AC tune-up: what is included and what drives the price

The name varies: tune-up, AC maintenance, seasonal service, clean and check. What matters is the list of tasks. A thorough visit covers both halves of the system.

• Outdoor unit: clean the condenser coil, clear debris, inspect the fan motor and blade, test the capacitor with a meter, inspect the contactor, tighten electrical connections, measure compressor and fan amp draw.
• Indoor unit: check or replace the filter, inspect the evaporator coil where accessible, inspect the blower wheel and motor, flush the condensate drain and test the float switch.
• System performance: measure the temperature drop between return and supply air, check refrigerant charge by pressures and line temperatures, and confirm the thermostat starts and stops the system correctly.
• Report: written readings and a list of anything found, with photos where possible.

The visit should take real time. A technician who is back in the truck in a few minutes did not do the list above.

Tune-up pricing varies widely by region and season, so this page does not quote a number. These are the factors behind it:

• Depth of the visit. A visual check costs less than a visit that includes coil cleaning and measured readings.
• Promotional pricing. Very low advertised specials are common in spring. They get a technician in the door, and some are designed to produce a repair or replacement quote.
• System type and access. Attic air handlers, rooftop units and multiple systems add time.
• Extras. Refrigerant, a deep chemical coil cleaning and parts are billed on top. They should be quoted before the work is done.

1. Book in spring, before the first heat wave, when schedules are open.
2. Replace the filter yourself, or have the right size on hand.
3. Clear plants, leaves and stored items from around the outdoor unit, and clear a path to the indoor unit.
4. Write down anything you have noticed: odd noises, rooms that run warm, water near the indoor unit, higher bills.
5. Find last year's service report if you have one, so readings can be compared.

• What tasks are included, in writing?
• Will you measure the capacitor, amp draw and temperature drop, and leave me the readings?
• Is cleaning the outdoor coil included or extra?
• If you recommend a part, will you show me the reading or the damage?

A fair visit ends with a short report and, if something is weak, a specific finding you can verify, such as a capacitor measured below its rated range. Be cautious with vague findings and with pressure to decide on the spot. If the technician says the system needs refrigerant, ask where the leak is, because a sealed system does not use refrigerant up. Adding refrigerant is work for an EPA-certified technician, and a recommendation to replace the system deserves a second opinion.

Homeowner AC maintenance is short and worth doing. Change the filter on the schedule its packaging recommends, more often with pets or construction dust. Keep the outdoor unit clear of plants and debris. Keep registers open and returns unblocked. Check that the condensate drain is dripping outside during humid weather. Leave coil cleaning inside the cabinet, electrical testing and refrigerant checks to the annual visit. If a symptom appears between visits, the AC repair overview will point you to the right guide.