Creating an HVAC maintenance schedule: A year-round guide
Maintaining an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is often more effective when approached as a year-round routine rather than an occasional task. Regular upkeep may support system efficiency and help reduce the likelihood of issues over time.
The following seasonal checklist outlines general HVAC maintenance tasks by time of year. Timing may vary depending on system type and usage patterns.
Many homeowners also schedule biannual professional tune-ups. CenterPoint Energy’s Home Service Plus® (HSP) is a trusted provider of HVAC service, repair and replacement for Minnesota residents.
Why HVAC maintenance matters all year
HVAC systems perform multiple functions throughout the year, including heating, cooling, and ventilation. These functions rely on a variety of components working together.
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Air conditioning: Often provided by central air conditioners, but window units, wall units, or ductless mini-split systems are also common.
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Heating: Furnaces are widely used in residential heating, though heat pumps and boilers may also be part of a home's HVAC system.
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Ventilation: Ventilation components may include ductwork, vents, air exchangers (HRVs or ERVs) and air handlers that help circulate fresh air.
HVAC systems experience different workloads throughout the year, which can lead to wear on components over time. Regular maintenance may provide several advantages, including:
- Maintenance supports more consistent system performance
- Could improve energy efficiency by addressing airflow or filter issues
- May help identify mechanical problems before they become severe
- Can reduce the risk of unexpected system breakdowns
- May contribute to longer equipment lifespan
Your seasonal HVAC maintenance checklist
Winter (Dec – Feb): Peak heating season
Common maintenance tasks during colder months include:
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Check and replace furnace filters monthly. Check furnace filters monthly during the heating season. In colder climates like Minnesota, furnaces often run continuously by December, increasing the likelihood of clogged filters. Replace filters when they appear dirty.
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Unblock air vents. Check to see if air vents are unobstructed by furniture or rugs. Blocked vents may reduce airflow and affect heating performance.
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Check your boiler pressure. Check the boiler pressure to see if it falls within the typical operating range, often between 12 to 15 psi (pounds per square inch). If the pressure is too high or too low, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a qualified technician for assistance.
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Clear snow and ice away from outdoor vents or heat pump units. Help maintain airflow by clearing snow and ice from outdoor vents or heat pump units using a broom or brush. Avoid chisels or sharp tools that could damage the equipment.
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Monitor heating performance. Observe your heating system for unusual smells or sounds, which could indicate a dirty filter or other mechanical issues.
Spring (Mar – May): Prepare for cooling season
Spring maintenance can help prepare HVAC systems for the cooling season.
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Clean around your outdoor AC or heat pump unit. Clear grass, leaves, and debris from around the outdoor AC or heat pump unit. Trim nearby vegetation as needed. If cleaning the unit with a hose, first disconnect power to avoid electrical hazards.
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Switch your thermostat to cooling mode. On your thermostat, set the system to “cool.”
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Replace or clean filters and check for leaks. If accessible, inspect visible ductwork for air leaks by feeling for airflow or listening for unusual sounds. If leaks are found, contact a qualified HVAC technician who can provide sealing options using appropriate materials.
Summer (Jun – Aug): AC in action
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Monitor cooling performance and airflow. Smart thermostats may assist by tracking system operation and flagging potential issues. If using a standard thermostat, compare the set temperature with actual indoor temperature using a separate thermometer. A mismatch or an unexplained spike in energy use could suggest a system issue.
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Replace filters every 1–2 months depending on system use and indoor conditions.
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Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of grass, leaves, and other debris.
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Check the insulation on the refrigerant line. Inspect the refrigerant line—the thick copper pipe connecting the indoor and outdoor units—for signs of insulation damage. If insulation is missing or deteriorated, contact a qualified HVAC technician for possible replacement or repair.
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Address hot spots. Warmer areas in the home may result from blocked vents, clogged filters or ductwork problems. If vents and filters appear clear, contact a qualified HVAC technician to evaluate the duct system for damage or design issues.
Fall (Sep – Nov): Get ahead of heating season
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Test your heating system. Turn the heating system on before colder weather arrives to check whether it activates properly. If the thermostat setting triggers noticeable heating, the system appears to be functioning. If there is no response after a short period, consider contacting a qualified HVAC technician.
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Replace the batteries in the thermostat. If the thermostat uses batteries, this is a good time to replace them. Some wired systems also have backup batteries that may require attention before the heating season.
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Consider cleaning or replacing the filter in a whole-house humidifier if applicable. These filters typically require less frequent replacement than AC filters, but fall is often a practical time to inspect them. Consult the system’s manual for specific instructions.
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Monitor flues and vents for blockages. Watch for possible signs of vent or flue blockage, such as abnormal noise, visible sooting, water leakage around flue pipes, or activation of a carbon monoxide alarm. If any of these occur, stop using the system and contact a professional HVAC technician.
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Reminder: Fall may also be an appropriate time to prepare air conditioning units for off-season storage or maintenance.
What’s included in a professional HVAC tune-up?
The tasks included in a professional HVAC tune-up vary by system type but often focus on promoting safe and efficient operation. Visual inspection is common, as experienced HVAC technicians may be able to identify issues not readily visible to homeowners.
Tune-ups may also include safety checks—such as testing for carbon monoxide in gas systems—and targeted cleaning tasks, like removing buildup from a blower wheel or furnace burner.
For CenterPoint customers enrolled in HSP’s Maintenance Plan, qualified technicians conduct seasonal tune-ups of both the cooling and heating systems. Services may include inspections, cleanings, and safety checks, depending on the system type.
Customizing your schedule
Maintenance needs can vary depending on equipment type, usage levels, system age and local weather conditions. For instance, older boilers may require more frequent monitoring, while ductless mini-split systems, which have fewer moving parts and no ductwork, may have less frequent upkeep requirements.
Some schedules may also include maintenance for indoor air quality equipment such as air cleaners or humidifiers. During periods with high airborne particulates—such as smoke or pollen—filters may become clogged more quickly, potentially increasing strain on filtration systems.
You should also flush your HVAC’s condensate drain line every six months. To do this, pour a diluted bleach or vinegar solution into your condensate drain access points to flush algae and mold from the drain system and prevent sludge build-up.
And once a year, inspect and clean the condensate pump (if you have one) by removing the reservoir and cleaning the pump and reservoir with warm water and an old toothbrush. (HVACs in the attic may rely on gravity to drain and not require a pump.)
Need help? Let HSP handle the hard part
HSP’s Maintenance Plan provides two seasonal service visits per year. The cooling system visit includes air conditioner tune-up, dryer vent cleaning and bathroom fan cleaning. The heating system visit involves maintenance of the furnace or boiler, a water heater tune-up and refrigerator coil cleaning.
