HVAC Maintenance Checklist — Fairfax, Virginia

Check monthly during heavy use. Hold up to light — if you can't see through it, replace it.

AC tune-up in spring, heating tune-up in fall. Includes safety checks, cleaning, and efficiency optimization.

Vacuum vents and registers. Make sure furniture and drapes don't block airflow. Clean vents improve HVAC efficiency, air quality, and even room temperatures.

Compare thermostat reading to a room thermometer. If off by more than 2 degrees F, recalibrate or replace your thermostat for accurate temperature control and energy savings.

Remove debris, trim vegetation back 2 feet. Gently rinse condenser coils with a garden hose.

Check visible ducts in attic and basement for gaps, disconnections, or damaged insulation. Leaky ducts waste 20-30% of conditioned air before it reaches your rooms.

Press the test button. Replace batteries annually. Replace the entire unit after 7 years.

Pour a cup of bleach or vinegar down the AC condensate drain to prevent algae clogs. A blocked drain line is the number-one cause of AC shutdowns and water damage.