AC Maintenance Checklist | Seasonal Homeowner Guide

Monthly During Cooling Season

Inspect the air filter and replace it when visibly loaded
Walk the outdoor unit and clear grass, leaves and cottonwood from the fins
Confirm two to three feet of clearance around the outdoor cabinet
Check that supply registers are open and returns are unobstructed
Look for water or staining near the indoor unit
Note any new sounds or changes in cooling performance

At the Start of Cooling Season

Replace the filter with the correct size and a rating the system supports
Rinse the outdoor coil gently with a garden hose, power off at the disconnect
Trim vegetation back from the condenser
Add a condensate pan treatment tablet if your system uses them
Test the system early in the season rather than on the first hot day
Check thermostat batteries and program settings
Confirm the attic secondary pan is dry and the float switch is in place

Annual Professional Service

Coil cleaning indoors and outdoors as needed
Condensate drain flush and float switch test
Refrigerant performance verification through pressures and temperatures
Capacitor testing against rated capacitance
Contactor inspection for pitting and reliable operation
Motor amperage readings compared against rated values
Temperature split and airflow assessment
Electrical connection tightening and disconnect inspection
Blower wheel condition inspection
Inspection of accessible duct connections and insulation

End of Cooling Season

Replace the filter before the heating season begins
Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit
Note any issues observed during summer so they can be addressed off-season
Consider scheduling repairs identified during the summer while demand is lower

What Not to Do

Do not use a pressure washer on coil fins — it bends them and reduces airflow permanently. Do not open the electrical compartment of the outdoor unit. Do not add refrigerant. Do not remove the blower or evaporator access panels beyond what is needed to change a filter. Do not cover the outdoor unit tightly during winter; trapped moisture and nesting animals cause more problems than the cover prevents.

Keeping Records

Keep a simple file of service invoices, filter sizes, equipment model and serial numbers, and dates of any repairs. It takes a few minutes and it becomes genuinely valuable when you are weighing repair against replacement, checking warranty status, or explaining a recurring problem to a new technician.

Check Residential AC Service Availability

Call to find out what residential air conditioning help is currently available for your address in the Abilene area.

Call 325-240-3560

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Frequently Asked Questions

What filter size do I need?

The size is printed on the edge of the existing filter and often on the filter cabinet. Use the exact dimensions; a loose fit lets air bypass the media entirely.

Can I skip maintenance one year?

Skipping a year will not necessarily cause a failure, but it does mean coil fouling, drain buildup and component wear go unmonitored during the season when the system works hardest.

How do I safely rinse the outdoor coil?

Turn off power at the disconnect, remove loose debris by hand, then use a gentle garden hose spray on the fins. Avoid high pressure and avoid bending the fins. Let it dry before restoring power.

Should I cover my AC in winter?

Most manufacturers advise against full covers. Outdoor units are built for weather exposure, and tight covers can trap moisture and attract nesting animals. Clearing debris is more useful.

Is a maintenance plan worth it?

Plans vary by provider and typically bundle annual visits with scheduling priority or discounts. Compare what is actually included against the cost of individual visits before committing.