How often should I change my furnace or AC filter?

Check it monthly and replace it when it looks dirty. Many homes need a new one every one to three months, depending on the filter type, pets and dust. Dry, dusty conditions can load a filter faster, so follow your equipment manual.

When should I have the furnace inspected?

Early fall, before you depend on it every day, is a sensible time. That leaves room to fix a worn igniter, flame sensor or venting problem before the first hard freeze, when providers tend to be busier.

Should I cover my outdoor AC unit in winter?

Not always. Tight covers can trap moisture and invite pests. Some manufacturers recommend a breathable top cover and others advise leaving the unit open. Check your manual, and keep snow and sliding roof ice from landing on it.

Prevention guide

A Year-Round HVAC Maintenance Calendar for Salt Lake City Homes

Why a calendar helps

Most HVAC breakdowns do not come out of nowhere. A clogged filter, a blocked drain or a buried vent builds up quietly, then shows itself on the hottest or coldest day. A simple seasonal routine catches many of these early.

Homes in the Salt Lake City area face a particular mix: dry air, strong sun at altitude, heavy snow, fast spring melt and the occasional hailstorm. Many homes have basements where the furnace and water heater sit close to the floor drain. The calendar below is built around that.

It is a general guide. Always follow the manual for your own equipment.

Spring: after the melt

Walk around the outdoor unit. Look for bent fins, fallen branches, leaves and anything the snow pushed against it.
Clear debris gently. Keep at least a couple of feet of open space around the unit for airflow.
Check the condensate drain. Pour a little water into the drain pan area if your manual allows, and see that it flows away. Fast melt can also push water toward basement mechanical rooms, so look at the floor around the furnace.
Replace the filter. Winter use leaves it loaded with dust.
Test the AC before the first hot day. Run it briefly and listen for odd noises. Notice whether the air is cool and the airflow is strong.

Summer: sun and dry air

Check the filter monthly. Dry air carries a lot of fine dust, and the system runs hard in strong sun.
Keep the outdoor unit clear. Trim plants back, and keep grass clippings and wood chips away from the coil.
Watch the thermostat. If it cannot hold a steady temperature, note when it happens and write it down for a provider.
Look at the vents. Make sure furniture and rugs are not blocking supply or return registers.
After a hailstorm, inspect the outdoor unit for dented or flattened fins. Damage you can see is worth showing to a provider.

Get Started

Fall: get the furnace ready

Schedule a furnace inspection before cold weather. A provider can check the igniter, flame sensor, blower and venting before you rely on them daily.
Replace the filter. Start the heating season with a clean one.
Clear the area around the furnace. In a basement, keep boxes, paint and cleaning products well away from it.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries as the manufacturer recommends.
Check exterior vents and intakes. Make sure they are open and not covered by leaves, nests or stored items. On wood or stucco exteriors, keep anything flammable away from them.
Cover or protect the outdoor unit if your manual recommends it. Some manufacturers advise against tight covers, so check first.

Winter: snow and cold

Keep vents and intakes clear of snow. Heavy drifts can block exhaust and air intakes for high-efficiency furnaces. Check after every big storm.
Watch roof slides. Snow sliding off a roof can land on outdoor equipment. Clear space or add a protective shelter if this happens at your house.
Keep heat pump outdoor units clear of ice and snow, following the manual.
Change the filter on schedule. Furnaces run longer in winter.
Notice changes. Short cycling, strange smells, yellow flames or unusual noises are reasons to stop and have the furnace looked at. If you suspect carbon monoxide, leave the house and get help right away.

Every season

Know your filter size. Write it on the furnace so you can buy the right one.
Keep a log. Record filter changes, service visits and any odd behavior. It helps a provider diagnose faster.
Learn where the shutoffs are. Find the thermostat, the breaker and the gas shutoff for your furnace.
Check the basement. Look for damp spots, rust or standing water near equipment.

When to get help

Some tasks are fine for homeowners: filters, clearing debris, watching for changes. Refrigerant work, gas connections, electrical parts and internal cleaning belong to a qualified provider. If something looks wrong and you are not sure, send the details through the request form on Dependentday Heating & Air and an independent local provider can take a look while the problem is still small.

Get Started

Related guides

FAQ

A Year-Round HVAC Maintenance Calendar for Salt Lake City Homes: questions

How often should I change my furnace or AC filter?: Check it monthly and replace it when it looks dirty. Many homes need a new one every one to three months, depending on the filter type, pets and dust. Dry, dusty conditions can load a filter faster, so follow your equipment manual.
When should I have the furnace inspected?: Early fall, before you depend on it every day, is a sensible time. That leaves room to fix a worn igniter, flame sensor or venting problem before the first hard freeze, when providers tend to be busier.
Should I cover my outdoor AC unit in winter?: Not always. Tight covers can trap moisture and invite pests. Some manufacturers recommend a breathable top cover and others advise leaving the unit open. Check your manual, and keep snow and sliding roof ice from landing on it.

Get in touch

Have a problem with your AC or furnace? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and tell us what is going on.

No obligation