The average HVAC maintenance tune-up costs $75-$200 per visit in 2026, with most homeowners paying $100-$150 for a standard AC or furnace tune-up. Annual maintenance service plans that bundle two tune-ups (spring and fall) typically run $150-$350/year. These costs are a fraction of what you'll spend on emergency repairs ($200-$1,500+) and energy waste ($150-$450/year) from a neglected system.
This guide breaks down every HVAC maintenance cost you'll encounter, from basic tune-up pricing to professional repair rates, service plan analysis, and regional cost variations. You'll have the data to budget accurately and avoid overpaying.
HVAC Tune-Up Costs by System Type
Different HVAC systems require different maintenance procedures, and pricing reflects the complexity of each.
| System Type | Spring Tune-Up (Cooling) | Fall Tune-Up (Heating) | Annual Total | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC (split system) | $75-$150 | N/A | $75-$150 | 45-90 min |
| Gas furnace | N/A | $80-$160 | $80-$160 | 45-90 min |
| AC + gas furnace (combo) | $75-$150 | $80-$160 | $155-$310 | 90-180 min |
| Air-source heat pump | $100-$175 | $100-$175 | $200-$350 | 60-90 min each |
| Ductless mini-split (per head) | $80-$150 | $80-$150 | $160-$300 | 45-75 min each |
| Boiler (hydronic) | N/A | $100-$200 | $100-$200 | 60-90 min |
| Oil furnace | N/A | $150-$250 | $150-$250 | 60-120 min |
| Geothermal heat pump | $125-$225 | $125-$225 | $250-$450 | 60-120 min each |
Heat pumps cost more to maintain annually because they operate year-round for both heating and cooling, requiring two comprehensive tune-ups. Oil furnaces cost more per visit because they require filter and nozzle replacement and more extensive cleaning of combustion components.
These prices reflect standard business-hours service calls. After-hours, weekend, and emergency service calls typically add $50-$150 to the base price. Some companies charge a flat emergency fee; others charge time-and-a-half labor rates.
What's Included in an HVAC Tune-Up
Understanding what you're paying for helps you evaluate whether you're getting a thorough service or a cursory inspection.
AC/Cooling Tune-Up Checklist
| Task | What the Technician Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check refrigerant charge | Measure superheat and subcooling with gauges | 10% low = 20% efficiency loss |
| Inspect electrical connections | Check amp draws, tighten connections, test capacitors | Prevents electrical fires and component failure |
| Clean condenser coil | Chemical clean and rinse outdoor coil | Dirty coil reduces capacity 20-40% |
| Check evaporator coil | Visual inspection, clean if accessible | Restricted coil reduces airflow and efficiency |
| Test thermostat calibration | Verify temperature accuracy and operation | Ensures correct cycling and comfort |
| Inspect condensate drain | Clear drain line, check pan and pump | Prevents water damage and system shutdowns |
| Lubricate moving parts | Oil motors and bearings if applicable | Reduces friction and extends motor life |
| Check blower motor | Measure amp draw, test speeds | Ensures proper airflow (CFM) |
| Test safety controls | Verify high-pressure, low-pressure switches | Prevents dangerous operating conditions |
| Measure temperature split | Check supply/return temperature difference | Should be 15-22 degrees F for proper operation |
Heating Tune-Up Checklist (Gas Furnace)
| Task | What the Technician Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect heat exchanger | Visual and/or camera inspection for cracks | Cracked exchanger leaks carbon monoxide |
| Test gas valve and ignition | Verify proper ignition sequence, flame sensor | Prevents gas leaks and ignition failures |
| Check flue/venting | Inspect for proper draft and CO levels | Ensures combustion gases exit safely |
| Measure combustion efficiency | Test CO, O2, and temperature of flue gases | Verifies safe, efficient combustion |
| Inspect burners | Clean if necessary, check flame pattern | Dirty burners reduce efficiency and may produce CO |
| Test safety controls | High-limit switch, flame rollout switch, pressure switch | Prevents dangerous operating conditions |
| Inspect blower motor | Check amp draw, test speeds, clean wheel | Ensures proper airflow for heat exchange |
| Check gas line connections | Inspect fittings for leaks | Prevents gas leaks |
| Test thermostat | Verify heating operation and calibration | Ensures correct cycling |
| Replace standard filter | Most technicians include a basic filter | Proper airflow for heat exchange |
If your technician completes a tune-up in 20-30 minutes, they're cutting corners. A thorough AC tune-up takes 45-90 minutes, and a furnace tune-up takes 45-90 minutes. Companies offering $29-$49 tune-up specials often rush through the inspection and use the visit to find expensive upsell opportunities. A quality tune-up at a fair price is a better value than a cheap one that misses critical issues.
