Every one to three months
Check the air filter according to the equipment and filter manufacturer. Household pets, wildfire smoke, renovation dust and high system use can shorten the useful interval.
Walk through the home and note blocked registers, new noises, unusual odours and rooms that are changing temperature differently. These observations are valuable during service.
- Inspect or replace the filter as required
- Keep supply and return grilles unobstructed
- Look for water near indoor equipment
- Note new sounds, smells or fault codes
Before heating season
Test heating before the first cold spell so there is time to address problems. Check thermostat schedules and replace batteries where applicable.
Furnaces, boilers and gas fireplaces benefit from professional inspection appropriate to the appliance. Combustion, venting and safety controls should not be treated as do-it-yourself adjustments.
- Test heating operation early
- Clear storage away from equipment
- Confirm carbon-monoxide alarms are working
- Schedule annual professional maintenance
Before cooling season
Remove leaves and debris near an outdoor heat-pump or air-conditioning unit while maintaining manufacturer clearances. Do not cover airflow openings or pressure-wash coils.
Run cooling before hot weather and confirm the system reaches set temperature without unusual cycling, noise or water around indoor components.
- Clear outdoor airflow
- Confirm condensate drains normally
- Check thermostat mode and schedule
- Arrange service for ice, weak airflow or warm supply air
Hot water, ducts and dryer vents
Watch water heaters for leakage, corrosion, unstable temperatures and unusual burner or operating sounds. Tankless systems may need descaling based on water quality and manufacturer instructions.
Duct cleaning should respond to real conditions such as renovation debris or contamination. Dryer vents deserve more routine attention because lint buildup and restricted airflow can increase heat and drying time.
- Inspect around the water heater
- Record tankless maintenance dates
- Clean the dryer lint screen after each load
- Arrange dryer-vent cleaning when airflow or drying time changes
Use a simple seasonal routine, document changes and call early when operation, airflow, temperature or safety conditions change.
