An AC tune-up runs between $175 and $350 for basic service, reaching up to $550 for premium inspections. Homeowners with central air pay an average of $250 for a tune-up that includes cleaning, safety checks, and basic maintenance.
Don’t feel compelled to book multiple visits per year. One spring tune-up keeps most AC systems running smoothly. Extra service visits make sense only for older units (over 10 years), homes in harsh climates, or systems with known issues.
Still, smart maintenance pays off. The Department of Energy found that well-maintained HVAC systems cut energy use by 15%–20%, saving you hundreds on yearly utility bills. Plus, catching small problems early prevents expensive emergency repairs. You can service a window AC or change HVAC filters yourself, but you’ll need professional help for other tune-up tasks, such as checking coolant levels and recharging refrigerant.
Looking to schedule an AC service now? Check out these top HVAC companies to get a quote right away.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
How Much Do AC Tune-Ups Cost by Service Level?
The average tune-up cost hovers around $250 for general maintenance without any unexpected repairs.
However, your maintenance costs depend on factors such as unit size, age, type, and accessibility, as well as service level. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll pay:
| Service Level | Cost | Service Coverage |
| Basic checkup | $80–$300 | Core maintenance: filter, coils, testing |
| Midlevel service | $300–$450 | Full testing plus electrical and coolant checks |
| Complete care | $450–$550 | All systems checked, parts replaced as needed |
What Each Service Level Includes
Here’s a breakdown of what each service level includes.
Quick Check ($80–$300)
Think of this as your AC’s annual physical. A tech checks core parts, cleans what they can reach, tests basic functions, and changes the filter. They’ll also clear debris around your outdoor unit and make sure your thermostat works correctly.
Full Service ($300–$450)
This midrange option digs deeper. Beyond basic checks, HVAC techs test performance, inspect electrical parts, check coolant levels, and fine-tune your thermostat. They’ll clean drain lines and lubricate moving parts to prevent breakdowns.
Premium Inspection ($450–$550)
This is the gold standard in AC care. HVAC techs run diagnostics on every component, swap out wearing parts before they break, and test your air quality. You’ll get a detailed health report on your system, plus first priority if you need repairs later.
Many HVAC companies offer maintenance plans with discounted rates. If you’re collecting quotes from multiple companies, ask about any plans or discounts.
How Do Costs Differ by Unit Type?
Tune-up costs vary based on the type of AC unit you have. The chart below outlines average tune-up cost ranges based on the unit type.
| AC Unit Type | Average Tune-Up Cost |
|---|---|
| Window unit | $0–$150 (DIY recommended) |
| Central air | $80–$300 |
| Heat pump | $80–$350 |
| Mini-split | $300–$550 |
Window Unit
Save your money on professional window unit tune-ups. With replacement costs under $300 for most models, you’re better off handling basic maintenance yourself or putting service fees toward a new unit. Explore our guide to review the best window air conditioners in the market.
Central Air
Central air conditioners need regular maintenance to cool your home efficiently. Service costs run from $80 to $300, with prices depending on system size and age.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps need yearly checks for both heating and cooling functions. An $80–$350 tune-up covers electrical testing, lubrication, and a full performance check.
Mini-split
While convenient for zoned cooling purposes, ductless mini-splits tend to be pricier to maintain. Mini-split tune-ups run $300 to $550 because technicians must service both outdoor and indoor units. Every wall-mounted unit needs cleaning, testing, and calibration.
How Do Repairs Affect HVAC Tune-Up Pricing?
A well-maintained AC system usually doesn’t need repairs—but like any product, the unit’s components will wear out after a while. Poorly maintained systems may require more repairs, as issues may pile up and create larger problems.
Either way, any needed repairs will play a significant role in your HVAC tune-up pricing. The chart below outlines common AC repair service cost ranges to provide an idea of what to expect.
| AC Repair | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Capacitor replacement | $100–$250 |
| Thermostat replacement | $100–$280 |
| Fan motor replacement | $200–$700 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $200–$1,750 |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $450–$2,500 |
| Compressor replacement | $650–$2,700 |
| Condenser coil replacement | $900–$2,400 |
| Condenser replacement | $1,200–$4,500 |
| Evaporator leak repair | $1,300–$2,300 |
| Air handler/blower replacement | $1,500–$3,500 |
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Which Factors Impact HVAC Tune-Up Cost Estimates?
The cost of your HVAC system tune-up hinges on multiple factors specific to your scenario, including your AC unit’s brand, size, and age. Here are a few things that may drive up the cost on your tune-up bill.
Brand
Some brands are pricier to maintain than others, as parts might not be readily available. For example, if your AC unit is a high-end brand—such as Trane—requiring brand-specific replacement parts, you’ll probably incur higher tune-up costs than with a unit that can use generic replacement parts.
Unit Size
Your AC unit’s size is another factor contributing to the number on your HVAC tune-up bill. In general, larger systems are pricier to repair than smaller ones. So, if you have a 5-ton AC unit, you can expect to pay more for the service appointment than a homeowner with a 1.5-ton unit.
System Age
Older systems are often more expensive to maintain than their newer counterparts. For example, if you have an older AC unit with R-22 Freon, you can expect to pay more to recharge it. As this refrigerant is no longer used in modern AC units, it costs upward of $600 to recharge AC systems that use it.
Many newer systems use R-410A, which usually costs around $200 to recharge. However, R-410A is being phased out as of 2025, and new refrigerants (R-454B and R-32) are on their way in. This means R-410A can not be used in units manufactured from now on.