Service Plans vs. Pay-Per-Visit: The Math
Most HVAC companies offer annual maintenance agreements (service plans). Are they worth it? Let's do the math.
Typical Service Plan Inclusions
| Feature | Basic Plan ($150-$200/yr) | Premium Plan ($250-$350/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring AC tune-up | Yes | Yes |
| Fall heating tune-up | Yes | Yes |
| Priority scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Repair discount | 10-15% | 15-20% |
| No overtime/weekend charges | Sometimes | Usually |
| Free diagnostic fee | No | Yes ($75-$150 value) |
| Filter included | No | Sometimes |
| Parts warranty extension | No | Sometimes |
| Indoor air quality check | No | Sometimes |
Cost Comparison: Plan vs. Pay-Per-Visit
| Scenario | Pay-Per-Visit | Basic Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tune-ups (AC + furnace) | $155-$310 | $150-$200 | $250-$350 |
| 1 repair call (diagnostic + repair) | +$75-$150 diagnostic | Diagnostic may be free | Diagnostic free |
| Repair parts discount | 0% | 10-15% off | 15-20% off |
| Total (no repairs needed) | $155-$310 | $150-$200 | $250-$350 |
| Total (1 avg. repair at $400) | $555-$710 | $490-$550 | $570-$630 |
| Total (2 repairs, $400 each) | $955-$1,110 | $830-$900 | $820-$910 |
Service plans make the most financial sense for systems older than 5 years, where repairs become more likely. For newer systems under manufacturer warranty, the plan primarily provides convenience (priority scheduling) and the tune-ups themselves. Compare the plan price to two individual tune-up prices. If the plan is cheaper or within 10% of two tune-ups, the priority scheduling and repair discounts are essentially free.
When Service Plans Are Worth It
A service plan makes financial sense when your system is 5+ years old (increased repair probability), you value priority scheduling during peak season, you'd schedule both tune-ups anyway, or the plan price is close to the cost of two individual tune-ups. You might skip a service plan if your system is new and under full manufacturer warranty, you're handy and do most maintenance yourself, the plan is priced more than 30% above two individual tune-ups, or the company has poor reviews or high-pressure sales tactics.
Regional Cost Variations
HVAC maintenance costs vary significantly by region due to labor rates, cost of living, market competition, and climate factors.
| Region | Avg. AC Tune-Up | Avg. Heating Tune-Up | Service Plan (Annual) | Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA) | $120-$175 | $120-$180 | $200-$350 | Higher labor costs, heating-dominant |
| Southeast (FL, GA, SC, NC) | $80-$140 | $80-$130 | $150-$280 | Cooling-dominant, competitive market |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI, IN) | $85-$140 | $90-$150 | $160-$290 | Balanced heating/cooling demand |
| Southwest (AZ, NV, NM, TX) | $90-$160 | $75-$120 | $150-$300 | Extreme cooling demand, seasonal surge |
| West Coast (CA, OR, WA) | $110-$175 | $100-$160 | $180-$325 | Higher labor costs, moderate climate |
| Mountain (CO, UT, MT, ID) | $85-$145 | $90-$155 | $160-$300 | Heating-dominant, spread-out population |
Urban areas typically cost 15-25% more than rural areas within the same region due to higher labor rates and overhead. In peak season (June-August for AC, November-January for heating), prices may surge 10-20% due to demand.
Common HVAC Repair Costs
Understanding repair costs helps you decide between maintenance-plan coverage and self-insuring. These are the most common repairs and their 2026 price ranges.
