Trim back plants and move anything stored within about two feet of the outdoor unit. Good airflow is part of the diagnosis, and clear access saves time.
A clogged filter is the most common cause of weak airflow. If yours is more than three months old, swap it before we arrive and tell us which size you used.
Write down when the problem started, which rooms are affected and any sounds or smells. Patterns such as only on hot afternoons tell us where to look first.
Make sure we can reach the thermostat, the indoor unit and the electrical disconnect. If a gate or pet is involved, let dispatch know when you book.
Clear two feet around the outdoor unit
Replace a dirty filter before the visit
Write down symptoms and when they happen
Tell dispatch about gates, pets or tight access