How Much Does HVAC Repair, Service, and Maintenance Cost?

HVAC Repair Costs

HVAC repairs cost between $150 and $450 on average with most homeowners spending $319 on AC service, and $268 on furnace service. HVAC contractors charge an hourly rate of $75 to $150 with a minimum service call fee of $75 to $200, which applies towards the first hour.

Table of Contents

1. HVAC Repair Costs
2. HVAC Service Costs
• Hourly Rate
• Service Call
• Tune-Up
• Emergency Service
3. HVAC Service Price List
• AC Services
• Furnace Services
• Duct Repair
• Inspection
• Cleaning
• Permits
4. HVAC Maintenance Cost
• Tips
• Electrical Components
• Pipe Areas
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Hiring an HVAC Repair Contractor
7. AC Repair Near Me

HVAC Service Costs

On average, HVAC service costs $144 to $451 for most AC and furnace repairs with minimum service call rates of $75 to $200. If you're not sure what's the problem an AC diagnostic costs about $89, whereas a tune-up runs $100.

If additional heating and cooling repairs need to be made, that will impact the cost, but if you keep your furnace and central air conditioning system well maintained, it will save you money in the long run. The air conditioning repair costs will also change depending on how big your house is and the brand and type of heating and cooling system you have installed.

HVAC Hourly Rate

HVAC repairs typically cost $75 to $150 per hour with most homeowners spending an average of $144 to $451 for HVAC service. The HVAC labor rates must cover the wages of the technician, the cost of travel (gas, truck payment, insurance), and even the cost of the office staff.

HVAC Service Call Rates

Most HVAC companies charge a minimum service call, which ranges between $75 to $200. In most cases, that fee will be deducted from your bill or applied as the first hour of labor. Be sure to ask the HVAC technician before scheduling an appointment.

HVAC Tune-Up Cost

An HVAC tune-up costs $70 to $200 on average. An HVAC technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean all filters, blow out the dust and dirt, and repair any worn-out parts. Alternatively, an HVAC annual service costs $150 to $300, and one or two tune-ups are included. For an extra cost for parts, they will refill refrigerant, if needed, and swap out fan blades.

HVAC Flat-Rate Charges

Many HVAC contractors charge a flat rate for common or small repair jobs. Receiving a flat rate in your cost estimate will save you money because even if the repair takes longer than anticipated, you will still only be charged the quoted price.

HVAC Emergency Service Costs

HVAC emergency services typically cost double or triple the regular rate for a service call at $140 to $210 per hour on the low end and $400 to $600 on the high end. Some HVAC contractors only charge an extra $40 to $80 hourly for after-hours and weekend visits.

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HVAC Service Price List

Below are standard HVAC services in two different price lists, one for AC service jobs, and one for furnace service jobs.

AC Service Costs

Home AC service costs $319 on average with most homeowners spending between $125 and $459 on most central air conditioning system repairs. Check out our air conditioner repair cost guide for detailed information on each job.

Furnace Service Costs

Furnace service costs $268 on average with most homeowners spending between $125 and $355 on most repairs. HVAC technicians charge between $70 and $150 per hour for furnace repair. To get your heating system tested, diagnostic fees generally run about $90.

HVAC Duct Repair Cost

Repairing HVAC ductwork costs $200 to $700 on average for minor jobs. Air duct replacement costs $25 to $55 per linear foot or $1,400 to $5,600 on average. Most homes contain 30 to 90 feet of ducting.

HVAC Inspection Cost

An HVAC inspection costs $150 to $500. The inspection is crucial in making sure the new system has been installed or repaired correctly and will operate efficiently. Inspectors also ensure the system will meet the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) testing and verification requirements. HVAC needs to be inspected as part of the permitting process.

HVAC Cleaning Cost

AC coil cleaning costs $100 to $400 on average. AC coils should be cleaned at least once per year.

HVAC duct cleaning costs $300 to $700 on average, or $25 to $45 per vent. HVAC professionals recommend cleaning your air ducts every 3 to 7 years. Cleaning your HVAC unit increases the energy efficiency of your system and keeps your energy bills down.