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacitor replacement | $10-$40 | $75-$150 | $85-$190 | Age, heat stress |
| Contactor replacement | $15-$45 | $75-$150 | $90-$195 | Electrical pitting, age |
| Blower motor replacement | $150-$450 | $150-$300 | $300-$750 | Overheating from restricted airflow |
| Condensate pump replacement | $30-$100 | $75-$150 | $105-$250 | Age, debris clogging |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A) | $50-$150/lb | $75-$150 | $200-$600 | Leak (requires finding and fixing leak) |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $400-$1,200 | $300-$600 | $700-$1,800 | Corrosion, formicary corrosion, leak |
| Condenser coil replacement | $400-$1,000 | $200-$400 | $600-$1,400 | Physical damage, corrosion |
| Compressor replacement | $800-$2,000 | $300-$600 | $1,100-$2,600 | Liquid slugging, overheating, age |
| Heat exchanger replacement | $500-$1,500 | $500-$1,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | Thermal stress cracking |
| Flame sensor cleaning/replacement | $5-$20 | $75-$150 | $80-$170 | Carbon buildup |
| Igniter replacement | $20-$80 | $75-$150 | $95-$230 | Age, thermal cracking |
| Thermostat replacement | $30-$250 | $50-$100 | $80-$350 | Malfunction, upgrade |
| Drain line clearing | $0-$10 | $75-$150 | $75-$160 | Algae/sludge buildup |
The capacitor and contactor are the two most common AC repairs and both are relatively inexpensive. A failing capacitor causes the AC to hum but not start, while a failing contactor causes intermittent starting issues. Both are caused by normal wear and heat cycling over 5-10 years. These are also the two repairs most commonly overpriced by unscrupulous companies. A capacitor repair should never exceed $250, and a contactor should never exceed $250.
The ROI of HVAC Maintenance
Let's calculate the actual return on investment for regular HVAC maintenance using real-world data.
Scenario: 10-Year Maintenance vs. No Maintenance
Assumptions: 3-ton central AC with gas furnace, average U.S. energy costs, system installed in Year 1.
| Cost Category | With Maintenance (10 yrs) | Without Maintenance (10 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tune-ups (2x/year) | $2,500 ($250/yr avg.) | $0 |
| DIY costs (filters, supplies) | $1,000 ($100/yr) | $200 (occasional filter) |
| Energy costs | $12,000 ($1,200/yr avg.) | $15,000 ($1,500/yr avg.) |
| Repairs (avg. over 10 years) | $800 (minor repairs only) | $3,500 (including 1 major repair) |
| 10-Year Total | $16,300 | $18,700 |
| Annual Average | $1,630 | $1,870 |
Annual savings from maintenance: approximately $240/year. Over a 10-year period, that's $2,400 saved, not including the intangible benefits of fewer emergency breakdowns, better comfort, and extended system lifespan.
But the real financial impact comes from system longevity. If maintenance extends your system's life from 12 years (neglected average) to 18 years (maintained average), you're delaying a $7,000-$15,000 system replacement by 6 years. That's $1,167-$2,500/year in deferred capital costs.
Total Financial Impact
| Benefit | Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Energy savings | $150-$450 |
| Avoided repairs | $100-$300 |
| Extended equipment life (amortized) | $500-$1,500 |
| Total annual benefit | $750-$2,250 |
| Annual maintenance cost | $250-$450 |
| Net annual savings | $300-$1,800 |
| ROI | 3:1 to 5:1 |
How to Choose an HVAC Maintenance Company
The quality gap between HVAC companies is enormous. A thorough technician catches problems early and saves you thousands. A careless one wastes your money and potentially leaves dangerous conditions undetected.
Green Flags
- Licensed and insured in your state (verify with your state licensing board)
- NATE-certified technicians (North American Technician Excellence)
- Transparent pricing (will provide written estimate before starting work)
- Spends 45-90 minutes on a tune-up (not 20 minutes)
- Tests with instruments (manometer, multimeter, combustion analyzer) not just visual inspection
- Willing to explain findings and show you photos
- Has been in business 5+ years with consistent reviews
- Follows ACCA Quality Maintenance standards
Red Flags
- Unsolicited contact (cold calls, door knocking)
- Extremely low advertised prices ($29-$49 tune-ups)
- High-pressure sales during the visit
- Claims your system needs expensive repairs without clear evidence
- Won't provide written estimates or invoices
- Only accepts cash
- No license or insurance information
- Technician rushes through in under 30 minutes
Get recommendations from neighbors, friends, or local community groups. Online reviews are helpful but can be manipulated. A personal recommendation from someone who has used a company for several years is the most reliable way to find a quality HVAC contractor.
