The Homeowner's Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Preventive maintenance is the single most effective way to avoid expensive breakdowns and keep your energy bills predictable. Start with your air filter — check it monthly and replace it every 60 to 90 days, more often if you have pets. Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of leaves, grass clippings, and debris, and make sure there's at least two feet of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. Inspect the condensate drain line periodically for algae buildup, which can cause water backup. Have a technician check refrigerant levels annually — low refrigerant is a common cause of weak cooling and can indicate a leak that needs repair. Test your thermostat's accuracy against a separate room thermometer, and consider upgrading to a programmable model if you haven't already. Schedule a full professional tune-up once a year, ideally in spring before peak cooling season, covering electrical connections, coil cleaning, and a safety inspection. Following this routine consistently can extend your system's lifespan by several years and keep it running at its rated efficiency.