Seasonal maintenance procedures for optimal system performance
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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PAYS: Regular maintenance extends equipment life by 40%, reduces energy costs by 15-20%, and prevents 95% of breakdowns. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of repair.
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Customer Communication & Documentation
Introduce yourself and explain serviceSeasonal
Review what will be inspected, estimated time, answer any customer questions
Review system operation with customer
Ask about any issues, unusual sounds, comfort problems since last service
Protect customer property
Use drop cloths, remove shoes or wear booties, clear work area
Take before photos of equipment
Document condition before service for records and customer transparency
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Thermostat & Control System
Test thermostat operationSeasonal
Verify display working, responds to temperature changes, proper mode switching
Replace thermostat batteries (if applicable)
Many thermostats use AA or AAA batteries - replace annually or as needed
Clean thermostat and level if needed
Dust can affect sensors - verify thermostat is level for accurate readings
Verify programmable schedule settings
Confirm schedule matches customer's needs, update for daylight saving if needed
Check control voltage at thermostat
Measure 24VAC at R and C terminals - should be 24-28VAC
Low voltage indicates transformer or wiring issue
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Indoor Unit - Air Filter & Airflow
Inspect and replace air filterMonthly
Check filter condition - replace if dirty, document size for customer
Arrow on filter points toward blower - gaps allow bypassing of unfiltered air
Check return air grilles and registers
Verify all returns open and unobstructed - furniture, curtains can block airflow
Inspect supply registers throughout house
Verify dampers open, registers not blocked, adjust for balanced airflow
Measure static pressure (if equipped)
Check external static pressure across blower - should be per manufacturer specs
Typical: 0.3-0.8" W.C. | High static = restricted airflow
💡 FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Standard 1" pleated: Change every 30-90 days (higher MERV = more frequent) Media filters (4-5"): Change every 6-12 months HEPA filters: Check monthly, replace per manufacturer (usually 6-12 months) Customer education: Show them how to check and change filters themselves
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Indoor Unit - Evaporator Coil
Inspect evaporator coil cleanlinessSeasonal
Remove panel, inspect coil with flashlight - look for dust, mold, debris
Clean evaporator coil (if needed)
Use coil cleaner spray and soft brush - rinse and allow to drain completely
Severe buildup may require professional coil cleaning service
Check for signs of coil leaks
Look for oil stains, corrosion, refrigerant detector can help identify leaks
Verify coil not frozen
Ice on coil indicates low charge, low airflow, or failed TXV
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Blower Assembly & Motor
Inspect blower wheel cleanlinessAnnual
Dirty blower wheel reduces airflow significantly - clean if dusty
Clean blower wheel (if needed)
Remove blower assembly, clean with brush and mild detergent, dry completely
Lubricate blower motor bearings (if applicable)
Some motors have oil ports - use 3-5 drops of electric motor oil (not all motors need this)
Modern sealed bearings don't require lubrication - check label
Test blower motor amp draw
Compare to nameplate FLA - high amps indicate bearing wear or restriction
Loose set screws cause vibration and noise - tighten if loose
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Condensate Drain System
Inspect condensate drain panSeasonal
Check for standing water, rust, cracks, algae growth
Clean drain pan
Remove debris, treat with pan tablets or bleach solution to prevent algae
Clear condensate drain line
Flush with water or compressed air, use wet/dry vac to clear clogs
Typical: 3/4" PVC drain line - should flow freely
Verify drain line slope
Should have 1/4" per foot slope toward drain - check with level
Test condensate pump (if equipped)
Pour water in reservoir, verify pump activates and discharges properly
Check float switch operation
If equipped, verify float switch cuts off system when drain backs up
💡 CONDENSATE MAINTENANCE TIPS
