AC Maintenance Checklist for Florida Homeowners

A little maintenance goes a long way in Florida, where your AC runs most of the year. Here is what you can do, and what to leave to a technician.

Do these yourself

• Change the air filter every month in summer
• Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris
• Rinse the outdoor coil gently with a hose
• Check that vents are open and unblocked
• Watch for water near the indoor unit, a sign of a clogged drain

Leave these to a pro

• Refrigerant level checks and leak detection
• Electrical and capacitor testing
• Deep coil cleaning and drain clearing
• A full tune-up twice a year