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

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

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

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

PLEASE 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.