Spring (March–May)
Book a cooling tune-up. Replace the air filter. Clear leaves and plants from the outdoor unit. Pour a cup of water into the condensate drain access, if you have one, and check that it drains. Test cooling on a warm day before summer starts.
Summer (June–September)
Check filters monthly. Keep blinds closed on west-facing windows in the afternoon. During wildfire smoke, set the fan to recirculate and check filters more often. Watch for ice on the copper lines or water around the indoor unit.
Fall (October–November)
Book a heating check. Test heat before the first cold night. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Clear dry leaves from around the outdoor unit, and be aware of Santa Ana wind debris.
Winter (December–February)
Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside. For heat pumps, a short defrost cycle with steam from the outdoor unit is normal.
