Central AC or heat pump spring check: outdoor unit, indoor coil area, drain and electrical (no refrigerant work)
ENERGY STAR recommends a professional cooling check-up each spring. Much of it is airflow, drainage and electrical work a general tech can do: filter, clear space and a gentle rinse at the outdoor unit, condensate drain, tight connections, capacitor and contactor condition, and a temperature-split note. Refrigerant charge checks and any sealed-system work are EPA 608 work for a certified technician and are not covered here.
Cross-checked ~60 min moderateBrands: All
Before you start
- Pull the outdoor disconnect and turn off the breaker before touching the condenser; verify dead
- Capacitors hold a charge after power is off; discharge before handling (see discharge-a-capacitor-safely)
- Do not connect gauges, add or recover refrigerant, or braze; refrigerant work is for an EPA 608-certified technician only
Diagnostic steps
Unlock all 7 steps with expected values
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