What Does HVAC Maintenance Cost?
Typical price range: $75 – $200
Your HVAC system is one of your homeโs most expensive featuresโand also one of the most important. Homeowners need to protect their investment by ensuring that their heating and cooling system stays in good working order for as long as possible. Although youโll need a professional to perform regular HVAC maintenance, this cost is far less than that of emergency service if the unit suddenly breaks down.
Weโve researched average HVAC maintenance costs as well as some of the most common AC unit repairs. Weโll go over the benefits of keeping your air conditioner in good working order and what maintenance you can do yourself. For the rest, youโll need to call in a professional HVAC technician, but there are annual maintenance plans that can help save you money in the long run.
How Much Does HVAC Maintenance Cost?
Typically, an annual maintenance visit for an HVAC tune-up costs a flat fee of between $75 and $200, depending on the contractor. If substantial repairs are required, you may need to pay as much as $2,000โ$3,000 for the most complex parts.
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What Are the Benefits of Routine HVAC Maintenance?
What Does HVAC Maintenance Cost by Type of Unit?
The term HVAC system encompasses a number of different types of technology used to heat and cool buildings. The air conditioner is the part of that system that handles cooling and humidity control, typically through the use of a chemical refrigerant. A central AC system uses the same ductwork as a homeโs furnace, usually pairing an indoor unit that cools the entire house with an outdoor unit that carries heat outside. Other types of units include these:
Maintenance Cost by Unit Type
Unit Type | Cost |
---|---|
Air conditioner |
$70โ$200 |
Furnace |
$70โ$200 |
Split system |
$200โ$300 |
Duct-free (mini-split) |
$300โ$550 |
Hybrid split system |
$200โ$300 |
Heat pump |
$75โ$150 |
Packaged heating and air |
$450โ$550 |
How Much is HVAC Maintenance by Repair Type?
An air conditioning system has many complex parts, so AC maintenance will cover a variety of potential problems. The standard tune-up cost will usually cover checks and adjustments to the working parts. If anything needs further repair, replacement, or cleaning, youโll have to pay a higher price for the service.
Maintenance Costs by Repair Type
Repair Type | Price Range |
---|---|
AC installation |
$3,250โ$12,600 |
AC tune-up |
$70โ$200 |
Capacitor replacement |
$100โ$250 |
Coil replacement |
$600โ$2,400 |
Compressor replacement |
$800โ$3,000 |
Condensate drain line cleaning |
$75โ$200 |
Duct cleaning |
$250โ$1,000 |
Ductwork repair |
$500โ$2,000 |
Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning |
$50โ$350 |
Fan motor replacement |
$100โ$700 |
Mini-split installation |
$2,000โ$14,500 |
Refrigerant leak |
$250โ$1,500 |
Refrigerant recharge |
$100โ$500 |
Thermostat replacement |
$50โ$500 |
How Much Do AC Service Call Costs?
Since no two HVAC problems are the same, it can be a little more difficult to budget for this kind of HVAC service cost. For reference, most technicians charge $75โ$150 per hour for labor. They will need time to inspect and diagnose the problem as well as repair or replace any malfunctioning parts.
Other factors that will play into repair costs include the age and size of the unit. Larger units take more time to service, and older systems may require special tools or replacement parts that are more difficult to find. Additionally, if the unit or its ducts require extra cleaning, this will take more time and thus more money. Finally, if you live in an area with hot weather that puts strain on your cooling system, it may cost more to maintain.
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What is Included in HVAC Maintenance?
Many HVAC companies offer regular HVAC maintenance plans with annual, bi-annual, or quarterly service visits. If you sign up for a maintenance contract, youโll usually receive priority scheduling, reduced fees, and repair discounts. The company may even contact you about scheduling, so you donโt have to worry about it slipping your mind. Annual maintenance agreement plans have an average cost of $75โ$150, and bi-annual plans tend to cost $150โ$300.
Hereโs what an HVAC technician will typically do during an annual service visit:
- Check your blower motor, filters, belts, fins, refrigerant levels, and safety controls
- Test thermostat and carbon monoxide levels
- Adjust fins and belts
- Clean condensate drain, coils, and burners
- Replace air filter
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Tighten electrical connections
How Can You Save Money on HVAC Maintenance?
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Should You DIY vs. Professional HVAC Maintenance?
Thereโs a reason most states require HVAC contractors to carry a professional license: This type of specialty work requires dedicated tools and training, making it extremely difficult to do yourself. Thankfully, you can follow the tips above to save money between maintenance visits. Watch the video below for things that you can do yourself.
Is HVAC Maintenance Worth the Cost?
No HVAC system, even the most well-maintained, lasts forever. Fortunately, you can get the most out of your air conditioner and keep your repair bills relatively low by scheduling annual tune-ups and performing preventive maintenance. Itโs also a good idea to look into regular maintenance plans offered by your local HVAC company, as these can usually save you a bit of money on repair visits. To connect with local HVAC professionals near you, enter your information below.
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FAQ About HVAC Maintenance
How often should an HVAC system be maintained?
Itโs a good idea to have each part of your system tuned up once a year. Typically, that means air conditioner maintenance service in the early spring before the summer heat sets in, and then heater or furnace maintenance in the fall.
How long do HVAC units last?
A good HVAC system will have a lifespan of 10โ20 years. A well-maintained system will last into the upper part of that range, as will a system that isnโt strained by heavy use.
How often should I change my air filter?
Most residential AC systems use disposable fiberglass air filters that should be changed every 30 days. However, there are pleated polyester filters that only need changing every three months or even every year. Finally, washable, reusable filters are becoming more common, and these should be cleaned according to the manufacturerโs recommendations.
Who can perform HVAC maintenance?
Only a licensed HVAC technician can perform air conditioner maintenance in most states. This is not a job for a DIYer or even a general contractor.
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