HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Whether the temperature's rising or falling, comfort in your space is key. Packaged rooftop units or individual air conditioners and furnaces can keep stay up and running for years to come as long as they're well maintained. Below is a helpful HVAC maintenance checklist with tasks to do in the fall and spring, ensuring any business or home is at the right temperature all year long.
Fall HVAC Maintenance
In the early fall, chilly weather is just around the corner. In September or early October, you'll want to do these tasks:
Operator Tasks:
- Replacing the air filter(s) – You should add a new filter every three to six months to capture dust, dander and other allergens. This is a very prominent task for air conditioners and furnaces, but it also should be done on commercial units.
- Cleaning around the unit – Remove any dust or debris around the unit. If you have items like boxes nearby, move them away during the season.
- Cleaning vents and ductwork – At least once a year before the fall, clean your air ducts. You can use a wand attachment on a standard vacuum to suck out any dust or debris from the vents.
- Replacing the humidifier filter – Before turning it back on, replace the filter in the humidifier.
- Turning on the water supply to the humidifier – If the HVAC system has a humidifier, turn the water supply back on.
- Cleaning the drain lines – Clearing the drain lines on the unit helps ensure proper airflow.
- Emptying drain pans – Empty the water buildup from the drain pans.
Technician or Maintenance Manager Tasks:
- Inspecting the flame sensor – A technician will make sure the area is free of debris and the parts are in working order.
- Checking the fan motor and blowers – Aside from cleaning debris buildup, your HVAC tech will look for any damage to the blades.
- Lubricating parts – The moving parts or motor bearing in the furnace will be lubricated during inspection.
- Checking and repairing leaks – A technician will look for any signs of gas leaks or erosion of gas lines and make necessary repairs.
- Checking electrical components – Batteries, thermostats, controls and other electrical parts should be tested annually to ensure they're functioning properly.
Springtime HVAC Maintenance

In the spring, you'll need to prepare your air conditioner primed for the dog days of summer by doing the following:
Operator Tasks:
- Replacing the air filters – You should add in new filters to the HVAC system every three to six months to trap buildups of dust, dander and other allergens.
- Cleaning around the unit – Make sure to remove any debris, dirt or grass around the unit.
- Cleaning the drain lines – By clearing the drain and condensation lines, you'll provide proper flow to and from the unit.
- Emptying the drain pans – Empty the water buildup from the drain pans.
- Cleaning the interior – Disconnect the power, and open the top to gain access. Use a shop vacuum to remove debris inside the unit.
- Cleaning the coils – Disconnect the power, and open the unit to gain access. Use fin cleaner and a hose to wash the coils from the inside and outside.
- Turning off the water supply to the furnace humidifier – This likely isn't needed for the season. If the system has one, shut it off.
Technician or Maintenance Manager Tasks:
- Checking the fan motor and blowers – A technician will look for any debris buildup and clean it accordingly. If there is any damage to the blades, they will need to replace the component.
- Lubricating parts – Any moving parts or motor bearing should be lubricated during this seasonal inspection.
- Checking and repairing leaks – A technician will look for refrigerant leaks and make necessary repairs.
- Checking electrical components – Batteries, thermostats, controls and other electrical parts should be tested annually to ensure they're functioning properly.