HVAC maintenance costs often range from $160 to $300 each year if you choose a service plan, which typically includes one to two service checks. If you skip the plan and pay for single visits, each service call runs about $120 to $200 per unit, plus an additional diagnostic fee of about $20 to $80.
Do note that the final cost depends on HVAC type and size – a warranted packaged system could run up to $600 annually, while a small window unit might just cost around $90.
Even though these costs seem high at first, remember regular maintenance prevents expensive emergency repairs and keeps your heating unit working in winter and the AC running in summer. Every maintenance visit includes system cleaning, performance testing, and basic safety inspections.
HVAC Maintenance Cost by Location
HVAC maintenance costs vary across the U.S., with major cities charging more than rural areas. The Northeast and Northwest regions, particularly in cities like New York and Seattle, have the highest rates due to higher operating costs.
Meanwhile, the Southeast and Midwest tend to offer more competitive pricing in both urban and rural areas.
What drives regional price differences:
- Urban vs. rural location (cities have higher overhead)
- Local labor markets
- Competition between service providers
- Travel distance for technicians
- Local licensing requirements
- Business operating costs
The table below shows average HVAC maintenance costs across different U.S. regions:
| Northeast U.S. | Average HVAC Maintenance Cost |
| New York, NY | $200 to $380 |
| Pawtucket, RI | $100 to $150 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $100 – $140 |
| Dothan, AL | $100 – $150 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $110 – $150 |
| South Bend, IN | $60 – $100 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Seattle, WA | $220 – $300 |
| Corvallis, OR | $100 – $120 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| San Diego, CA | $80 – $200 |
| Roswell, NM | $60 – $150 |
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. The best way to get an accurate price quote is by contacting local HVAC companies through Home Gnome.
HVAC Maintenance Cost by Service Plan
An HVAC maintenance agreement is a stress-free solution for efficient system upkeep. You pay upfront, and the company takes care of routine checks and tune-ups throughout the year.
Service plans include spring and fall tune-ups with different coverage options. Basic plans handle routine maintenance and system checks. Standard plans step up with priority service and repair discounts, while premium plans add extra tune-ups and same-day service.
Here’s a table with the average costs of HVAC maintenance service plans, including basic, standard, and premium options:
| Service Plan Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost | Standard Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $160 to $300 | $15 to $20 | 2 tune-ups/year, basic parts coverage |
| Standard Plan | $200 to $400 | $25 to $45 | 2 tune-ups/year, priority service, 10% to 15% repair discount |
| Premium Plan | $300 to $700 | $30 to $$60 | 2-3 tune-ups/year, priority service, 15% repair discount, filter changes |
| Add-on Services | $5 – $13 | Plumbing, electrical, water heater; indoor air quality checks | |
| Single Service Visit | $120 to $200/unit, plus a $20 to $80 diagnostic fee | 1 tune-up/unit, basic parts coverage | |
Pro Tip: Remember, it’s highly important to review each offer before signing any contract. Always ensure that you’re clear about what is covered in each plan and how often services will be performed.
HVAC Maintenance Cost by System Type
Your home’s HVAC maintenance cost depends on the size and system type. Separate AC and heating units will usually require individual service checkups, which means two separate bills.
For instance, gas furnaces undergo safety checks — focusing on gas lines and heat exchangers. Meanwhile, an AC unit service often includes coil cleaning and refrigerant level evaluation.
What makes your costs go up or down:
- Number of units you have
- System age and condition
- Extra features like smart thermostats need special attention
- Multiple zones mean more areas to check
- Access to system components
*Note: Basic duct inspection comes with regular maintenance, but deep cleaning costs extra.
Here’s a table detailing average maintenance costs for different HVAC system types, including what’s typically included in the service:
| System Type | Average HVAC Maintenance Cost | What’s Included |
| Air Conditioner | $70 to $200 | Coil cleaning, refrigerant level check, filter replacement, drain line cleaning, performance testing |
| Gas Furnace | $80 to $210 | Safety inspection, burner cleaning, heat exchanger check, carbon monoxide test, filter change |
| Boiler | $150 to 350 | Pressure check, water quality testing, safety valve inspection, burner cleaning, leak inspection |
| Heat Pump | $75 to $150 | Coil inspection, refrigerant check, electrical connection test, defrost cycle check, filter replacement |
| Window AC | $65 to $150 | Coil cleaning, filter cleaning, drain pan check, performance test, seal inspection |
| Ductless Mini-Split | $300 to $550 | Multiple indoor unit cleaning, condensate drain check, filter cleaning, coil maintenance, electrical check |
| Packaged System | $450 to $550 | Complete system check, all component testing, filter replacement, coil cleaning, safety inspection |
| Air Duct Cleaning | $300 to $700 | Duct inspection, debris removal, sanitizing treatment, vent cleaning, access point sealing |
*Prices reflect basic maintenance only. Additional repairs or replacement parts will increase costs.
*Based on national averages from licensed HVAC contractors.
Cost by HVAC Maintenance Service
Not all HVAC maintenance services cost the same or take the same level of expertise. Typically, HVAC maintenance services fall into the following categories:
| Maintenance Type | Average Cost | What’s Included |
| Preventative HVAC Maintenance (Two Times per Year) | $50 – $210 | Spring AC tune-up, fall furnace inspection, filter changes, basic cleaning, thermostat calibration. |
| Proactive Maintenance (When Necessary) | $200 – $550 per year | Replacing worn belts; updating old thermostats, fixing minor leaks, cleaning dirty coils |
| Reactive Maintenance (When Necessary) | $350 – $1,800 per year | Replacing burnt-out motors, fixing refrigerant leaks, repairing frozen coils, fixing failed starters |
| Emergency Service (When Necessary) | $160 – $250 per hour | No heat in winter, no cooling in summer, water leaks, strange noises or smells |
If you want to avoid problems, you should opt for preventative maintenance. It regularly monitors the system (usually two times per year) before issues come up. Proactive service addresses identified problems immediately, minimizing system downtime.
Reactive maintenance, however, involves waiting until a problem occurs before fixing it – this can lead to higher costs.
Emergency services are usually pricey due to their on-demand nature and overtime charges, like when your AC fails on a hot day or your heater on a cold night.
HVAC Maintenance Cost Breakdown by Components
Certain HVAC parts, such as drain lines, condensers, and filters, may need extra servicing. This could lead to additional costs apart from the basic maintenance charges.
Here are a few components that could affect your maintenance costs:
| Task | Average Cost |
| Changing Air Filters | $10 to $40 |
| Evaporator and Condenser Coil Cleaning | $80 to $380 |
| Checking Freon Levels/Refilling | $65 to $100 per pound |
| HVAC Heavy Cleaning | $280 to $630 |
| Drain Line Cleaning | $80 to $400 |
| Refrigerant Leak | $210 to $1,200 |
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 $75 for minor fixes like filter replacement to $3,000 for compressor replacements.
FAQ About HVAC Maintenance
DIY HVAC maintenance is usually limited to minor tasks such as filter changing, which might cost you from $15 to $30.
Although you might also be able to handle tasks like cleaning the exterior unit and checking for visible leaks, there’s a lot more when it comes to HVAC maintenance that requires professional skills. Here is our complete guide on How to Maintain Your HVAC System.
An HVAC inspection cost is distinct from maintenance costs. Inspections typically involve a thorough examination of your system to evaluate its condition and efficiency, identify potential issues, and suggest necessary repairs.
The price ranges between $250 and $450 approximately, but it could vary based on where you live or the complexity of your system.
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Read More: How Much Does an HVAC Inspection Cost?
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