Your Ultimate AC Maintenance Checklist: 8 Easy DIY Steps

Looking for a reliable AC maintenance checklist? You’re come to the right place.

Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently—and your home cool and comfortable all summer long. The good news? There are several simple steps you can take yourself, without needing to call an Edmonton Air Conditioning Contractor. This DIY AC maintenance checklist will walk you through the most important tasks you can do at home.

Not sure about a step or just don’t feel comfortable tackling it yourself? No problem. The air conditioning experts at ProSolutions are just a call away. Whether you need AC maintenance, installation, or repair, we’re here to help—give us a call at 780-453-6640.

Let’s dive in! Here’s our Ultimate AC Maintenance Checklist, followed by answers to common questions like:
How often should I service my air conditioner?
What happens if I don’t service my AC?
What does an AC tune-up include?

8 Step AC Maintenance Checklist

Our AC maintenance checklist will help keep your system running smoothly. Complete these easy DIY steps each year—ideally before you start up your AC for the season—to maintain an efficient air conditioner and ensure maximum home comfort.

More importantly, completing these steps at least once a year can help extend the lifespan of your unit and reduce the risk of costly repairs. In the end, you’ll save both time and money.

Pro Tip: If it’s time for a new AC, the size, efficiency rating (SEER/ SEER2), and technology all impact your energy use and indoor comfort. To help you choose the right system for your Edmonton home, check out our Air Conditioner Buying Guide.

⚠️ Safety Reminder:
Before starting any maintenance, always make sure the power to your AC is turned off at the breaker. It’s also a good idea to let the system sit without power for about 30 minutes before getting started. And remember—if you’re unsure about a step, reach out to a local HVAC company like the Pros at ProSolutions for help.

Now, here’s our trusty AC maintenance checklist for you to keep on hand:

1.  Clear debris from around your AC
2.  Inspect and clean the unit
3.  Clear the condensate drain line
4.  Change the air filter
5.  Ensure your AC is level
6.  Visually inspect electrical wiring
7.  Test out your AC
8.  Schedule an annual tune-up

 Bonus: Sign up for an AC maintenance plan like our ProCooling membership for free annual tune-ups and savings on repairs.

To help you get a better sense of how to complete each item on the checklist, let’s take a look at each step.

1. Clear Debris from Around Your AC

Start your AC maintenance by cleaning up the area surrounding your outdoor air conditioning unit. Remove any leaves, weeds, grass clippings, or other debris that could obstruct airflow.

For optimal performance, aim to maintain a clear radius of at least 2 feet around the unit. This gives your AC the space it needs to breathe and operate efficiently.

It’s also a good idea to repeat this task periodically throughout the summer, especially after storms or heavy yard work. Keeping the area clear will help your system run more smoothly and reduce unnecessary strain.

2. Inspect and Clean the Unit

Cleaning the Outdoor Unit

To keep your AC running efficiently, it’s important to clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly. Start by gently brushing away dirt and debris using a soft brush. You can also use a vacuum with a soft attachment to clean the fins carefully. Once loose debris is cleared, rinse the exterior with a garden hose—use a gentle spray to avoid bending the fins. Avoid using a jet setting or pressure washer, as this can damage these delicate but essential components of your AC unit. For tougher grime, consider using a coil cleaning solution designed for AC units.

As part of this step, inspect the condenser fins (the thin metal strips covering the unit’s exterior). Look for any fins that are bent or damaged.

If you spot bent fins, don’t panic—these can usually be reshaped with a fin comb, a simple and inexpensive tool. Or, if you prefer, call a local AC professional (like ProSolutions!) to take care of it.

Keeping your condenser clean and the fins straight improves airflow, boosts energy efficiency, and extends your system’s lifespan. It can also help lower your energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Cleaning the Indoor Portion of Your AC

In addition to maintaining the outdoor unit, it’s important to ensure the indoor portion of your AC system is clean and free of blockages. This includes the evaporator coils, which are responsible for cooling the air inside your home.

Cleaning the evaporator coils can improve system efficiency and air quality. However, depending on the type of AC you have, this task can be a bit tricky to access and complete safely. If you’re not familiar with the internal components of your system—or don’t feel confident handling tools—it’s best to leave this one to the professionals.

Pro tip: If you have carpeted rooms, it’s worth getting them cleaned regularly—ideally by a professional. Dust and debris trapped in carpets can circulate through your home and clog your air filter faster, reducing indoor air quality and straining your system. 

3. Clear the Condensate Drain Line

As your AC removes heat from the air, condensation forms on the evaporator coil. This moisture drains through the condensate line, which directs it outside (or to another designated drainage area).

Over time, mold, algae, or debris can build up in the drain line and cause blockages. If left unchecked, this can lead to flooding, musty odours, or even stop your AC from running altogether. That’s why clearing the condensate line is an important part of your AC maintenance checklist.