Prevent clogs: Pour 1 cup vinegar or bleach down drain line quarterly Pan tablets: Install algae prevention tablets in drain pan - lasts 3-6 months Secondary drain: Check auxiliary drain pan under unit if indoor installation Drain line location: Verify drains to proper location (outside, drain, or condensate pump)
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Outdoor Unit - Condenser Coil
Inspect condenser coil cleanlinessSeasonal
Remove panels, inspect both sides of coil - look for dirt, cottonwood, grass clippings
Clean condenser coil
Use coil cleaner and water spray from inside out - never pressure wash
Severe fouling = 30%+ capacity loss and increased operating cost
Straighten bent coil fins
Use fin comb to straighten bent fins - improves airflow through coil
Clear debris from unit interior
Remove leaves, dirt, grass, insects - clean base pan
Trim vegetation around unit
Maintain 24" clearance all sides, 60" above - shrubs, grass should not restrict airflow
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Outdoor Unit - Electrical Components
Inspect contactor contactsSeasonal
Look for pitting, burning, or welding - clean with contact cleaner or replace
Test run capacitor
Discharge safely, measure microfarads - should be within 6% of rating
Weak capacitor causes hard starting, reduced efficiency, motor failure
Tighten all electrical connections
Check wire terminals, contactors, disconnect - use appropriate torque
Inspect wiring insulation
Look for cracked, burned, or deteriorated wire insulation - replace if damaged
Test voltage at disconnect
Measure line voltage - should be 240VAC ±10%
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Compressor & Condenser Fan Motor
Measure compressor amp drawSeasonal
Compare to nameplate RLA - should be 80-100% of rated amps
High amps = dirty coil or overcharge | Low amps = low charge or compressor issue
Listen for compressor noises
Should run quietly - rattling, grinding, or squealing indicates problem
Measure condenser fan motor amps
Should match nameplate FLA ±10% - high amps indicate bearing wear
Inspect fan blade condition
Check for cracks, chips, proper balance - verify secure to motor shaft
Lubricate fan motor (if applicable)
Only if motor has oil ports - most modern motors are sealed
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Refrigeration System Check
Connect manifold gaugesAnnual
Attach to service ports after system runs 10+ minutes to stabilize
Record suction and liquid pressures
Document pressures with outdoor/indoor temps for baseline comparison
Calculate superheat
Measure suction line temp, convert pressure to temp, calculate difference
Target: 8-12°F (TXV) or 10-25°F (fixed orifice)
Calculate subcooling
Measure liquid line temp, convert pressure to temp, calculate difference
Target: 8-15°F typical
Check for refrigerant leaks
Use leak detector on service ports, connections, coils - repair if found
Inspect refrigerant lines for damage
Check insulation, look for kinks, verify proper support and routing
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Gas Furnace - Heating Season Prep
Inspect heat exchanger visuallyAnnual
Look for cracks, rust, holes - use flashlight and mirror
Run times 10-20 minutes typical - short cycling indicates problem
Test defrost cycle (heat pumps - winter)
Verify outdoor coil defrosts when iced, returns to heating mode after defrost
Document all performance measurements
Record temps, pressures, amps, voltages for future comparison and trending
Temperature Split (Cooling)
15-22°F
Supply Air (Cooling)
55-65°F
Supply Air (Gas Heat)
120-140°F
Typical Run Cycle
10-20 min
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Final Steps & Customer Education
Take after photos of work completedSeasonal
Document cleaned coils, replaced parts, condition after service
Clean up work area
Remove all tools, parts, packaging - leave area cleaner than found
Review findings with customer
Show photos, explain any issues found, recommend repairs or improvements
Educate customer on system operation
Filter changes, thermostat use, signs of problems, when to call for service
Schedule next maintenance visit
Book spring/fall tune-up - remind customer benefits of regular maintenance
Complete service documentation
Fill out maintenance checklist, record all measurements, customer signature
💡 VALUE-ADDED SERVICE TIPS
Filter stickers: Leave stickers on filter with date changed and next change due System labels: Label equipment with filter size, refrigerant type, service date Customer handout: Provide maintenance tips sheet or care guide Photo report: Email before/after photos with findings summary Maintenance plan: Offer annual service plan for regular tune-ups