Guide to HVAC Do-It-Yourself Maintenance

(Courtesy of TRANE)

Maintenance Schedule:
Monthly: Inspect and replace air filters! Did you know that clogged air filters are the most frequent cause for low HVAC performance? Get a fresh filter at your favorite store or order online.   If your system heats and cools your home: Perform maintenance in spring and fall. Cooling-only: Perform maintenance at least once a year, before the cooling season.  Heating-only: Perform maintenance at least once a year, before the heating season
Outdoor Unit/Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Inspect unit and pad for proper level and adjust if necessary Clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside cabinet  Inspect base pan for restricted drain openings - remove obstructions as necessary  Inspect coil and cabinet - clean as needed  Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage - on older models lubricate as needed  Inspect control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring and connections. Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories. All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear or damage.  Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage
Indoor Unit/Furnace or Air Handler
Inspect and clean blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor)  On older models lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt if needed  Check combustion blower housing for lint and debris and clean as necessary  Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Clean as needed  Inspect for gas leaks in gas furnaces (unusual smell may indicate a gas leak -> call your service provide immediately -> Caution: explosive, no open flame, no light switch operation) Inspect burner assembly - clean and adjust as needed  Inspect ignition system and safety controls - clean and adjust as needed  Inspect heat exchanger or heating elements  Inspect flue system - check for proper attachment to the furnace, any dislocated sections, and for signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.  Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring and connections  Clean or replace air filters  Inspect conditioned airflow system (ductwork) - check for leaks
While System is Operating
Monitor system starting characteristics and capabilities  Listen for abnormal noise  Search for source of unusual odors  Monitor air conditioning and heat pump systems for correct refrigerant charge  Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature  Measure indoor dry and wet bulb temperature  Measure high and low side system pressures  Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure - make adjustments as needed  Measure temperature rise and adjust airflow as needed  Check vent system for proper operation  Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps  Monitor system operation per manufacturer's specifications  Provide system operation report and recommend repairs or replacement as necessary (NOTE: Carolina Heating Service Inc. recommends all maintenance and service work be performed by a professional air conditioning and heating dealer that holds the appropriate credentials to install and service air conditioning and heating equipment.)