AC tune-up, maintenance, and service costs
Columbus, OH

AC tune-up, maintenance, and service costs

Columbus, OH

AC tune-up, maintenance, and service costs

$70 – $200AC tune-up / service call / diagnostic fee
$120 – $360annual AC maintenance plan cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$70 – $200 AC tune-up / service call / diagnostic fee

$120 – $360 annual AC maintenance plan cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

AC unit service costs

An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200, depending on the services included. An annual HVAC maintenance plan costs $120 to $360. A home AC service call costs $75 to $200 to diagnose problems, not including repairs or refrigerant. A central air conditioner should be tuned up every year.

AC tune-up, service, and maintenance costs - chart
AC tune-up, service, and maintenance costs - chart
AC service cost
AC service Average cost
Tune-up $70 – $200
Service call / diagnostic fee $75 – $200
Annual maintenance plan $120 – $360
Hourly rates $75 – $150

  • An annual AC tune-up reduces heating and cooling costs, minimizes the need for repairs, and extends the system's life.

  • An AC tune-up service or maintenance plan does not include repairs, replacement parts, or refrigerant.

  • HVAC technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour.

Get free estimates from ac tune up services near you.

AC tune-up cost

An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200, depending on the system type and age, home size, and the cleaning and inspection services included. This tune-up cost does not include repairs, a full leak detection test, or a refrigerant recharge.

AC tune-up cost
National average cost $120
Minimum cost $50
Maximum cost $300
Average cost range $70 to $200

* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

AC technician servicing and tune-up AC unit
AC technician servicing and tune-up AC unit

Refrigerant recharge

An AC refrigerant recharge costs $100 to $320 for R-410A refrigerant or $180 to $600 for older AC units using R-22 Freon. Annual AC tune-ups and maintenance plans typically do not include a refrigerant refill.

AC leak check cost

An AC leak check costs $100 to $330. Finding and repairing an AC leak costs $200 to $1,500, depending on the location, severity, leak test method, and whether the repairs require any replacement parts or refrigerant.

AC cleaning cost

AC cleaning costs $100 to $400, depending on the coil type and location. Evaporator coils typically cost more to clean than condenser coils because they are more difficult to access.

AC cleaning cost
Service Average cost
Condenser coil cleaning $75 – $230
Evaporator / air handler coil cleaning $100 – $400
Blower wheel cleaning $125 – $250
Acid wash AC coils $300 – $350

AC inspection cost

An HVAC inspection costs $150 to $500, depending on the system size and type. An HVAC inspection is recommended when buying a new home to confirm the heating and cooling systems function properly and safely.

Annual AC maintenance cost

HVAC maintenance costs $120 to $360 per year, depending on the system type and services included. Most maintenance plans include:

  • Air filter cleaning or replacement

  • AC tune-ups twice per year

  • Same-day or priority repair service

  • Lower rates for emergency service calls

  • Discounts of 5% to 15% on repairs or parts

An annual AC maintenance plan is worth the investment if the system is no longer under warranty or if the manufacturer requires yearly service for the warranty to remain valid. Regular maintenance may prevent the need for costly repairs.

Split AC maintenance cost

Ductless mini-split AC maintenance costs $100 to $400 per year, depending on the system size and number of zones. Most mini-split systems require annual service for the manufacturer's warranty to remain valid.

AC service price list

AC repairs cost $150 to $650 on average. Combining multiple repairs in one visit may reduce total costs.

AC service price list
AC service Average cost
Service call / diagnostic fee $75 – $200
Tune-up $70 – $200
AC freon recharge $100 – $600
Repair refrigerant leak $200 – $1,500
AC compressor replacement cost $600 – $2,500
Compressor hard start kit $100 – $270
Air handler replacement cost $1,500 – $3,400
Evaporator coil replacement cost $400 – $2,400
Evaporator coil leak repair $1,300 – $2,000
Condenser coil replacement cost $900 – $2,300
AC coil cleaning cost $100 – $400
Condenser replacement cost $1,200 – $4,200
AC fan motor replacement cost $200 – $700
Condensate pump $100 – $450
Condensate drain tube $100 – $200
Flush drain line $75 – $250
AC drain pan replacement $200 – $600
AC capacitor replacement cost $100 – $250
AC contactor replacement $150 – $400
AC circuit board replacement cost $150 – $700
Fuses, circuit breakers, or relays $75 – $300
Thermostat replacement cost $140 – $350
AC lineset replacement cost $200 – $650
AC filter drier replacement cost $200 – $300
Ductwork repair cost (per duct run) $270 – $500
HVAC duct cleaning cost $300 – $700
Replace AC unit $2,500 – $7,500
Mini-split installation cost $2,000 – $10,500

AC service call cost

An AC service call costs $75 to $200 on average. Service call rates cover only the HVAC technician's visit to diagnose the problem and don't include repairs, parts, or refrigerant. However, most AC companies apply this fee to the repair costs.

