The video follows a technician servicing a furnace and an outdoor air conditioning unit. A yearly tune-up keeps the system efficient and safe.

Video by Brian Huie on YouTube. Watch on YouTube

How often should HVAC be serviced?

ENERGY STAR recommends annual pre-season check-ups by a contractor: the cooling system in spring and the heating system in fall.

What does a tune-up include?

Check thermostat settings and system controls.
Tighten electrical connections and lubricate moving parts.
Inspect the condensate drain, since a clog can cause water damage.
Cooling: clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check refrigerant and adjust the blower.
Heating: check gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and the heat exchanger.

ENERGY STAR's do-it-yourself item is the air filter: inspect, clean or change it once a month (see the furnace filter guide).

Faulty gas or oil connections are a fire and health hazard, and loose electrical connections make a system unsafe. Leave both to a qualified technician.

Seattle City Light advises checking filters and scheduling annual maintenance. It also offers heat pump rebates; check its site for current amounts.

The tune-up itself is a job for a licensed HVAC contractor.

Checked October 2026. Manufacturer instructions for a specific model come first. General information, not a substitute for a licensed professional.

From the Home Care Manual by Brian Huie, a principal broker with Compass Real Estate in Seattle.