Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Our climate swings from triple-digit summers to sudden cold fronts, making your HVAC system one of the hardest-working parts of your home. Regular seasonal maintenance helps you:

• Reduce energy use and lower monthly bills.

• Extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.

• Prevent costly emergency repairs—especially during peak season.

• Improve indoor air quality in a region known for dust and allergens.

• Keep warranties valid when maintenance records are required.

Just like caring for your home’s structural systems, such as in our DFW Foundation Maintenance Guide, consistent HVAC upkeep protects your investment and your comfort.

Every Month

• Replace or clean air filters (more often with pets, allergies, or dust).

• Check thermostat batteries.

• Make sure vents and returns are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.

Spring & Summer Maintenance (Cooling Season)

North Texas summers push AC systems harder than almost anywhere else. Preparing early helps you get through the hottest months without service interruptions.

1. Replace Your Air Filter

A clean filter improves airflow, reduces strain, and keeps energy bills manageable.

• MERV 8–12 filters offer the best balance of airflow and filtration.

• Higher MERV isn’t always better—older systems may struggle with airflow restrictions.

2. Clear and Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit

• Remove leaves, grass, and debris.

• Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit.

• Check that the condenser pad hasn’t shifted or sunk.

3. Inspect and Maintain the Condensate Drain Line

In our humid summers, this line works overtime.

• Pour ½ cup of distilled vinegar into the drain monthly.

• Watch for backups that can cause water leaks and system shutdowns.

4. Inspect Refrigerant Line Insulation

Cracked or missing insulation reduces cooling efficiency.

5. Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up

A licensed HVAC technician should check:

• Refrigerant levels

• Temperature differentials

• Coils (evaporator and condenser)

• Electrical components

• Blower assembly

• System pressure

Early-season tune-ups prevent surprise failures when demand spikes.

Fall & Winter Maintenance (Heating Season)

Cold fronts can hit quickly in North Texas. Preparing your system ensures steady, safe heating.

1. Change the Filter Again Before First Use

A fresh filter helps reduce burnt-dust odors and improves airflow.

2. Expect a Light Burning Smell on Your First Heat Cycle

A mild dust smell is normal.
Strong, electrical, smoky, or chemical odors are not.
If the smell doesn’t clear within a few minutes, turn the system off and call a professional.

3. Check the Furnace Flame (Gas Systems)

• A steady blue flame indicates proper combustion.

• Yellow or flickering flames can signal ventilation or safety issues.

4. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear

Avoid storing boxes, paint, chemicals, or flammable materials nearby.

5. Schedule a Professional Furnace Inspection

Your technician should review:

• Burners and ignition

• Gas pressure

• Heat exchanger condition

• Safety switches and sensors

• Blower motor performance

Heating system issues often develop quietly—early detection saves money and increases safety.

Dust and Debris

Construction growth and windy conditions send fine dust into your return system, clogging filters quickly.

Blocked Condensate Lines

Clogs from algae or debris can cause leaks or system shutoff.

Frozen Coils (Summer)

Often caused by:

• Low refrigerant

• Dirty filters

• Restricted airflow

Sudden Spikes in Energy Bills

Usually tied to airflow restrictions, duct leaks, or lack of maintenance.

If you're also reviewing other homeowner systems, our Slab Foundation Maintenance page pairs well with this guide for new North Texas homeowners.