January to February: heating season check-in
- Change the filter. See how often.
- On cold nights, notice whether a heat pump is leaning on backup heat. High bills are a clue. See heat pump repair.
- Test carbon monoxide detectors if you have gas heat.
March to April: spring tune-up and pollen cleanup
This is the most important window of the year. Schedule a professional cooling tune-up before contractors get busy. After the heaviest pine pollen falls, gently rinse the outdoor coil. See pine pollen and your AC.
May: first real heat
- Change the filter again.
- Check that the condensate drain is dripping outside when the system runs.
- Pour a cup of distilled vinegar into the drain line access port.
- Trim plants back to 2 feet from the outdoor unit.
June: hurricane season begins
Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30. Review our storm prep guide, and make sure you know where your AC disconnect and breaker are.
July to August: peak load
Your system is working its hardest. Change filters monthly if you have pets or construction nearby. Watch for warning signs: longer run times, warm air, water near the indoor unit, or ice on the lines. Catch small problems early.
September to October: second filter and drain check
Repeat the May drain and filter routine. In late October, schedule a heating check before the first cold front.
November to December: heating ready
Run the heat once on a mild day so dust burns off before you need it. If anything seems off, schedule heating repair before the holiday rush.
Print-friendly summary
- Filters: every 1 to 3 months
- Professional tune-ups: spring (cooling) and fall (heating)
- Drain line vinegar: every few months during cooling season
- Outdoor unit rinse: after pollen season and as needed
- Storm prep: by June
Want a pro to handle the big items? Request a tune-up using the form.