HVAC Permit Cost

An HVAC permit costs about $220 on average. Permits are necessary anytime you open walls or any major work like installing an HVAC system. A reputable, state-licensed contractor will always know your local permit requirements before starting work on your home. Neglecting to get a permit can hold up the job, and you can be fined as well.

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HVAC Maintenance Cost

HVAC maintenance costs start at $15 per month, or about $150 to $300 yearly and include twice annual tune-ups, cleaning, and heating and AC adjustment. Most HVAC maintenance contracts and service plans offer priority scheduling and discounts on service repairs. Letting any problems linger can raise your utility bills, or even worse, release dangerous VOC's into your home.

HVAC Maintenance Tips

There are some basic things you can do yourself to keep your HVAC unit well maintained.

• Replace the filter – Consider purchasing new, high-efficiency, pleated filters. They carry an electrostatic charge which grabs the smallest particles before they can enter your system. This filter should be changed every 90 days.
• Maintain a 2-foot clearance around the unit and clear any debris – Keep air flow going by keeping the area around the outside unit free of sticks, leaves, and even grass from the lawnmower. Don’t make the system work harder than it has to.
• Inspect and clean the condenser fan blades – Make sure they are free of accumulated dust and dirt. Carefully wipe them off. Keeping them clean keeps the air in your home cleaner.
• Lubricate the condenser fan motor – Look for oil ports and give each one a few drops of SAE 20 to keep things lubricated. Don’t add oil to any place that does not have a port or indication that oil is needed.
• Shade the compressor unit / Form-fitting cover for winter – Protect the unit from extreme weather with a cover.
• Clean the indoor evaporator coil, drain pipe, and evaporator trap – Drain and pour bleach water into the condensate drain to keep mold and bacteria from taking up residence in hard-to-reach places. Rinse with water from a garden hose.
• Seal any leaks in the ductwork and also consider insulating it all to help avoid or reduce condensation.
• Ensure your thermostat is working correctly, and change the temp according to the season.

Electrical Repair Components

Learning about all the electrical components in your HVAC system such as a heat pump, fuses, or compressor will help you navigate who to hire, and how much the job should be.

• Capacitors – Single-phase motors in air-conditioning units use capacitors to start the compressor. The capacitor stores energy, like a battery does, to have power available to the compressor when the thermostat tells it to turn on. Over time, capacitors can wear out, and when they do, you’ll notice the motor running hotter. Before that happens, you want to get those capacitors changed to prevent further damage to your system.
• Compressor – The AC compressor costs $1,300 to $2,500 to replace. Also known as the condenser coil, the compressor takes the warm air out of your home and releases it outside. It cools the inside of the house by compressing the refrigerant, and then a fan blows air over the compressor that brings the cooler air into the home. Protect the compressor with an awning to provide shade and then clean it out once a year with a garden hose (after you turn the power to the outdoor unit off).
• Contact/Relay – The contact/relay is the switch that turns on the compressor. When you set the thermostat to a specific temperature, and that temperature is reached, the thermostat signals the contact/relay and the system turns on. Over time, the contacts can pit and then and stop working correctly.
• Furnace Circuit Board – The circuit board is the brains behind the whole operation. If your furnace is stopping and starting continually, the problem could be in the circuit board. A dirty fuse can get dirty over time. Have your HVAC technician check your circuit board.
• Fuses – Fuses are designed to keep the electrical current at a safe level. If the current exceeds a safe level, the fuse breaks the current and trips the circuit breaker. Better a breaker trips than your entire HVAC system ruined because of it. If your furnace or AC is tripping breakers regularly, it needs to be checked.
• Gas Valves – Control the flow of gas in a system, whether it be on a gas furnace, or controlling the flow of liquid gas refrigerant. Valves can get dirty and, as a result, become stuck in an open or closed position. When this happens, nothing else will happen. The valves need to be cleaned or replaced.
• Indoor Fan Motor – This is the motor that operates the fan inside your home. It keeps the air flowing through the vents and into your rooms. The biggest problem for this fan motor is the indoor dust that settles on it. If this fan starts making noises, it’s time to call the professional.
• Outdoor Fan Motor – This motor runs the fan that keeps the outdoor unit cool as it runs. Keeping the compressor cool prolongs its life and keeps your home cool. If the motor is overheating, it may stop working, and that endangers the compressor. If you touch the outdoor unit and it is warm on your hand, you should turn off the unit and call an HVAC company.