DIY Maintenance Savings
Many maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, and doing them yourself significantly reduces your annual maintenance costs.
| Task | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter replacement (4x/year) | $30-$120 | $60-$200 (if bundled) | $30-$80 |
| Condenser coil cleaning | $12-$20 | $100-$200 | $80-$180 |
| Condensate drain flushing | $2-$5 | $75-$150 | $70-$145 |
| Register/grille cleaning | $0 | $50-$100 | $50-$100 |
| Duct sealing (one-time) | $30-$60 | $400-$1,200 | $370-$1,140 (one-time) |
| Thermostat programming | $0 | $50-$100 | $50-$100 |
| Annual DIY savings | $280-$605 |
By handling DIY tasks yourself and scheduling only the two annual professional tune-ups, your total annual maintenance cost drops to approximately $200-$400 (vs. $500-$900 if you pay for everything professionally).
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Service Plan Pays for Itself in Year 2
A homeowner in Tampa signed up for a $175/year maintenance plan that included two tune-ups and a 15% repair discount. In the first year, both tune-ups ran smoothly with no repairs needed, the effective cost was just the plan price. In year two, the fall tune-up revealed a cracking heat exchanger, a cracked capacitor, and low refrigerant due to a small evaporator coil leak. The repair quote was $1,800. The 15% discount saved $270, the free diagnostic saved $95, and the priority scheduling got the repair done in 2 days instead of the 10-day wait for non-plan customers during peak season. In two years, the $350 in plan fees returned $365 in direct savings plus the scheduling priority.
Example 2: $49 Tune-Up Leads to $2,400 in Unnecessary Work
A homeowner in Phoenix saw a mailer for a $49 AC tune-up from an unfamiliar company. The technician arrived, spent 15 minutes on the inspection, then presented a $2,400 quote for a "critically low" refrigerant charge, "failing" capacitor, and "dangerous" electrical connections. The homeowner got a second opinion from their regular HVAC company ($125 tune-up). That technician spent 70 minutes, measured everything with instruments, and found the refrigerant charge was within spec, the capacitor tested at 93% (anything above 90% is acceptable), and the electrical connections were normal. Total actual needed work: $0.
Example 3: Skipping Maintenance Costs $8,500
A landlord in Minneapolis skipped furnace maintenance on a rental property for 5 years to save money (approximately $750 in skipped tune-ups). The furnace failed during a January cold snap. The heat exchanger had cracked, the blower motor was seized, and the unit was 19 years old. Emergency replacement during peak heating season cost $8,500 ($1,000-$2,000 more than an off-season installation). The tenant stayed in a hotel for 3 days ($450), which the landlord covered. Total cost of skipping maintenance: approximately $9,700 vs. $750 in maintenance costs.
Example 4: DIY Maintenance Plus Annual Tune-Up
A handy homeowner in Denver does their own filter changes (every 60 days, $8/filter = $48/year), condenser cleaning (spring, $15/year), and condensate drain flushing (spring, $3/year). They schedule one professional comprehensive tune-up in fall for $135 that covers both the AC inspection and furnace inspection. Total annual maintenance cost: $201. Their 14-year-old system runs efficiently, has never had a major repair, and the technician consistently reports the system is in above-average condition for its age.
Seasonal Pricing and Timing Strategy
When you schedule maintenance affects what you pay and how quickly you get service.
| Month | Service Type | Demand Level | Pricing | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | Heating repairs | High | Peak | 3-7 days |
| March-April | AC tune-ups | Low | Best deals (10-20% off) | 1-3 days |
| May | AC tune-ups | Medium | Standard | 3-5 days |
| June-August | AC repairs | Very high | Peak + emergency surcharges | 5-14 days |
| September-October | Heating tune-ups | Low | Best deals | 1-3 days |
| November | Heating tune-ups | Medium | Standard | 3-5 days |
| December | Heating repairs | High | Peak | 3-7 days |
The optimal strategy is to schedule your AC tune-up in March or April and your heating tune-up in September or October. You'll pay less, get faster scheduling, and give your technician time to order parts if anything needs repair before the respective peak season.
Key Takeaways:
- Standard HVAC tune-ups cost $75-$200 per visit ($155-$350/year for both AC and heating)
- Service plans ($150-$350/year) make financial sense for systems older than 5 years
- Maintenance delivers 3:1 to 5:1 ROI through energy savings, avoided repairs, and extended equipment life
- Schedule tune-ups in shoulder seasons (March-April and September-October) for best pricing and availability
- DIY tasks like filter changes and condenser cleaning save $280-$605/year
- A thorough tune-up takes 45-90 minutes, be skeptical of 20-minute services
- The single best financial argument for maintenance is extending system life by 5-8 years, deferring $7,000-$15,000 in replacement costs
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