoor units should be properly insulated. If the foam covering is cracked or falling off, that’s costing you efficiency.
Fix it with:
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Pipe insulation (available at any hardware store)
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Weather-resistant tape or foam wrap
If the lines look frosty or oily, you may have a refrigerant leak. In that case, stop here and call a pro. No DIYing pressurized refrigerant, y’all!
🧼 Step 8: Clean Supply and Return Vents
Your vents aren’t just for show—they affect airflow and cooling balance throughout the home.
Checklist:
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Vacuum out any dust or pet hair
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Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking airflow
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Remove grilles and wash them in soapy water if they’re grimy
Fun fact: blocked vents can make your system think it’s hotter or colder than it is, causing it to run longer and harder. Bad for bills, bad for comfort.
📅 Step 9: Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Yes, even if you’re the queen (or king 👑) of DIY, you still need a pro tune-up once a year.
What they’ll check:
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Refrigerant levels
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System pressure and electrical components
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Fan motor performance
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Safety features and airflow
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Full-system diagnostics
Check out Angi’s guide to AC service costs and expectations if you're wondering about price or what’s included.
🔁 Bonus: Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
Let’s break it down by season so you’re never caught off guard again:
Spring (Pre-cooling season):
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Full inspection
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Clean outdoor unit
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Replace filter
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Test run system
Summer:
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Check refrigerant lines
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Keep outdoor unit clear
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Clean drain line
Fall:
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Replace filter again
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Inspect insulation on refrigerant lines
Winter (if using heat pump):
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Inspect air handler or furnace
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Make sure backup heat system is operational
❄️ Mavi’s Final Thought: Don’t Let Maintenance Slide Into Mayhem
Listen, maintenance isn’t glamorous—but neither is sweating through a heatwave because your AC gave up in protest. Just like skincare or car care, a little attention today prevents big problems tomorrow.
Want a shortcut? I got you 😘
When it’s time to upgrade or replace your system, head to The Furnace Outlet’s collection of central AC systems. You’ll find energy-efficient, R-32-ready options that don’t just cool—they rule your home’s comfort.
Need more installation and troubleshooting tips for your central AC? Visit my guide right here!
Until next time, stay chill, stay savvy, and don’t forget to high-five your HVAC 🖐️❄️
— Savvy Mavi
