HVAC Technician how-to
How to Perform Seasonal AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and keeps efficiency high.
Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and keeps efficiency high. In short: replace; turn; inspect, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Replace or clean the air filter.
Turn off power and clean the outdoor condenser coil from the inside out.
Inspect and tighten electrical connections and check the contactor for pitting.
Test capacitors and measure motor amperage against the nameplate.
Clear the condensate drain and check the float switch.
Measure temperature split and check refrigerant charge.
Record readings and share recommendations with the customer.
Safety reminders for HVAC technicians
- Disconnect power and lock out before servicing electrical components
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling refrigerants: they can cause frostbite
- Never vent refrigerants; recover them as required by EPA rules
- Use fall protection on roofs and follow ladder safety
Key terms
BTU · Ton (cooling) · SEER2 · Refrigeration cycle · Compressor · Condenser: see the full HVAC technician glossary.