Your Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist: Get Ready for Warm Weather

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Spring is the perfect time to throw open the windows, freshen up your space—and make sure your HVAC system is ready for the warmer months ahead. While you’re decluttering closets and organizing the garage, don’t forget to give your HVAC system a little attention. Proper spring maintenance not only ensures your air conditioner runs efficiently through summer, but it can also lower your energy bills and extend the life of your system. That’s right, keeping your A/C maintained can save you money!

Here’s a simple spring HVAC maintenance checklist to help keep your system in top shape—and why calling a professional might be the smartest step you take this season.

Replace the Air Filter

Spring in Georgia means one thing: pollen season—and lots of it. During this time of year, your HVAC filter works overtime trying to trap the yellow dust that settles on every surface, inside and out. A standard filter can quickly become clogged, which restricts airflow, reduces system efficiency, and worsens indoor air quality.

While this step is an important part of our HVAC maintenance checklist, it’s not limited to your bi-annual heating and cooling maintenance. During peak pollen season, consider changing your filter every 30 days—or even more often if you suffer from allergies or have pets in the home.

If you really want to breathe easier, an HVAC technician can walk you through additional options to protect your home against allergens year-round. From upgraded filtration systems to air purifiers and UV light enhancements, there are several solutions that can dramatically reduce indoor pollen, dust, and other airborne irritants—especially in spring when allergies are at their worst.

Clear the Condensate Drain Line

Your air conditioner removes humidity from the air, and that moisture needs somewhere to go. That’s the job of the condensate drain line. Over time, this line can become clogged with algae, dust, or debris, which can lead to water backing up into the unit.

If the drain becomes fully blocked and the unit’s safety switch fails or is absent, this can cause water to overflow—sometimes leading to flooding, water damage, or even ceiling leaks in multi-story homes. Clearing the line with a wet/dry vacuum or a flexible brush is possible, but if you’re unsure or want peace of mind, this is a great time to call a professional. An HVAC technician can safely flush and inspect the line to prevent future issues.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Your HVAC system’s condenser unit sits outside year-round, collecting leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris. As spring arrives, it’s important to give it a little attention.

Trim back any plants or shrubs within 2–3 feet of the unit
Remove any leaves or trash that may have collected around the base
Gently spray the unit with a garden hose to rinse off dust and pollen

Keeping the unit clean improves airflow and helps your system cool your home more efficiently.

Clean the Coils

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), dirty coils and filters can increase your energy bills by over $1,000 during peak cooling seasons. The evaporator and condenser coils are essential for heat exchange, and when they’re coated in dust or grime, your system has to work harder—and use more energy—to get the job done.

Routine coil cleaning not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces wear and tear on the system.

Take Advantage of a Professional’s HVAC Maintenance Checklist

While there are several steps you can take on your own, a professional HVAC tune-up is the most thorough and reliable way to prepare your system for spring and summer. An experienced professional will have a longer HVAC maintenance checklist than what we’ve suggested homeowners tackle.

Here’s what a licensed technician will typically do as part of a spring HVAC maintenance visit:

• Inspect and calibrate your thermostat
• Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks
• Tighten electrical connections
• Lubricate moving parts
• Test the system’s safety controls
• Thoroughly clean the evaporator and condenser coils
• Ensure the system starts, runs, and shuts off properly

HVAC systems are complex. A professional can spot potential issues early—before they lead to breakdowns during the heat of summer. Preventive maintenance helps avoid costly repairs and ensures your system is running safely and efficiently.

Bonus Tip: Set a Reminder

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Make HVAC maintenance a part of your seasonal home checklist. Spring and fall are ideal times for professional service, helping you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter—without unexpected interruptions.

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Let’s help you start the season strong. Contact Aaron Services today to schedule your spring HVAC inspection. We’ll make sure everything is clean, efficient, and ready to keep your home comfortable all season long. the filter is an important step that many people neglect. Clogged air filters force the system to work overtime to push air through the home. Check it once a month, and replace it before it has a chance to get clogged.  

Clear the Drain

The air conditioner drain needs to be clear to allow it to work properly. Use a hanger or other long wire to clear out the drain. Remove any debris or other items blocking the drain to prevent clogs and flooding.

Patch Holes

Holes in the ventilation system make it less effective as it allows air to escape. Inspect the vents, looking for any dents or dings in them, and repair these spots using duct tape or caulk. Also, consider hiring professionals to clean them out and repair them as necessary.

Clear the Exterior Unit

Head outside to inspect the exterior unit. Remove any debris, cut away branches and shrubbery touching the unit, and use a hose to clean any dust that settled on the unit over the fall and winter.

Clean the Coils 

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), dirty coils and clogged filters can add an extra $1000 to utility bills over the cooling season. In order to save money, it’s important to keep the coils clean. Regularly inspect them, and clean away dirt and debris. Clean coils can make the system more efficient, lower energy costs, and prolong the unit’s lifespan.

On top of the rest of the spring cleaning tips, contact us to come out and inspect the HVAC system. We’ll help you clean it up and check for any issues that should be addressed before using the air conditioning system.