Being caught in the middle of the summer without air conditioning is extremely uncomfortable if you live in an area where it gets hot. In addition, repairing an AC can be expensive if you have not performed the required maintenance regularly. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running better and helps it last longer as well.
Air conditioner maintenance is a valuable investment in your home. The average cost for an annual AC maintenance is $100-$150, with the average homeowner spending around $125 on cleaning and a tune-up, including inspecting, tightening and testing all parts, and minor part replacement, such as air filter or cleaning coils.
AC Maintenance Costs | |
---|---|
National average cost | $125 |
Average range | $100-$150 |
Minimum cost | $70 |
Maximum cost | $195 |
Servicing an AC unit can become a lengthy and complicated process. Unless you have extensive knowledge about the operation and repair of an AC unit, it is probably best to hire a professional. It can take anywhere from an hour to several hours to service the unit, depending on the amount of dirt buildup, unit size, and how easily accessible it is. In addition, if the system requires any repairs, this adds to the time spent on the service call. Routine maintenance is usually done at a flat rate of between $70-$195. If the call turns into a repair situation, expect to pay $60-$75 an hour plus parts.
Another consideration is an extended maintenance plan. If your system is out of warranty, an HVAC unit, or over 10 years old, you may want to purchase a plan that includes priority service, discounted services and cleanings, refrigerant recharges, winter checks (off-season discount), inspections, and tune-ups. An extended service contract costs $175-$450 annually. The cost depends on the type and length of the contract. If you are concerned that your system may require extensive repairs, a maintenance plan is a wise choice.
The AC unit type also influences how much you will pay to have it serviced. Here are costs you can expect to encounter for each type of unit:
Type of unit | Cost to service |
---|---|
Portable AC | $50-$150 |
Window AC | $50-$150 |
Central Air / HVAC | $85-$260 |
Swamp Cooler | $100-$150 |
Ductless Mini Split | $290-$800 |
A portable AC can be moved from room to room or mounted on the wall. The maintenance cost is generally $50-$150. A portable AC is similar to a window unit and has some of the same problems. A standard repair for these units is a clogged drain and costs about $100-$250 to repair.
Window AC systems are fairly uncomplicated and only require an annual tune-up at a cost of $50-$150. Repairs are also usually inexpensive. Problems occur mostly due to creatures, such as frogs or insects, getting trapped inside and causing damage to parts. If the unit is not used during the winter, it may be a good idea to remove and store it inside the house. Other issues include a compressor malfunction at a repair cost of $50-$125 and thermostat 1 failure for $25-$85.
It costs about $85-$150 to service a central air system. If the system also includes a furnace (HVAC), which many do, expect to pay $210-$260 for a tune-up. Typical repairs include refrigerant leaks or requiring a charge ($200-$500), drain lines 2 flushed ($75-$200), and thermostat replacement ($75-$500).
These units are not meant for humid, hot environments, and they require a cracked window and a steady supply of water. Although swamp coolers 3 do not require a lot of maintenance, it is wise to have yearly or semi-annual maintenance done at a cost of $100-$150. Routine repairs include replacing the pads 4 at $125-$500, belts at $65-$85, and the pump 5 at $200-$275.
Ductless systems operate without the use of ducts, so this eliminates any ductwork problems. However, these systems have problems with a broken air handler 6. The good news is that because each unit is separate, the rest of the units in the house will continue to work while you have the disabled one repaired. Ductless systems are based on the number of zones because each area of the home requires a separate unit. These units sometimes leak behind the air handler. It is important to catch these leaks early on as they can cause mold and mildew in the wall. While a maintenance call costs between $290-$800, these repairs can cost $750 or more.
Tasks included in an AC tune up vary according to the professional you hire and the type of system you have. Here is a standard checklist for a tune up:
Some of the most commonly performed tasks that will influence the cost of your maintenance visit are:
Maintenance task | Cost |
---|---|
Air filter replacement | $1-$25 |
Thermostat replacement | $25-$250 |
Clean condenser coil | $45-$100 |
Clean evaporator coil | $95-$350 |
Refrigerant recharge | $125-$300 |
Duct cleaning | $225-$500 |
Home AC filter replacement is by far the most crucial step to maintain the integrity of your system and provide a long life. There are a few options for filter replacement that you should be aware of when replacing your filter. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV rates the amount of dust and particles allowed through the filter. Choose a filter with a MERV rating of at least 11-16 for your home. Lower MERV ratings result in lowered energy efficiency and may not provide the allergy protection necessary for all members of your household.
Pleated filters cost $4-$25 each, depending on the MERV rating. Allergen filters catch more dust, dirt, smoke, and bacteria that cause allergies. The cost is $12-$20 each. Carbon filters trap dirt, gases, and odors effectively. Expect to pay about $15-$22 for each filter. Fiberglass 9 filters are a more inexpensive alternative at $1-$4 each. The material in these filters catches larger air particles, but it is not good for those with allergies. HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are medical-grade filters. However, most AC units cannot handle the airflow necessary for this type of filter. Allergen filters are recommended for those who need better filtration. A HEPA filter requires your system to be equipped specifically for this filter.
There are many types of AC thermostats 1. Gone are the days of the dial thermostat where you moved a small wheel to choose your temperature. You can select from the following types: programmable electronic thermostats at $25-$65, touchscreen thermostats run $60-$100, smart thermostats range from $130-$300, and voice-control thermostats are $210-$250.
