The national average cost of HVAC maintenance is $110 per visit, with a typical range of $85 to $170. Professional maintenance includes a tune-up of your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, and a visual inspection of your ductwork.
HVAC maintenance cost depends on a few factors, including the type of system you have, how often you need service, and the severity of any repairs that need to be made. On the high end of the spectrum, a packaged heating and air system with an extended warranty may cost up to $550 per year to maintain, on average.
However, maintenance for a small window air conditioner may cost as little as $60 per year, including an HVAC service call to clean the coils and check Freon levels.
See more cost factors:
- Average Costs
- Cost by HVAC Maintenance Service
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average HVAC Maintenance Costs
| National Average Cost | $110 |
| Typical Price Range | $85 – $170 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $60 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $550 |
HVAC maintenance plans typically cost between $85 and $170 per year and are a great way to keep your system running smoothly. On average, HVAC maintenance costs around $110 per year nationwide. Having an HVAC maintenance plan helps ensure your system is regularly serviced and catches any potential problems early.
You may have to pay on the high end of the scale if you have a more complex heating, cooling, and ventilation system. For example, a plan that includes the maintenance of multiple units or an inspection every other month will cost around $550 per year. On the other hand, a basic plan that only covers one unit and an annual inspection will cost much less, about $60 per year.
While some HVAC contractors may charge a flat rate for their services, most will charge by the hour. The average labor cost for an hour of service is $60 to $150 per hour. This rate can vary depending on your location and the complexity of your system.
Cost by HVAC Maintenance Service
Not all HVAC maintenance services cost the same or take the same level of expertise. Some are simple and can be done by the homeowner, while others are more complex and should be performed only by a trained professional. Typically HVAC maintenance services fall into the following categories:
| Maintenance Type | Average Cost |
| Preventative HVAC Maintenance | $50 – $210 |
| Proactive Maintenance | $200 – $550 |
| Reactive Maintenance | $350 – $1,800 |
| Emergency Service | $160 – $250 per hour |
Preventative HVAC Maintenance Cost
Preventive HVAC maintenance implies regularly scheduled checkups and servicing to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. The typical range for preventative HVAC maintenance cost is between $50 and $210. However, this cost can vary depending on the size of your home, your HVAC system’s age, and the maintenance frequency.
A preventative maintenance plan for an HVAC system includes visual inspections, evaporator and condenser coil cleaning, and changing air filters. These services keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. You can perform most preventative maintenance tasks yourself for free by following this HVAC maintenance checklist.
Proactive Maintenance
Proactive services are performed when there is a problem with your HVAC system but it has not yet reached the point of failure. Proactive maintenance can help your HVAC system last longer and prevent more significant issues from developing.
Proactive maintenance is a preventative measure that can be taken to avoid issues before they start. This could involve tasks such as cleaning ductwork, checking for leaks, or lubricating moving parts. These services typically cost between $200 and $550.
Reactive Maintenance
Typically, by the time you need reactive maintenance, your HVAC system has already broken and needs to be repaired. Reactive maintenance can be costly, often requiring complex repairs or replacement parts. The average cost for reactive HVAC maintenance is between $350 and $1,800.
Examples of reactive maintenance include replacing a broken component, repairing a leak, or unclogging a drain line. These services are typically performed by a trained professional.
Emergency Service
The average cost of emergency HVAC services is $160 to $250 per hour. Emergency services are required when your system breaks and needs to be repaired urgently. The cost of emergency HVAC services can vary widely, depending on the problem and the time it takes to fix it.
Generally, emergency services will be more expensive than preventive or proactive maintenance. This is because emergency HVAC services are often outside of regular business hours and require the technician to make a special trip to your home.
