HVAC Maintenance Checklist: What Professional Technicians Check During Service

Why HVAC Preventative Maintenance Is Essential for Homeowners

Regular HVAC maintenance is not just a recommendation—it’s necessary to protect your home’s comfort system and wallet. At Unionville Heating & Air Conditioning, our certified technicians follow comprehensive maintenance protocols that extend equipment life, improve energy efficiency, and help prevent costly emergency repairs.

HVAC maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your unit. Without proper professional care, your heating and cooling systems can break down frequently and operate inefficiently. A neglected system works harder, consumes more energy, and costs you more money through higher utility bills and premature equipment failure.

What Our Professional HVAC Maintenance Includes

We often hear from homeowners asking, “What exactly happens during an HVAC maintenance visit?” Below, we’ve outlined our detailed maintenance checklists for both furnace and air conditioner service. This transparency helps you understand the value of professional maintenance and why DIY maintenance alone isn’t sufficient for optimal system performance.

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist

Our comprehensive AC maintenance includes inspection, cleaning, and testing of all critical components to ensure your cooling system operates at peak efficiency when you need it most.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance:

  • Rinse off dirt and debris from the outdoor unit
  • Perform deep cleaning to clear debris from inside the unit
  • Clean and inspect the electrical compartment
  • Inspect the capacitor for proper operation
  • Inspect fan blade operation for unusual sounds, rubbing, and balanced operation
  • Inspect line set for signs of leaking or freezing
  • Close humidifier damper for the cooling season

Drainage System Maintenance:

  • Inspect coil fittings and clear any blockages
  • Clear drain lines to prevent water damage
  • Verify coil is draining with no restrictions
  • Clean condensate pump (if equipped)
  • Purge condensate pump line with CO2
  • Verify safety switch installation on the condensate pump
  • Confirm pump is draining properly
  • Check all drain clamps are tight and secure
  • Confirm no leaks in the system

System Performance Checks:

  • Inspect and replace air filter
  • Measure supply temperature
  • Calculate temperature drop across the system
  • Check refrigerant line temperature
  • Verify proper system pressures (low and high side)
  • Measure superheat for optimal performance
  • Add thread sealer where needed
  • Verify AC is cooling properly
  • Record model and serial numbers for warranty purposes

 

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Our furnace maintenance ensures your heating system operates safely, efficiently, and reliably throughout winter.

Furnace Information & Certification:

  • Record model and serial number for customer profile
  • Verify approved certification marks for Canadian gas and oil-fired equipment

Burner System Maintenance:

  • Inspect burners for corrosion
  • Verify burners are aligned correctly
  • Clean flame sensor for reliable ignition

Furnace Drainage System:

  • Purge pressure switch tubing
  • Purge air through internal drain lines
  • Purge air through external drain lines and fittings
  • Purge air through the condensate trap
  • Clean condensate trap as needed
  • Verify no water in the blower compartment
  • Ensure the floor grate is secure and clear of debris
  • Purge underground drain lines with compressed air (if applicable)
  • Check all clamps inside and outside the furnace for tightness
  • Inspect condensate pump installation (if present)
  • Verify the safety switch on the condensate pump
  • Purge condensate pump line with CO2

Filter & Humidifier Maintenance:

  • Inspect and replace filter as needed
  • Inspect humidifier panel
  • Replace humidifier panel as needed
  • Open damper for heating season
  • Clean humidifier components
  • Set humidistat to optimal 35-40% humidity

Electrical System Checks:

  • Ensure all connections are tight and secure
  • Check for signs of corrosion
  • Inspect for wear and tear
  • Verify electrical compliance with safety standards

Heating Cycle Observations:

  • Verify flame is blue without excessive orange or yellow
  • Confirm flame is aligned and strong
  • Ensure all burners are lit properly
  • Check vent motor operation for quiet, normal function
  • Assess blower motor for quiet, normal operation
  • Verify humidifier is running and draining water correctly
  • Confirm no leaks from the humidifier or furnace
  • Check condensate pump operation (if equipped)
  • Inspect for condensation leaking from venting
  • Verify venting is properly sloped and supported

Safety & Compliance Checks:

  • Perform CO flue test
  • Measure supply temperature
  • Verify gas pipe is properly bonded
  • Note any non-compliances or deficiencies
  • Confirm TSSA compliances:
    • Installation tag (for Unionville installations)
    • Venting compliance
    • Electrical compliance
    • Service and access area compliance
    • Clearance to combustibles
    • Sufficient combustion air

Common HVAC Maintenance Recommendations

Based on our extensive experience servicing HVAC systems in Markham, Stouffville, and surrounding areas, these are the most frequent recommendations our technicians make:

  • Upgrade drain lines for better condensate removal
  • Replace saddle valves with more reliable ball valves
  • Install safety switches on condensate pumps
  • Upgrade plastic waterlines for humidifiers to copper for increased durability
  • Improve ventilation in enclosed equipment areas
  • Add protection against power surges
  • Install better filtration systems to improve indoor air quality

The Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

Professional HVAC maintenance provides numerous benefits that save you money and increase comfort:

  1. Extended Equipment Life: Regular maintenance can add 5-7 years to your system’s lifespan.
  2. Lower Energy Bills: Well-maintained systems use up to 25% less energy.
  3. Fewer Breakdowns: Preventative maintenance catches small issues before they become major problems.
  4. Improved Air Quality: Clean components mean cleaner air in your home.
  5. Maintained Warranty Coverage: Most manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to keep warranties valid.
  6. Enhanced Safety: Professional inspections identify potential safety hazards before they become dangerous.

Invest in HVAC Maintenance Now to Save Later

For just $149.95 per maintenance visit, you can protect your HVAC investment and avoid the high cost of emergency repairs or premature system replacement. Our maintenance visits typically take 60-90 minutes and include all the items on our comprehensive checklists above.

Our HVAC Maintenance Plan Offers Even Greater Value

Join our Maintenance Protection Plan for complete peace of mind:

  • Scheduled spring and fall maintenance visits
  • Priority emergency service
  • Discounts on repairs and parts
  • Extended warranty coverage
  • No overtime charges for emergency service
  • Detailed service documentation for warranty purposes

Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance Today →

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Maintenance

How often should I have my HVAC system professionally maintained?

We recommend twice yearly—once in spring before the cooling season and once in fall before the heating season.

While changing filters and keeping outdoor units clear of debris is important, professional maintenance includes specialized testing, cleaning, and adjustments that require training and tools most homeowners don’t have.

A typical maintenance visit takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the system’s condition and complexity.

Yes! Based on our service records, customers with regular maintenance save an average of $800-1,200 annually through improved efficiency, fewer repairs, and extended equipment life.

For personal residences, HVAC maintenance is typically not tax-deductible. However, it may qualify as a business expense for rental properties or home offices. Consult your tax professional for specific advice.

 

Unionville Heating & Air Conditioning has served Markham, Stouffville, and surrounding communities since 1987. Our certified TSSA Gas Technicians are committed to keeping your home comfortable year-round with expert HVAC maintenance services. Contact us today to schedule your professional maintenance visit.

Contact Us | Schedule Maintenance | Learn About Our Maintenance Plans