There are two types of coils on a home air conditioner. The evaporator coil is located in the unit inside the home, and its job is to cool the heat from the indoor air. The second coil is the condenser coil, which is inside the outdoor unit. The condenser coil moves energy in and out of the home. Both are essential jobs to keep your AC running smoothly and efficiently. The cost to clean an evaporator coil is $95-$350. The price of cleaning a condenser coil is $45-$100. However, these cleanings are often included in annual maintenance services. Ask your contractor for more information on including this in your service.
Freon 10 is the coolant in your air conditioner. It is normally a lifetime supply unless there are leaks or repairs that allow the freon to leave the unit. A home AC recharge costs $125-$300, including checking the freon level in the home AC. To recharge the freon, the contractor first checks the temperature with a pressure gauge. Once it is determined you need more freon, a tank of freon is hooked up to your system’s pressure ports and fills the system with the freon needed.
It is vital that a licensed contractor does this procedure because laws are in place to protect the environment. After 2020, no freon 10 will be produced as it is harmful to the environment. Newer systems have already made the switch to a new product called Puron. Older systems before 2010 will be replenished with recycled freon and eventually phased out. Most homeowners cannot obtain freon legally because you need a professional certification to do so.
Duct cleaning is achieved by vacuuming out all the dust and debris from the ducts located in the house. The buildup can cause allergies as well as making your system less energy-efficient. In addition, your AC will need to work harder, and more repairs will be needed. You should have your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years or more often if someone in your home suffers from severe allergies. Duct cleaning costs range from $225-$500.
Air Conditioner Repair Cost
When you schedule your air conditioner tune-up, be prepared for additional costs, particularly if you have not had it serviced in a long time or if the system is older. Some problems that might occur include:
Repair Needed | Cost |
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New thermostat | $50-$450 |
Unclog condenser line | $75-$200 |
AC drain pan replacement cost | $75-$250 |
New capacitor | $100-$300 |
New circuit board | $100-$500 |
Replace a fan motor | $150-$600 |
Repair a refrigerant leak | $200-$1,200 |
New evaporator coil | $250-$2,000 |
Replace a condenser | $400-$700 |
Install new condenser coils | $500-$2,500 |
Compressor replacement | $1,000-$2,500 |
AC maintenance cost factors vary according to several circumstances, including:
It is no secret that regular maintenance extends the life of your AC unit. With that in mind, your regular tune-up could cost less if you have an air conditioner maintenance plan. You can choose between different options, including annual tune-ups and monthly AC maintenance plans:
Maintenance plan | What it covers | Cost |
---|---|---|
Annual Tune-up | Standard checklist | $75-$150 annually |
Basic plan | Two checkups annually Priority service Percentage off repairs | $18-$25 / month |
Better choice plan | Two checkups annually Priority service No visit or deductible charge Percentage off repairs Covers up to a certain $ amount in repairs with an annual limit 24/7 Service | $30-$40 / month |
Best choice plan | Two checkups annually Priority service No visit or deductible charge Percentage off repairs Covers up to a certain $ amount in repairs with an annual limit Credit toward purchase of a new system 24/7 Service | $45-$75 / month |
General maintenance keeps your system clean and functioning properly. In between service calls, change out or clean the filter monthly and keep the area around the condenser free of debris, plants, trees, and shrubs. A programmable thermostat 1 ($25-$65) monitors the temperature and keeps the system from running unnecessarily. If you are a little mechanically inclined, you can clean the coils and fins on the outside unit as well as the vents inside the house regularly.
There are many parts in the AC, but the most important part is cleaning or changing the AC filter regularly. It is suggested that you do this monthly or quarterly, depending on the amount of dirt and/or allergens in the air. Other things that prevent excessive dirt and debris are to keep trees and shrubs away from the outside unit, clean the vents and intake regularly, and flush with a bleach solution. This regular maintenance avoids straining your system.
Everybody likes to save money. Saving on your electric bill can be accomplished by doing the following things:
Insulating your ducts helps your unit run more efficiently because it keeps the heat out and the cool in. Duct armor is a rubberized liner 11 that goes inside of the duct via spraying. The cost is high at $2,000-$10,000.
An air conditioner consists of many moving parts. If the unit is regularly serviced, there is less chance those parts will become broken or inoperable. While there are no guarantees the system will last longer, the chances go up when it is properly maintained.
A dirty filter can make it more difficult for your unit to operate and cool correctly. Therefore, it has to work harder and run longer to reach the temperature you want. This creates a higher electric bill.
Choosing an air filter is important because it helps the system run the best it can. The basic recommendation by professionals is to find a filter with a high MERV rating, around 11-16. MERV refers to the amount of dust and dirt allowed through the filter.
There are many arguments that say pleated air filters restrict airflow. However, most professionals agree that pleated filters are a great choice for those with allergies or who are more concerned with trapping dust and dirt.
A MERV 8 rating is a good rating. However, for better dust filtration, a MERV 11-16 air filter is recommended.
There are many possible reasons that an air unit is not cooling. You can perform several checks yourself before calling in a professional: check to see if the filter needs to be changed, check the outdoor unit to make sure it does not need cleaning, and check the thermostat 1 and make sure it is on auto and not in the ‘on’ position. Also, make sure the circuit breaker did not trip. If none of these seem to be the problem, it may be best to call a professional.
Signs you need freon 10 include ice forming on the outside unit, the unit is not cooling the house, any hissing sounds coming from the unit, or warm air coming out of the vents.
Yes, the fan will run if the compressor is bad. However, if the AC fan is working, there may be another problem unrelated to the compressor. This could include a faulty thermostat 1, coils or filter that need to be cleaned, a capacitor or relay switch needs replacing, or other issues.
Cost to hire an annual air conditioner maintenance service varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.