Treatment
How you treat your system plays a significant role in annual maintenance costs. Well-kept systems with strict preventative maintenance service schedules are often cheaper to service, as they may not have many issues. Conversely, systems that haven’t been serviced in a while may have an accumulation of issues demanding attention, driving the final cost of the service appointment higher.
Ductwork Condition
Clean, unobstructed ductwork is essential for your AC to function properly. If your ductwork is in poor condition or dirty, you’ll need to clean or repair it (or have a professional do so). On average, duct cleaning costs between $250 and $500.
Duct repairs tend to be considerably pricier, as some repairs are extensive. Generally, homeowners pay between $500 and $2,000 for ductwork repairs, depending on the necessary fix and ductwork type.
Accessibility
Some AC systems are easier to access and service than others, so these systems tend to be cheaper to maintain than those in hard-to-reach locations. If your HVAC technician has difficulties accessing the system, it’ll take longer to complete the entire tune-up, increasing the overall cost.
That said, some HVAC companies charge a flat rate for annual maintenance, so accessibility difficulties may not affect the final cost. If your HVAC service company charges by the hour, you’ll likely face higher costs due to accessibility issues.
Necessary Repairs
Like the components in any HVAC system, the parts in your AC unit will wear out after a while. As the parts wear down and fail, you or your technician must replace them. The number and type of repairs necessary at your service appointment will affect your final bill. You can eliminate most, but not all, repairs with regular maintenance.
If your system needs multiple repairs or one large repair, this will cost more than a typical routine service appointment. Ultimately, the final cost hinges on what type of repairs the system needs and the price of the parts necessary to complete them.
Warranty
If your cooling system is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, you won’t have to pay for replacement components (assuming it qualifies as a warranty repair). However, most AC manufacturer warranties don’t cover the labor costs involved with AC repair.
What Happens During an AC Tune-Up?
Your HVAC tech follows a proven checklist to keep your system running right. Here’s a look at the process.
Safety First
The visit starts with a complete safety scan. Your tech checks wiring connections, hunts for refrigerant leaks, and tests all control systems. For units with heating, they measure carbon monoxide levels to protect your family.
How’s It Running?
Next comes performance testing. Your HVAC tech measures how much air flows through your home and checks whether you’re getting the right temperature drop between the warm and cool air. They’ll spot potential problems before they turn into expensive fixes.
Deep Clean
A dirty AC works harder and costs more to run. Your tech cleans the outdoor condenser unit, scrubs the evaporator coil if they can reach it, puts in a fresh filter, and flushes the drain line to prevent water damage.
Fine-Tuning
The final step is to make sure everything’s dialed in just right. Your HVAC tech checks coolant levels, adjusts belts if needed, and calibrates your thermostat. They’ll test the fan motor and make sure it’s hitting the right speeds.
Professional Vs. DIY HVAC Tune-Up
Routine tune-ups are essential to properly maintaining your HVAC system. While you can DIY some maintenance if you have experience, most aspects of HVAC tune-ups are best left to the professionals.
Doing an HVAC Tune-Up Yourself
Completing your HVAC tune-up yourself is an option to save money on the service appointment cost. However, it’s generally not a good idea, as AC unit tune-ups can be complicated—especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. For example, if your system needs a recharge, you must hire a professional to handle the process.
Of course, you may be able to handle certain projects on your own without much HVAC know-how. For example, you can switch out the air filter throughout the season or clear debris from around the unit.
Hiring a Professional for an HVAC Tune-Up
In most cases, hiring a professional is the better option, as many repairs require an expert’s skill and experience. Here’s how to get started with an HVAC professional to complete your AC unit tune-up:
- Research HVAC professionals near you: Do a quick search to find experts in your area that offer tune-up services.
- Get quotes from a few companies: If you have multiple options, contact your top picks and request tune-up quotes.
- Review the quotes: Once you receive the quotes, review and compare them to see the best option.
- Select a company: Choose the company that best fits your budget and preferences.
- Consult pros for recommendations: Discuss service recommendations with the company you chose to determine what services might be necessary.
- Schedule the tune-up: Set up an appointment to have the company come out and service your HVAC unit.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
So, Is an HVAC Tune-Up Worth It?
Scheduling and completing a routine tune-up for your HVAC unit is well worth it. While an AC tune-up costs between $175 and $550—or $250 on average, doing so can help avoid expensive issues and inconvenient breakdowns throughout the cooling season.
To get the best possible price, we recommend requesting quotes from a few local HVAC technicians or companies and comparing your options.
If you have any more questions, read below or visit our HVAC FAQ page.
FAQs About HVAC Tune-Ups
We recommend booking your tune-up in early spring before the summer heat arrives. One annual check keeps most AC systems running smoothly—don’t fall for pressure to schedule multiple visits.
You may need more than one tune-up per year if your unit is older than 10 years, runs constantly due to cooling needs, or has known issues.
While you can conduct routine maintenance such as changing your filter and clearing debris from around your unit, most steps involved in a tune-up are best left to the pros.
HVAC technicians are highly trained and have the tools to spot small issues before they become larger problems. This can extend your system’s lifespan.
Your HVAC technician starts with an electrical safety check and refrigerant level test. They’ll clean or replace filters, flush drain lines, and scrub both indoor and outdoor coils.
The service wraps up with performance testing, thermostat calibration, and motor lubrication to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
