AC Tune-Up Costs in 2024: What Homeowners Can Expect to Pay

Summer is just around the corner – is your air conditioning system ready to tackle the heat and humidity? The easiest way to keep your air conditioner humming along all summer – while avoiding untimely breakdowns – is with professional AC maintenance.

HVAC.com discusses AC tune-up costs in 2024 and explores the factors that influence pricing for this critical service.

What Is an AC Tune-Up and When Should It Be Performed?

So what exactly is an AC-tune-up? During an AC maintenance visit, your HVAC contractor will inspect, adjust, and clean all necessary components. Additionally, they will check for any signs of wear and tear, lubricate moving parts, calibrate the thermostat, and check the refrigerant level.

Air conditioner tune-ups should be performed in the spring, ideally before you turn the system on for the first time. Homeowners who neglect AC maintenance may find themselves facing an air conditioner that fails to start up on the first hot day of the year. Maintaining your air conditioner can prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and prolong the unit’s lifespan.

The Cost of Air Conditioner Maintenance

Expect to pay about $75 to $200 for an air conditioning tune-up depending on several factors we’ll discuss below.

Factors Affecting AC Tune-Up Costs

Service Provider

The HVAC company you hire can greatly influence the cost of an air conditioner maintenance. Established companies with extensive experience and positive reviews may charge higher prices, but they often provide superior workmanship and excellent customer service.

Geographic Location

The cost of living in your region can also influence the price of an AC tune-up. Residents of major metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles can expect to pay more compared to those living in rural areas.

Additional Expenses

During an HVAC tune-up appointment, your contractor may need to perform tasks such as changing the air filter, replenishing refrigerant levels, or making minor repairs, which may incur extra costs.

HVAC Maintenance Agreement

Enrolling in a preventative maintenance agreement with a local HVAC company can help reduce the overall costs of an AC tune-up. Typically, these agreements involve paying an annual fee that covers both fall and spring HVAC maintenance services.

AC System Complexity

More advanced or complex air conditioning systems may require additional time and effort for the HVAC technician to inspect and tune-up, resulting in higher service costs. Air conditioners with variable-speed compressors, for example, have additional parts for the contractor to inspect.