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:

Clear debris from around your AC
Inspect and clean the unit
Clear the condensate drain line
Change the air filter
Ensure your AC is level
Visually inspect electrical wiring
Test out your AC
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.

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!

DIY AC Maintenance: Expert Advice on How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer

Summer is just around the corner! You might be ready for the hot weather, but is your AC? To guarantee your air conditioner will run smoothly when the time comes, you’ll want to do some DIY AC maintenance.

There are several steps that homeowners should take to prepare their air conditioner for summer. While you can hire an Edmonton air conditioning contractor to get your AC ready (we’d be happy to do the job for you), you can also take the DIY AC maintenance route.

To help you out with your DIY endeavour, our expert air conditioning service team has put together a list of the most important AC maintenance tasks you should undertake before summer arrives.

Keep in mind – although ensuring your AC is in top working condition will help with energy costs, starting up your central air conditioner can mean higher utility bills. So, once your DIY AC maintenance is complete, follow the additional tips below for more energy savings.

Let’s get started!

How do I get my air conditioner ready for summer?
What are ways to save energy in the summer?
Air conditioner tune-up special pricing

AC Maintenance Steps to Prepare Your AC for Summer

A central air conditioning unit that has been sitting all winter (especially in Edmonton), will need some TLC before it can effectively run come summertime. These DIY AC maintenance steps will help you get your air conditioner ready. More importantly, completing these tasks now will ensure you aren’t stuck with AC repair issues that require professional attention during peak season.

Step 1: Turn The Power to Your AC Off

First thing’s first, make sure the power to your air conditioner is turned off before you begin any AC maintenance. The switch for your air conditioner will likely be found in your main breaker box or within a separate breaker box located outside next to your heating and cooling unit.

Turn off all power to the unit and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that all the power held in the capacitor has time to drain. In general, when you’re completing your DIY maintenance, try to avoid touching any electrical components.

If you’re unsure about how to turn the power to your AC off, contact your local Edmonton heating and cooling professionals.

Step 2: Clean or Change the Filters

Be sure to clean or replace all of the filters in your heating and cooling system. This should be done throughout the year as well – whenever the filters look dirty or clogged (usually every few months or so). This step is important because it ensures that you have clean, filtered air coming into your home and that airflow isn’t restricted. A restriction in airflow can cause your unit to have to work harder, resulting in a higher utility bill, and may even lead to a system breakdown.

Step 3: Clean the Outside of the AC Unit

It’s likely that after sitting all winter your AC unit will be covered in dirt, dust, mud and other debris. It’s important that you clear this debris, especially from the coils, as it can obstruct airflow.

Start by clearing any debris from around the unit. For instance, remove weeds, leaves and other debris that could obstruct airflow. Once the concrete slab is clear of debris, clean the coils on the outside of the unit. To do so, you can simply spray the outside of the unit with a hose. Or, if the build-up is caked on, you may want to use an air conditioner cleaning product. Cleaning the coils on the outside of your AC unit will help it to work more efficiently, meaning a lower utility bill and better air quality.

Important Note: Before you spray or wipe your air conditioner, be sure the power to the unit is off.

Pro Tip: To help protect your air conditioner during the winter, and to make your DIY AC maintenance job easier in the spring, cover the unit with a tarp or AC cover.

Step 4: Clean the Inside of the Air Conditioner

Next, you’ll want to clean the inside of the unit.

First, remove the protective panels on the top and side of the air conditioner. This will allow you to clean the coils inside. Again, it’s important that the power is turned off before doing this to ensure your safety and the safety of the unit.

Clean the fins and the fan blades using a soft brush, rag or a vacuum. Be sure to be gentle so you don’t damage the fins. You can also use a hose to spray out any heavy dirt and debris. Again, make sure you’re gentle with the spray to avoid damaging any components. As well, do not flood the unit or spray any electrical elements or the fan motor. To avoid this, cover these parts with a garbage bag.

For professional air conditioner cleaning Edmonton, contact the team at ProSolutions PHAC – we’d be happy to help!

Additional DIY AC Maintenance Steps

These additional steps will also help to ensure that your AC unit is running efficiently and that your utility bill is as low as possible.

Make sure the concrete slab is level – a slab that isn’t level will cause your unit to have to work harder. If the slab has moved over the winter, adjust it so that it is level.
Check your condensation line – this can become clogged and cause damage to your unit. Locate the pipe and make sure that it’s draining properly.
Check the insulation on your coolant lines – these coolant lines will likely be covered by foam insulation. This insulation should be in good condition and completely covering the lines to ensure they are not losing heat. If you find the insulation is cracked or missing, you’ll want to replace it.

After you’ve completed the steps above, your AC should be ready to go. Start it up and test it out to make there aren’t any repairs that need to be made by a professional. If you have any concerns, contact an AC repair professional in Edmonton right away.

To help with ongoing AC maintenance, ProSolutions offers AC maintenance plans. Regular maintenance will ensure your AC is running efficiently throughout the season, reducing your energy consumption and your utility bills. It will also extend the lifetime of your air conditioning system, by guaranteeing that it is in top condition throughout the year.

Please Note: Before you start up your AC unit, be sure the unit is completely dry.

Air Conditioner Energy Saving Tips

Many of the DIY AC maintenance tips above will help you conserve energy by ensuring your AC unit is running efficiently. To further help you reduce your energy consumption and utility bills throughout the summer, here are some additional tips:

Upgrade your AC unit to a high-efficiency model.
Install a programmable thermostat. This will optimize the temperature in your home throughout the day and make adjustments based on when you’re home and away.
Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature. Constantly adjusting the temperature will force your unit to work harder, increasing energy consumption.
Use fans (the thermostat fan and ceiling fans) as much as possible to help circulate cool air throughout your home. This will help to keep your house cooler and reduce any hot spots.
Replace old windows with more energy-efficient windows.
Close your blinds and windows during the day to help keep out the heat.

Ready to get a jump start on preparing your AC for summer? Whether you want to complete the DIY AC maintenance steps above or hire an AC professional to do it for you, now is the time!

Besides feeling prepared, completing this AC maintenance early will guarantee you beat the summer rush. Leaving these tasks until the last minute can mean you run into issues that require the help of a professional only to find out that it’s already busy season!

So, skip the wait and complete your AC maintenance and repairs now. With our early bird pricing, not only will you be on the ball but you’ll save money while doing it!

ProSolutions AC Tune-Up Special

PROMO HERE

DIY AC Maintenance: Expert Advice on How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer

To help you out with your DIY endeavour, our expert air conditioning service team has put together a list of the most important AC maintenance tasks you should undertake before summer arrives.

Let’s get started!

How do I get my air conditioner ready for summer?
What are ways to save energy in the summer?
Air conditioner tune-up special pricing