Fall & Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist
When the temperature's falling, comfort in your space is key. Packaged rooftop units or individual air conditioners and furnaces stay up and running for years to come as long as they're well maintained. Below is a helpful fall and winter HVAC maintenance checklist, ensuring any business or home is at the right temperature all year long.
Fall & Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist
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.
- Check thermostats - Make sure thermostats are working correctly and that they are set to optimal temperatures for the season. Too cold interior temperatures can cause plumbing and pipes to freeze.
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.
Printable HVAC Checklist
Need a physical file to track all these tasks and more? Parts Town has an easy HVAC checklist you can download in a PDF format and print that covers tasks to do all throughout the year. This includes fall, spring and any time between peak seasons.
Open HVAC Maintenance PDF Checklist