AC Maintenance Checklist (Homeowner DIY + Pro)
The monthly and annual AC maintenance every Kansas homeowner should do themselves, plus the things worth paying a tech for.
By Duke Hilbert
Half of AC maintenance is stuff you can do yourself in 10 minutes a month. The other half — refrigerant, electrical, and coil chemistry — is where a licensed tech earns their keep.
Monthly (homeowner)
- Check the air filter. Replace if you can't see light through it.
- Walk outside and eyeball the condenser — clear leaves, grass clippings, or trash within 2 ft.
- Look at the condensate drain line under the indoor unit — any wet spots or corrosion?
Seasonal (homeowner)
- Spring: gently rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose (from inside out, power off).
- Spring: verify thermostat batteries.
- Fall: cover the outdoor unit ONLY if you get lots of falling leaves. Don't wrap tight in winter — moisture gets trapped.
Annual (technician)
The full 17-point tune-up checklist — refrigerant charge, capacitor, contactor, amp draws, coil chemistry, static pressure, thermostat calibration. Book it before Memorial Day.
Key takeaway. 10 minutes a month + one professional tune-up a year is the difference between a 12-year AC and an 18-year AC.
Need a hand from a real Central Kansas technician? Call (785) 822-7550 and a Comfort Heating & Air tech will walk you through it — or request service online and we'll follow up the same business day.
Ready for comfort that cares?
Call Comfort Heating & Air in Salina — or send a request and we will follow up during business hours.