Maintenance Cost Breakdown by HVAC Components
Here is a breakdown of the average cost for some common HVAC maintenance tasks:
| Task | Average Cost |
| Changing Air Filters | $10 – $40 |
| Evaporator and Condenser Coil Cleaning | $80 – $380 |
| Checking Freon Levels/Refilling | $65 – $100 per pound |
| HVAC Cleaning | $280 – $630 |
| Air Duct Cleaning | $300 – $700 |
| Drain Line Cleaning | $80 – $400 |
| Refrigerant Leak | $210 – $1,200 |
| Ductwork Repair | $300 – $1,400 |
| Ductwork Replacement | $210 – $450 per duct run |
| Evaporator Coil Replacement | $650 – $2,000 |
| Compressor Replacement | $750 – $2,700 |
| Thermostat Replacement | $210 – $450 |
| Blower/Fan Motor Replacement | $180 – $800 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
From the type of HVAC unit you have to the maintenance agreement you have with your contractor, other factors can also play a role in the cost of your HVAC maintenance.
Type of HVAC System
On average, you can expect to pay between $85 and $170 for HVAC maintenance. However, the type of system you have will play a role in how much you’ll end up paying. Generally, the more complex the unit, the more it will cost to maintain.
For example, a split system consisting of an outdoor and indoor unit will typically cost less to maintain than a packaged system, which has all its components in one unit. On average, you can expect to pay between $180 and $300 for split system maintenance and between $450 and $550 for packaged system maintenance.
The size of your system will also affect how much you’ll spend on HVAC maintenance. A smaller HVAC system will naturally require less work to keep it running smoothly and, therefore, will cost less.
Type of HVAC Units
An HVAC is a complex heating, cooling, and ventilation system with many different parts that all need to be regularly serviced to keep it running smoothly. The type of unit you have will play a role in how much you’ll spend on HVAC maintenance.
For example, an HVAC can be formed of either a furnace and an air conditioner or just a heat pump. A furnace burns fuel to create heat, which is then transferred into the air ducts and pushed out into the home. On the other hand, an air conditioner uses a refrigerant to cool the air inside the home. A heat pump can do both, depending on the climate.
Air Conditioner
On average, AC maintenance service costs between $70 and $200. The exact price will depend on the type and size of your unit, as well as the extent of the service.
A tune-up for an AC system typically consists of the following:
- Cleaning the drain lines, evaporator, and condenser coil
- Replacing the air filter
- Checking the Freon level
- Inspecting the electrical connections
- Tightening all connections
- Testing the unit’s overall performance
Furnace
An annual furnace tune-up costs between $80 and $210, depending on your system’s complexity and the service’s extent.
During a furnace tune-up, a technician will perform several tasks, such as:
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks
- Testing the fan motor
- Checking the flue pipe for blockages
- Inspecting the furnace filter
- Testing the thermostat
- Lubricating moving parts
A furnace tune-up helps ensure your furnace runs efficiently and safely. It also allows a technician to catch any potential problems early before they cause significant damage to your system. You can save a lot of money with maintenance, because installing a new furnace costs around $4,000.
Heat Pump
Heat pump maintenance costs run between $75 and $150, with most homeowners spending around $110. However, this amount can be higher or lower depending on the type of heat pump and how frequently it needs to be serviced.
A pro will do the following during a heat pump tune-up:
- Inspect the evaporator coils
- Inspect the condenser coils
- Check the refrigerant level, air filter, blower motor, and wheels
- Lubricate moving parts
- Test the thermostat
- Check for any refrigerant leaks
- Inspect the ductwork for signs of wear and tear
HVAC Maintenance Agreement
The average cost of an HVAC maintenance agreement is $150 to $500 per year. This covers two visits from a technician, which usually include a tune-up in the spring and a safety check in the fall. Some HVAC companies combine these services into one visit. However, some companies may charge a flat visit fee, ranging from $85 to $170.
An HVAC maintenance agreement is a contract between you and an HVAC contractor. The maintenance contract outlines the services that will be performed on your system and how often they’ll be performed.
Maintenance agreements typically cover the following:
- Annual maintenance
- Emergency repair services
- Discounts on parts and labor
HVAC service costs can vary depending on the type of agreement you sign. For example, a monthly service contract for an HVAC unit will cost more than an annual contract.
