What Is an AC Tune-up and What Does It Include?

When was the last time you had an AC tune-up?

If it’s been more than a year — or you’ve never had an AC tune-up completed on your system — your air conditioner may not be operating as efficiently as it could. Regular maintenance can help your system run efficiently, reduce wear and tear, and give an HVAC technician an opportunity to spot developing problems before they lead to a breakdown.

So, what happens during an AC tune-up service, and how often should you schedule one? This guide covers what homeowners should know about professional AC services, the benefits of tune-ups, typical costs, warning signs to watch for, and what you can do between service visits.

Why Are AC Tune-ups Important?

Your air conditioner works hard during the cooling season, and dirt, restricted airflow, worn components, or other maintenance issues can make its job more difficult.

Routine maintenance helps keep your system operating efficiently and gives a technician an opportunity to identify problems before the hottest months of the year. ENERGY STAR recommends annual preseason HVAC maintenance and identifies dirt and neglect as two leading causes of inefficiency and failure in heating and cooling systems. And when systems have experienced years of neglect, it adds up, and the cost to replace your system could be thousands when it could have lasted longer with regular tune-ups. In fact, the national average cost to replace an HVAC system is between $8,300 to $12,500.*

What Does an AC Tune-up Service Include?

During an AC tune-up service, a qualified HVAC technician inspects, cleans, and tests key parts of your cooling system.

Exact services vary by contractor and equipment, but a typical central air tune-up may include:

• Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils: Dirt buildup can make it harder for your system to transfer heat efficiently.
• Checking the thermostat: The technician can verify that the thermostat is working properly and working as intended with your cooling system.
• Inspecting electrical connections and controls: Loose or damaged connections can affect system operation and the life of major components.
• Checking refrigerant levels: The technician can confirm that the system has the proper refrigerant charge and look for indications of a leak.
• Inspecting the condensate drain: A clogged drain can impede moisture removal and potentially lead to water damage.
• Inspecting and adjusting blower components: Proper airflow helps your AC cool your home efficiently and evenly.
• Lubricating moving parts, as needed: Reducing friction can help limit wear on motors and other components.
• Replacing the air filter: A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making your system work harder.
• Testing system operation: The technician can also check how your AC starts, runs, and shuts down, and identify anything that may require further attention.

These are among the services ENERGY STAR recommends as part of a professional HVAC maintenance checkup. These steps can help reduce unnecessary wear and keep your air conditioner operating as efficiently as possible.

Related: Get Your Home's HVAC System Ready for Fall

Benefits of Regular AC Tune-ups

Regular maintenance can help your cooling system work efficiently while reducing unnecessary strain on its components. Some important HVAC tune-up benefits include:

• Improved efficiency: Clean components and proper airflow can help your system use energy more effectively.
• More consistent cooling: A properly maintained system is better equipped to distribute cooled air evenly throughout your home.
• Fewer surprise problems: A tune-up gives a technician a chance to spot worn parts or developing issues before they become larger repairs.
• Potentially longer equipment life: Reducing unnecessary strain and addressing smaller problems may help your AC system last longer.
• Better preparation for hot weather: Preseason maintenance helps ensure your AC is ready when cooling demand is highest.

Routine maintenance can't prevent every breakdown, but it is an important step for maintaining optimal cooling and heating performance and helping prevent future problems.

When to Schedule AC Tune-up Services

For most homeowners, scheduling an AC tune-up once a year is a good rule of thumb. Spring is generally the best time because your cooling system can be inspected before the hottest part of the year — and before HVAC contractors enter their busiest summer season.

For the overall efficiency of your HVAC system, twice-yearly maintenance — inspecting cooling equipment in the spring and heating equipment in the fall — can help prepare your system for the seasons when they work hardest.

So, if you're wondering how often you should get an HVAC tune-up, think seasonally: AC maintenance before cooling season and heating system maintenance before colder weather.

Warning Signs That Tell You a Tune-up Is Needed

You don't have to wait for your annual maintenance appointment if your air conditioner starts behaving differently. Contact an HVAC professional if you notice:

• Weak or uneven airflow
• Unusual noises or odors
• Frequent cycling on and off
• Warmer-than-expected air from the vents
• Condensation on vents
• Difficulty reaching the temperature set on your thermostat
• An unexplained increase in utility costs

Keep in mind that a tune-up is preventive maintenance. If your AC is already malfunctioning, the problem may require a specific repair rather than a tune-up.

What Does an AC Tune-up Cost?

A typical AC tune-up cost can range from $75 to $200, and pricing varies by location, the type of system you have and its condition, the services included, and the HVAC contractor you choose.

