Air conditioner maintenance cost
Professional air conditioner maintenance costs $70 to $200 per visit, or $120 to $360 a year on a service plan that also covers your heating. Coil cleaning and other extras cost $75 to $400 when needed.
Quick answer
$70 – $200per maintenance visit
Standard AC maintenance costs $70 to $200. Spring promotions sometimes start near $50; visits that include a deep coil cleaning reach about $400.
AC maintenance prices
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| AC tune-up / maintenance visit | $70 – $200 |
| Annual maintenance plan (heating + cooling) | $120 – $360 |
| Condenser coil cleaning | $75 – $230 |
| Evaporator coil cleaning | $100 – $400 |
| Blower wheel cleaning | $125 – $250 |
| Acid wash of coils | $300 – $350 |
| Drain line flush | $75 – $250 |
What AC maintenance includes
- Replace or clean the air filter
- Clean the outdoor condenser coil and clear debris
- Inspect and clean the indoor evaporator coil (when accessible)
- Clear the condensate drain line and check the pan
- Test the capacitor, contactor and electrical connections
- Measure refrigerant pressures and temperature split
- Lubricate motors and check the blower
- Test thermostat operation and safety controls
Refrigerant top-ups, parts and repairs are usually extra. See AC tune-up cost for the difference between a basic check and a full tune-up.
AC maintenance you can do
- Change the filter every 1 to 3 months during cooling season.
- Turn off power and gently hose the outdoor coil from the inside out.
- Trim plants and clear leaves to keep 2 feet of space around the unit.
- Check that the condensate drain is flowing outside.
Leave refrigerant and electrical work to a licensed technician.
When to schedule
Book AC maintenance in early spring, before the first heat wave, when contractors have openings and often run discounts. A heat pump needs service twice a year because it runs in both seasons.
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AC maintenance cost?
About $70 to $200 per visit, or $120 to $360 a year on a maintenance plan.
Is annual AC maintenance necessary?
It isn't legally required, but it keeps efficiency up, catches small problems early and is often expected by manufacturer warranties.
How often should AC coils be cleaned?
Outdoor coils usually yearly; indoor evaporator coils every 2 to 3 years or when inspections show buildup.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.