Read over your HVAC maintenance agreement carefully before signing it. Make sure you understand what services are covered and how often they’ll be conducted. Also, ask about any additional fees that may not be included in the agreement.
Related Services
When it comes to HVAC systems, there are a few related services that you may need at some point. These services can range in price, depending on the type of service and the company you hire.
New HVAC System Installation
If your HVAC system is old and needs to be replaced, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $9,000 for a new system. The exact cost will depend on the size of your home, the type of system you need, and the difficulty of the installation.
On average, installing a new HVAC system costs between $3 and $6 per square foot. So, if you have a 1,500-square-foot home, you can expect to pay between $4,500 and $9,000 for a new system.
HVAC Repair Costs
In case you don’t have an HVAC maintenance agreement in place, or your system isn’t covered under warranty, you’ll have to pay for repairs as problems arise. HVAC repair costs can vary depending on the type of problem and the company you hire.
On average, HVAC repairs range from as little as $75 to as much as $3,000. However, most repairs fall somewhere in the middle, with the average repair cost hovering around $180 to $580.
Cost by Location
The cost of HVAC services can vary depending on where you live. For example, HVAC services in New York City will typically cost more than in other parts of the state. The same applies to HVAC services in Los Angeles and other major cities.
The cost of living is generally higher in big cities, which means that HVAC companies have to charge more for their services. The average price of an HVAC service falls between $85 to $170 nationwide. So, if you live in a big city, you can expect to pay on the high end of that spectrum (or even higher).
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. The best way to get an accurate price quote is by contacting local HVAC companies for a free estimate.
FAQ About HVAC Maintenance
DIY HVAC is not recommended unless you’re a trained professional. HVAC systems are complex and require special tools and training to service them properly.
If you’re not a trained HVAC professional, you could end up doing more harm than good. You could also void your warranty by attempting to service the unit yourself.
HVAC maintenance usually includes a tune-up in the spring and a safety check in the fall. Some companies may also have additional services, such as emergency repairs or replacement parts.
Most HVAC companies recommend having your system serviced at least once a year. However, some systems may need to be serviced more often depending on the type of system and how often it’s used.
Some common HVAC problems include leaks, blockages, and electrical issues. These problems can range in severity from a minor inconvenience to a significant repair.
There are a few reasons your air conditioning system might not work. It could be a simple problem, such as a blown fuse, or it could be a more severe issue, such as a compressor failure.
If your AC unit is not working, the first thing you should do is check the power. Ensure the unit is plugged in and the breaker is not tripped. If everything looks good on the power end, then you should check the AC unit itself for any obvious problems.
If you can’t find the problem, or if the problem seems to be more serious, then you should call an HVAC professional for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
It’s typically recommended to change your air filter every three months. However, if you have pets or allergies, you may need to change it more often.
An HVAC technician is someone who has been trained to service and repair HVAC systems. An HVAC contractor is a company that specializes in HVAC services.
HVAC contractors usually have a team of technicians available to service and repair HVAC systems. They may also offer other services, such as installation and maintenance.
HVAC preventive maintenance is a service that is performed on an HVAC system to prevent problems from occurring. It’s typically recommended to have this service performed once a year.
Preventive maintenance can help you save money in the long run by preventing major problems from occurring. It can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Yes, energy bills typically increase with a new HVAC system. However, the amount of the increase will vary depending on the type of system and the size of your home.
If you’re concerned about energy costs, you can talk to your HVAC contractor about energy-efficient options. He or she can help you choose a system that will save you money on your energy bills.
Why You Need HVAC Maintenance Done by a Pro
HVAC maintenance is essential to keep your system running smoothly and preventing problems from occurring. However, it’s not something that you should attempt to do yourself unless you’re a trained professional. On average, HVAC maintenance visits will cost between $85 and $170 per year.
If you have any questions about HVAC maintenance or problems with your system, HVAC Gnome connects you to the best HVAC contractors near you to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Note: HVAC Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Raysonho / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