Repairs, replacement parts, refrigerant work, or additional cleaning may cost extra, so remember to ask what's included when you are scheduling service.

What You Can Do Between AC Tune-ups

A professional AC tune-up involves components that are best left to a qualified HVAC technician, but there are simple maintenance steps you can take between visits:

• Check the air filter regularly and clean or replace it at least every three months (more often during heavy-use months), or according to your filter and the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass, weeds, and other debris that can restrict airflow.
• Keep indoor supply and return vents open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
• Check your thermostat settings and pay attention to whether your home has trouble reaching the temperature you set.
• Make note of unusual noises, odors, uneven cooling, or other changes so you can describe them to your technician.
• Note: Leave electrical and refrigerant work to a qualified professional.

One of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do yourself is check your air filter. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your system work harder. How often the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced depends on factors such as the filter itself, how frequently you use your HVAC system, and conditions inside your home.

Related: Air Filter Replacement Tips for HVAC Systems

What a First American Home Warranty Can Do

Regular maintenance can help keep your HVAC system in good working order, but even a well-maintained system can experience an unexpected breakdown. That’s when having a First American Home Warranty can help. With coverage, when your covered heating or cooling equipment fails, we can help cover repairs and replacements. And your coverage can also protect many other vital systems and appliances in your home.

First American home warranties also offer optional HVAC tune-up coverage that includes two pre-season tune-ups. When you include this coverage in your plan, you can schedule twice-yearly tune-ups through your online account. You simply pay the service fee for each visit, as outlined in your contract, and a prescreened technician will schedule a mutually convenient time to tune up your covered HVAC system.

Our customers can have their system tuned up once during the spring service period and once during the fall service period. If you're already a First American home warranty customer with optional HVAC tune-up coverage, be sure to schedule your seasonal tune-ups during the applicable service periods:

Add these dates to your calendar to take advantage of this coverage:

1. Between September 1 and November 30: Schedule your fall tune-up.
2. Between February 1 and April 30: Schedule your spring tune-up.

A technician may also identify a refrigerant issue during an air conditioner service. Low refrigerant can indicate a leak or another system problem that requires professional attention.

Home Warranty Coverage for AC Systems and More

Regular tune-ups can help maintain your system, but maintenance can't prevent every breakdown. A First American home warranty can help cover repairs or replacements when covered air conditioning, furnace, or other covered HVAC components fail due to normal wear and tear. Our home warranty plans can also protect major kitchen and laundry appliances as well as other home systems, including your plumbing and electrical system.

When your covered AC system stops working, simply follow the steps to request service, and First American will assign a prescreened technician to schedule a mutually convenient appointment. The technician will diagnose the issue, confirm coverage, and fix it. And if your AC system cannot be repaired, we’ll replace it.†

Considering home warranty coverage? Get a free quote to view our plans and find the coverage that works best for your home and needs.

FAQs About AC Tune-Ups and System Maintenance

How often does my AC need a tune-up?

For most systems, schedule an AC tune-up at least once a year, preferably in the spring before the cooling season begins. If you have heating equipment, a separate fall tune-up can keep your system working efficiently, ensuring both your cooling and heating systems receive preseason maintenance.

How do I know if my AC needs maintenance or repair?

Weak airflow, uneven cooling, unusual noises or odors, frequent cycling, or difficulty reaching the temperature set on your thermostat can all indicate that your AC needs professional attention. While AC maintenance may uncover some issues, if your AC is already malfunctioning, it may need a repair rather than a tune-up.

What happens if I don't get my AC serviced every year?

Skipping routine maintenance can allow dirty components, airflow problems, or developing issues to go unnoticed, often until the system fails. Regular maintenance helps your cooling system operate efficiently and gives a technician an opportunity to identify potential problems before they become more serious.

Does an older AC system need more frequent tune-ups?

An older AC doesn't necessarily need more than one scheduled tune-up each year, but it may need closer attention if you notice it isn't working as efficiently as usual or it requires frequent repairs. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and contact an HVAC professional if you notice changes in cooling level, energy use, or other signs of trouble.

Does a home warranty cover AC tune-ups or repairs?

Covered repair and replacement of an HVAC system depend on the home warranty plan and options you’ve selected. First American plans may offer AC coverage either in a base plan or as optional coverage that can be added to a plan. HVAC tune-up coverage can also be added as an option in plans and includes two pre-season tune-ups.

* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members. Items listed may be optional or not available on some home warranty plans; please review the sample contract for specific coverage, terms and limitations.

† Be aware of non-covered costs even with your home warranty coverage. Please review your sample contract for specific coverage, terms and limitations.