A simple Palo Alto HVAC routine: in spring, book a cooling tune-up, change the filter and clear the outdoor unit. In late summer, prepare for wildfire smoke with a MERV 13 filter. In fall, book a heating check and test CO alarms. In winter, watch filters and, for Eichlers, radiant boiler pressure. Change filters every one to three months.
Spring (March to May)
- Book a professional cooling tune-up before the first warm week
- Replace the filter
- Clear leaves and debris from the outdoor unit; keep two feet of clearance
- Gently rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose (no pressure washer)
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into the condensate line access, if you have one
- Test the system on a mild day so problems surface before a heat wave
Summer (June to September)
- Check the filter monthly during heavy use
- Prepare for smoke season: keep a spare MERV 13 filter on hand
- During smoke events, close windows and run the system fan with a good filter
- Keep blinds closed on west-facing windows on hot afternoons
- Watch for water around the indoor unit or ice on refrigerant lines
Fall (September to November)
- Book a heating tune-up before the first cold nights
- Replace the filter
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Clear leaves from the outdoor unit again, especially under oaks and sycamores
- Eichler owners: check radiant boiler pressure before the heating season
Winter (December to February)
- Check filters every one to two months
- For heat pumps, a brief defrost cycle with some steam is normal
- Keep vents and returns unblocked by furniture and rugs
- If anything smells like gas or burning, shut the system off and call
How often to call a professional
Once a year for each mode, or once a year at minimum for a heat pump. See HVAC maintenance for what our tune-ups include.