Keep Your Cool: HVAC Maintenance Tips

Your HVAC system is the most expensive appliance in the house, and the one most people never think about until it fails on the hottest day of the year. A little routine care changes that math completely.

Monthly: the five-minute habit

Check the filter. A clogged filter forces the blower to work harder, raises your energy bill and shortens the life of the unit. Hold it up to a light — if you can't see light through it, replace it.

Seasonally: clear and inspect

• Clear leaves, grass and debris two feet around the outdoor condenser.
• Gently rinse condenser fins with a garden hose (never a pressure washer).
• Check that the condensate drain line drips when the AC runs.
• Test your thermostat schedule before each season's first heat wave or cold snap.