Overview
Year-round HVAC maintenance guide to keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently, extend equipment life, and maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Triangle Checklist

Replace air filter every 1-3 months
DIYCheck monthly during heavy use. Hold up to light — if you can't see through it, replace it.
Schedule professional tune-up twice yearly
AC tune-up in spring, heating tune-up in fall. Includes safety checks, cleaning, and efficiency optimization.
Clean supply and return vents
DIYEasy~45 minVacuum vents and registers. Make sure furniture and drapes don't block airflow. Clean vents improve HVAC efficiency, air quality, and even room temperatures.
Read full guide →Check thermostat calibration
DIYEasy~30 minCompare 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.
Read full guide →Clear area around outdoor condenser unit
DIYRemove debris, trim vegetation back 2 feet. Gently rinse condenser coils with a garden hose.
Inspect ductwork for leaks
DIYModerate~60 minCheck 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.
Read full guide →Test CO detector near furnace
DIYPress the test button. Replace batteries annually. Replace the entire unit after 7 years.
Check condensate drain line
DIYEasy~20 minPour 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.
Read full guide →Local Professionals in Triangle

AC Guys DMV Services
Alexandria, VA
(202) 440-8874HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited
Alexandria, VA
(703) 455-6000
Salvation Heating & Air Conditioning
Arlington, VA
(703) 859-2200K&K Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning
Alexandria, VA
(571) 339-4265Founding Member
Premium spot in Triangle
Ambassador
Lead the Triangle community
Founding Member
Premium spot in Triangle
Triangle Housing Market
Median Home Price
$749,990
Homes for Sale
7
Price per Sq Ft
$167
Local Pros
600
Home Service Professionals Near Triangle
Median Household Income
$114,837
Median Home Value
$520,400
Median Rent
$1,606/mo
Homeownership Rate
63.4%
Population
11,265
Median Year Built
1999
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
Fair Market Rents — Triangle
Studio
$1,953/mo
1 Bedroom
$2,015/mo
2 Bedroom
$2,246/mo
3 Bedroom
$2,835/mo
4 Bedroom
$3,332/mo
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents — Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area