Independent guide
AC maintenance
What a tune-up includes, how often it's needed and what it costs.
What AC maintenance usually costs
| Source | Cost, US | Page date |
|---|---|---|
| Thumbtack | AC service: $170 to $752, most people pay about $354The range can include small repairs found during the visit. | Jul 2026 |
| HomeGuide | $70 to $200, average $120 | Sep 2023 |
| This Old House | $65 to $200 | Mar 2026 |
| Today's Homeowner | $175 to $350 | May 2025 |
| Fixr | Whole HVAC system: average $275, range $150 to $350 | Jan 2026 |
Prices are national, not for a single city.
Questions
How often should AC be serviced?
Once a year. Have a contractor check the cooling system before hot weather, in spring. Contractors get busy once summer arrives, so booking early is easier. This is in addition to the filter checks you do yourself during the season.
Source: energystar.gov
What does AC maintenance include?
A contractor cleans the coils, checks the refrigerant level, cleans and adjusts the fan parts, checks the water drain and the thermostat settings, tightens electrical connections and oils moving parts. You handle the air filter yourself.
Source: energystar.gov
How often should I change the air filter?
Check it every month in heavy-use summer weather. If it looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change it every 3 months. If your filter is the reusable kind, clean it instead.
Source: energystar.gov
Do I need to keep the area around the outdoor unit clear?
Yes. Keep the units free of dust, leaves and other debris to help it perform well. Clearing leaves from around the outdoor unit is a safe job for you. Cleaning inside the unit is work for a technician.
Source: energystar.gov
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