HVAC Maintenance Checklist

A few minutes of seasonal care prevents most mid-summer AC and mid-winter furnace breakdowns. Tick off the spring and fall lists below, and book a professional tune-up once a year: typically $75–$200 for an AC and $70–$200 for a furnace.

Last reviewed September 2026

Spring: air conditioner

1.Replace the air filter, and set a reminder to check it monthly through summer.
2.Clear leaves, grass and debris from around the outdoor unit; keep 2 feet of clearance.
3.With the power off at the disconnect, gently rinse the outdoor coil fins from the inside out with a garden hose (no pressure washer).
4.Pour a cup of distilled vinegar into the condensate drain access port to prevent algae clogs.
5.Make sure the outdoor unit sits level on its pad and the refrigerant line insulation isn't cracked.
6.Switch the thermostat to cool and confirm cold air within 15 minutes and water draining outside.
7.Book a professional AC tune-up if it's been more than a year.

Fall: furnace

1.Replace the air filter before the first cold night.
2.Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace their batteries.
3.Clear boxes and stored items at least 3 feet from the furnace and water heater.
4.Open all supply vents and make sure return grilles aren't blocked by furniture.
5.Check that the furnace exhaust and intake pipes outside are clear of leaves, nests and snow.
6.Switch the thermostat to heat and confirm warm air within a few minutes, with no burning smell after the first run.
7.Book a professional furnace tune-up to check the burners, heat exchanger and gas connections.

Safety: turn power off before opening any panel, leave gas connections to a technician, and if you ever smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company from outside.

HVAC tune-up cost

US national ranges
Job	Typical cost
AC tune-up	$75–$200
Detailed AC service (older or neglected systems)	$200–$350
Furnace tune-up	$70–$200

Something already wrong? Run the AC and furnace problem finder.

HVAC maintenance questions

How often should an HVAC system be serviced?

Once a year for each system is the usual advice: the AC in spring and the furnace in fall. Heat pumps, which run all year, benefit from service in both seasons.

What does a professional tune-up include?

Typically cleaning and inspecting the coils, checking refrigerant pressure and electrical parts on the AC, and testing the burners, ignition, flame sensor, heat exchanger and safety controls on the furnace.

Are HVAC maintenance plans worth it?

A plan that covers two visits a year for about the price of two single tune-ups, plus repair discounts or priority service, can be good value. Compare what's included rather than the price alone.