The national average cost to have your air conditioning unit or system serviced ranges from $50 to $140. What you pay depends on whether the technician performs a simple tune-up and cleaning, or if they discover any larger issues with your air conditioner that they need to repair.
When the heat index rises, retreating to an air-conditioner-cooled home beats the alternative of sweating it out. But keeping cool comes at a cost -- and no, we're not just talking about your energy bills. It also means taking care of your air conditioning with a regular AC service from a ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician. In fact, regular maintenance on a unit might be a requirement to keep some manufacturer's warranties from voiding.
Routine maintenance prolongs the life of window units, evaporator coolers (also known as swamp coolers), split AC systems, and central air conditioning systems. It also ultimately saves money on energy bills and keeps the home cooler”a triple win. Before you hire a technician to service your AC, get an estimate on air conditioning service and maintenance costs.
What impacts AC service costs?
The total price you pay for AC service and maintenance will depend on the flat rate or hourly fee your contractor normally charges and, if there is a problem, what it costs to repair that specific issue with your air conditioning.
HVAC technician rates
For routine maintenance, most AC service technicians charge a flat rate of $50 to $140.
Some HVAC professionals charge an hourly rate for service work. Expect to pay $65 an hour on average. The hourly rate may apply to their travel to and from the job location, or it may solely apply to work done on-site (in which case, some contractors charge a separate travel fee to cover transportation costs).
Below are some example rates several HVAC technicians charge for AC service calls, and what their services include:
Cooling & Heating in Cape Coral, Florida
Heating & Cooling in Farmington, Michigan
Coast Contractors in Newport News, Virginia
Common repair costs
If your conditioner needs repairs, the national average for labor and parts is $300. However, the actual amount you'll pay to repair your air conditioner depends on the type of repair it needs:
| Repair | National average cost |
| Add refrigerant |
|
| Repair refrigerant leak | $225 to $1,000 |
| Clearing clogged condenser line | $150 |
| Replace a thermostat | $90 to $120 |
| Replace the capacitor | $100 to $400 |
| Install new circuit board | $120 to $600 |
| Install new condenser fan | $400 to $500 |
| Replace evaporator coil | $710 |
| Replace the compressor | $1,000 or more |
| Replace ductwork | $35 to $55 per linear foot to install, including labor and materials or $150 to $250 per duct run (typical homes have 6 to 10 runs) |
Replacing your air conditioning
Expect to pay $4,000 to $12,000 on average to a new whole-house HVAC system. To install new air conditioning, estimate $1,800 to $7,000.
In some cases, it's more cost-effective to replace your AC system. If repair costs exceed $500, the unit is more than 10 years old, or it uses HCFC-22 refrigerant which will stop being produced in 2020, consider replacing instead of repairing your air conditioning.
What's included in a routine AC service call?
AC service fees will cover a standard checklist to evaluate your air conditioner's performance and conduct maintenance to prevent larger problems. Depending on the type of HVAC system you have, a technician will typically go through this AC service call checklist during a regular tune-up:
Common air conditioner problems
During the tune-up, there are three common problems your HVAC professional might uncover:
How can you save money on air conditioning service calls?
Most air conditioning systems last 15 years on average (window units typically last about 10-12). Regular air conditioner maintenance and tune-ups can help your unit reach its full lifespan.
Regular cleaning and filter changes
Between service calls from an HVAC professional, make sure you're cleaning or replacing the AC system's air filter. Dirty filters can collect debris, block airflow, and clog the evaporator coil, which absorbs your home's heat. If you use your AC frequently, do this cleaning task at least every month. If you have multiple pets, severe allergies, or experience high levels of dust (like during a remodel), change it once every three weeks.
According to the of Energy, the average household spends 6% of its energy costs on home cooling, but this maintenance task can reduce your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15%.
Ask about discounts
Be sure to ask about new customer rates. Getting your system serviced in the off-season (so, not in the middle of a summer heat wave), when HVAC companies are looking for business, can also save you some money.
Consider a long term contract with your HVAC professional
Most HVAC service providers offer discounts for multi-season or long-term contracts, which usually bundles your maintenance and air conditioning maintenance together. The contractor will inspect the furnace in the early fall, before the start of the winter season, to make sure your system heats adequately. Then, before the start of summer, they will make sure your AC runs smoothly and efficiently, so you stay cool all summer long.
Another perk of signing a long-term contract is that if something does go wrong unexpectedly, most HVAC service providers ensure that contract clients get priority attention, without the added emergency cost. During a heat wave, that can mean the difference between languishing for days or instant relief.
Before your air conditioning sputters and gives up, find an professional near you to service your AC.