Here’s how:

• Locate the drain line—it’s usually a small PVC pipe found near your outdoor unit.
• Check to see if it’s draining properly.
• If it seems clogged, try using a shop vac to suction out any debris.
• For general cleaning and prevention, pour a cup of distilled vinegar through the line. This helps kill bacteria and break down buildup.
  
  

This simple step can go a long way in preventing unwanted moisture issues and keeping your AC system healthy.

4. Change the Air Filter (The Most Important AC Maintenance Step!)

Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of the most critical steps in any AC maintenance checklist. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder—leading to higher energy bills, more wear and tear, and even a shorter lifespan for your AC.

To keep your system running efficiently and your indoor air clean, the AC maintenance experts at ProSolutions recommend:

• Checking your air filter every 1–3 months
• Replacing it (or cleaning it, if reusable) whenever it looks dirty

Regularly changing your filter is a quick, low-cost task that can make a big difference in your AC’s performance and long-term reliability.

5. Ensure Your AC is Level

It might not seem like a big deal, but making sure your outdoor AC unit is sitting level is an important part of your AC maintenance checklist. If the concrete slab or pad underneath your unit is tilted or uneven, your air conditioner may have to work harder to operate properly. This can lead to:

• Reduced energy efficiency
• Higher utility bills
• And, in some cases, premature system failure

To check this:

• Use a level to examine the surface under your outdoor unit.
• If it’s off, try adding shims under the pad to stabilize it.
• If the job is more extensive, consider calling in a local HVAC contractor or handyman to assist.

A level AC unit isn’t just about aesthetics—it helps keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.

6. Visually Inspect Electrical Wiring

Damaged wiring and loose connections can cause many AC problems – including fires or a complete system failure. Therefore, it’s important to take a look at the electrical wiring and controls on your air conditioning system. 

Here’s what to look for:

• Frayed or chewed wires
• Loose or disconnected wiring
• Broken or corroded controls

⚠️Important: Unless you are a trained professional, please do not attempt to repair any electrical components. This is not only dangerous but could also void warranties. A simple visual check is all you need to tell you whether professional air conditioning repair services are needed.

7. Test Out Your AC

Once you have finished the first 6 maintenance steps, it’s time to turn on the power and test out your air conditioner! Allow the unit to run while you watch and listen for any strange noises, smells or behaviour. Make sure the air feels cold and consistent,  and don’t forget to test your thermostat to ensure it’s responding properly.

If you notice your thermostat isn’t working as expected, or if there’s another issue with how your air conditioner is running, give the AC professionals at ProSolutions a call. We’ll send one of our technicians to take a look and help you fix the problem so you can relax in a cool, comfortable home.

8. Schedule an Annual Tune-Up

Working through our AC maintenance checklist is also a great reminder to schedule annual maintenance for your air conditioner. Even if you’re staying on top of your DIY checklist, an annual inspection by a certified professional will help catch issues early and keep your air conditioner running smoothly.

The best time to schedule a tune-up is in the spring. This will help you beat the summer rush and ensure your AC is in good working condition before the hot weather arrives.

Pro tip: Replacing interior filters isn’t something you should wait until spring to do. In fact, you may need to regularly replace interior filters more than once a month, especially if you have pets in your home.

Bonus AC Maintenance Checklist Item – Sign Up for an AC Maintenance Plan

Can’t seem to remember to schedule an annual AC tune-up before the summer rush? An AC maintenance plan from ProSolutions can help! 

As a member of our maintenance program, you’ll be contacted by our team to remind you about maintenance needs. We’ll help you schedule a tune-up and ensure your air conditioner is summer-ready. No need to set any reminders – we’ve got you covered!

In addition, you’ll benefit from year-round savings on AC services, priority service, and access to an experienced and professional team of AC experts.

How Often Should I Service My Air Conditioner? (Professionally and using a DIY AC maintenance checklist)

For optimal performance, it’s recommended that a professional technician services your air conditioner at least once per year. The same is true for DIY AC maintenance.

Long winters can take a toll on air conditioners in Edmonton. That’s why spring is the ideal time to go through your DIY checklist and schedule a tune-up with a licensed technician. Taking care of both before summer starts will help prevent mid-season breakdowns and ensure your system is ready to keep your home cool and comfortable.

What Happens if AC is Not Serviced?

Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner will be unable to cool your home effectively and efficiently. An inefficient system can also lead to higher energy costs, a shorter lifespan, more frequent repairs and an uncomfortable indoor climate during hot summer months. This is why AC professionals recommend annual tune-ups.

Keep in mind that choosing a dependable AC brand is also important for reliable and efficient cooling. For a list of the top-rated AC brands in Alberta, check out our guide to the best air conditioner brands.

What does an AC tune-up include?

An AC tune-up from ProSolutions covers every aspect of your air conditioner. Our trained AC Technicians will ensure that the most important parts of your AC are in good working condition, including:

• Evaporator coils
• Refrigerant lines
• Condenser
• Compressor
• Blower motor
• Thermostat
• Filters, etc.

As a result of our thorough tune-up process, we can catch (and fix) potential issues before they become costly problems. Your AC will be ready to rock all summer long!