Pipe Repair Areas

• Drain Lines– Drain lines need to be cleaned once a year to remove dust and dirt that finds its way into the system. Put this on your list of chores to do when you change the battery in your smoke alarms.
• Indoor Coil– The indoor coil works at absorbing the heat from the air in your home. It, too, can become dirty and clogged, but it can be hard to access. If you notice warm air coming from your vents, or your system doesn’t seem to work as well as it has been, give your HVAC company a call. The indoor coil may need to be cleaned.
• Outdoor Coil – Also known as the condenser coil, it's located in the outdoor part of your system. As the heated refrigerant arrives, the condenser coil removes the heat to the air blowing over the top of it, and the refrigerant cools again, turning into a liquid, and heads back into the indoor coil to start the process all over again.
• Refrigerant Metering Device– This part is responsible for sending the correct amount of refrigerant to the evaporator coil. If the metering device malfunctions, the amount of refrigerant used will not be right, and the system will not function properly.
• RestrictionReversing Valve – These valves typically don't malfunction, but when they do, it may be because the valve is stuck or leaking. Both scenarios are not DIY-able; they need to be repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Necessary to Service an AC Every Year?

Yes, for the HVAC system to run efficiently, the AC needs to be cleaned, and the filter replaced every year. It’s a good idea to do this every spring, right before summer starts.

How Often Should You Have HVAC Serviced?

HVAC contractors recommend having your HVAC serviced once per year at the minimum. It’s a good plan to have the AC serviced in the spring, and the furnace serviced in the fall. An added benefit of having it serviced annually is the visual inspection done by an HVAC technician, who will spot potential issues before they become pricey problems.

How Long Do HVAC Units Last?

A properly installed HVAC unit will last 15 to 25 years if it’s well maintained. Without proper upkeep, HVAC systems could fail in as little as 10 years or less.

Consider installing a new HVAC system if your units are older than 10 years old, and the HVAC repair bill would be more than 30% of the cost of a new AC and furnace combo. HVAC replacement costs between $5,000 and $11,000 depending on the size of your home and if you need to replace the ductwork.

Do HVAC Technicians Give Free Estimates or Quotes?

Most reputable HVAC technicians will offer free estimates with an in-person service call. Beware of HVAC contractors who try to give you a free quote over the phone, as it may not accurately reflect what they will discover once they check out the system. Even if there is a charge for the cost estimate, that amount will usually be applied toward your balance due, should you decide to hire that contractor.

Are HVAC Service Plans Worth It?

HVAC service contracts are only worth it if you can purchase one for a reasonable price. At $150 to $500 per year, most homeowners avoid service contracts based on the limited services offered. If you have a new HVAC system that's still under warranty, a service plan is not needed.

Do some shopping around and find out the cost of the different plans available. One perk usually included in a service plan is priority booking. You also get the yearly maintenance work done without having to do it yourself, and many HVAC contractors offer discounts when you’re on the annual plan.

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Hiring an HVAC Repair Contractor

HVAC systems are quite complicated, and all the separate parts need to work together seamlessly to be energy efficient. There are a few things you should look for when hiring an HVAC contractor, either for repair or for replacing your system.

• Make sure they are licensed by the state you live in and make sure the license is current.
• They should be bonded and insured for at least $500,000.
• Look up online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a company that has been repairing HVACs for at least five years.
• They should inspect your system to give an honest, accurate estimate.
• Be sure you’re comfortable with the brand they intend to install.
• Choose one with a good warranty on labor costs.
• Ask if this company does background checks on the technicians who will be in your home.

Questions To Ask

1. What are their emergency/after-hour rates?
2. Are estimates free, and if not, is the amount you pay for the estimate applied to your balance if you hire them?
3. Do they have a maintenance plan, and how much does it cost?
4. Are they available to answer questions before you buy?

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