A seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your HVAC system running efficiently year-round.
Spring Checklist (Before Oklahoma Summer)
This is the most important maintenance of the year — Oklahoma summers are brutal on AC systems. Schedule professional maintenance in March or April before the heat hits. Change your air filter. Clear debris from around the outdoor condenser — remove leaves, grass, cottonwood fluff, and anything within 2 feet. Rinse the condenser coils with a garden hose (gentle spray, not pressure washer). Test your AC before you need it — turn it on and let it run for 30 minutes to make sure it's cooling properly. Check your thermostat batteries if applicable.
Summer Maintenance
Check and replace your air filter monthly during heavy use. Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear. Check condensate drain line for clogs — pour a cup of white vinegar down it monthly to prevent algae buildup. Monitor your energy bills for unusual spikes that indicate declining efficiency.
Fall Checklist (Before Oklahoma Winter)
Schedule professional furnace maintenance in September or October. Replace your air filter. Test your furnace before cold weather arrives — turn it on and let it run for 15 minutes, checking for strange noises or smells. Check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Inspect visible ductwork for disconnections or damage. Seal gaps around windows and doors to reduce heating load.
Winter Maintenance
Change filters monthly if running the furnace daily. Keep supply and return vents unblocked by furniture or curtains. During ice storms, check that the outdoor heat pump unit (if you have one) isn't encased in ice. Never use your oven to heat your home — this is a carbon monoxide risk. If your furnace stops working during a freeze, call ARP Heat And Air at (405) 413-0583 for 24/7 emergency service.
At ARP Heat And Air, we've been helping Oklahoma homeowners with their HVAC needs since 2011. Our owner Charlie brings 14+ years of hands-on experience and is known for giving honest, practical advice — not trying to upsell you on services you don't need.
If you have questions or need HVAC service in the OKC metro area, give us a call at (405) 413-0583. We offer free estimates, same-day service, and 24/7 emergency response.
Based in Edmond, OK, we serve 19 cities across the Oklahoma City metro area. Oklahoma CIB License #00125054.
Owner-Done vs Professional Tasks
Some maintenance is genuinely DIY. Some requires professional tools and expertise. Here's the split.
You can do yourself (quarterly): Change filter. Inspect outdoor unit for debris/landscaping crowding. Clear drain line outlet. Check thermostat batteries. Look for obvious rust, dents, or damage on indoor/outdoor units. Listen for new noises.
You can do yourself (annually): Rinse outdoor coil with a garden hose (hose pressure, no pressure washer — fins are delicate). Clean leaves and debris out of top of outdoor unit. Check that condensate drain is flowing freely.
Professional only — spring: Refrigerant charge verification (not "topping off" — checking actual pressures vs spec). Capacitor microfarad test. Contactor inspection. Electrical connection tightening. Indoor coil inspection. Blower wheel and motor amp draw check. Drain pan cleaning. Condensate drain clearing.
Professional only — fall: Heat exchanger visual inspection (cracks = carbon monoxide risk). Gas valve operation check. Flame sensor cleaning. Ignitor test. Burner flame color observation. Gas pressure test at manifold. Venting/flue inspection.
Professional maintenance cost: $99-$149 per visit for single-system check. $179-$249 for AC + furnace combined check. Annual maintenance plans typically run $180-$300 and include both visits plus priority scheduling.