AC service call cost
Factor Average cost
Service call / diagnostic fee $75 – $200
Standard hourly rate $75 – $150
Emergency hourly rate $160 – $250

Cost to level an AC unit

Leveling an AC unit costs $100 to $200 if the condenser already has a concrete or composite pad beneath it or $200 to $300 if a new pad is required. The condenser must be level to ensure the compressor is properly lubricated and the refrigerant flows evenly through the coils.

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AC check-up cost factors

The following factors impact the AC check-up cost:

  • AC system size – A tune-up costs more for larger systems with multiple condensers.

  • Accessibility – Labor costs increase for AC units in difficult-to-access attics and crawlspaces.

  • Maintenance frequency – If the system hasn't been inspected in a few years, a tune-up may cost more because the extra dirt build-up takes longer to clean.

  • Season – AC companies may offer discounts during the off-season.

  • Home size and ductwork – Larger homes have more extensive ductwork, increasing labor time.

  • Repairs needed – Repairs and replacement parts cost extra if the AC technician discovers a problem during the tune-up.

What does an AC tune-up include?

A standard AC tune-up typically includes the following inspection and cleaning procedures, though services vary by company:

  • Clean or replace the air filter

  • Evaluate the start-up and heating/cooling cycles

  • Measure the temperature at the intake and vents

  • Check the airflow throughout the system

  • Calibrate the thermostat

  • Inspect the capacitors, contactors, and electrical wiring

  • Check the refrigerant lines and levels

  • Inspect and clean the outdoor condenser coil

  • Inspect the condenser fan blade and check the balance

  • Measure the compressor amperage, volt draw, and wiring

  • Flush the condensate drain line

  • Clean and vacuum the drain pan

  • Examine the indoor evaporator coil

  • Inspect the electrical disconnect box

  • Inspect all lines and fittings for signs of leakage, oil, or dirt

  • Clean and adjust the blower assembly

  • Lubricate all moving parts

  • Spray ductwork with sanitizing disinfectant

An AC tune-up does not include the following services:

  • Evaporator coil cleaning

  • Refrigerant recharge or refill

  • Leak detection test

  • Air duct leak test or cleaning

AC tune-up service FAQs

What is an AC tune-up?

An AC tune-up is a preventative maintenance service to clean the system, change the filters, flush the drain line, and examine the indoor and outdoor components for potential problems before they require costly repairs. An annual tune-up ensures the AC unit runs at peak efficiency throughout the year.

How often should AC be serviced?

An air conditioner should be serviced at least once per year to ensure the system is clean and running smoothly. Some manufacturers require annual maintenance for the warranty to remain valid.

Consider a semi-annual tune-up in the spring and fall for HVAC systems that heat and cool.

What are the signs I need an AC tune-up?

Signs your AC system needs a tune-up include:

  • Weak airflow from the vents

  • Air conditioner runs often but doesn't cool the home

  • Higher than normal humidity in the home

  • System cycles on and off frequently

  • Unusual noises coming from the system

  • Stale or musty smell from the vents

  • Increased utility bills

How long does an AC tune-up take?

An AC tune-up takes 1 hour on average, not including time for repairs or adding refrigerant.

Do you tip an AC service repair tech?

Tipping an AC repair tech is optional but most appreciate the gesture. Standard tipping rates for HVAC technicians are $20 to $25 if the quality of their work exceeds your expectations.

Get free estimates from ac tune up services near you.

What happens if an AC is not serviced?

An AC system is more likely to break down if not serviced regularly and may require costly repairs. Not following an annual maintenance plan may also void the manufacturer's warranty.

Getting AC service quotes

Before hiring an AC repair service near you, be sure to:

  • Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies to compare.

  • Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience installing and repairing air conditioners.

  • Confirm the technician is EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants.

  • Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google

  • Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.

  • Ask for a checklist of items the AC tech will inspect as part of the tune-up.

  • Beware of companies that offer low-cost AC tune-ups. They often charge more than average for repairs or attempt to pressure you into buying a new AC system.

  • Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

  • Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask an HVAC technician

  • How long have you been servicing air conditioners?

  • Are you NATE certified or ACCA accredited?

  • Are you EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants?

  • Can you provide a checklist detailing what the AC tune-up includes?

  • How long will the service take?

  • Do you offer any new customer discounts?

  • What does your annual maintenance plan include, and how much does it cost?

  • Do you charge a diagnostic or service call fee? If yes, do you apply that fee to the repair cost if I hire you to perform any repairs?

  • Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

  • What does your warranty policy include?

  • What is your payment schedule?