How often?
Schedule a cooling check in spring and a heating check in fall. Heat pumps do both jobs, so they benefit from two visits a year. Many manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep warranties valid.
What a cooling tune-up should include
- Clean the condenser coil and check the fan motor and blade
- Test the capacitor, contactor and electrical connections
- Measure refrigerant pressures, superheat and subcooling
- Check temperature split and airflow
- Clear and treat the condensate drain
- Inspect the filter and blower
What a heating tune-up should include
- Inspect the burners, flame sensor and igniter
- Check the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
- Test safety controls, including limit and pressure switches
- Check venting and combustion air, and test for carbon monoxide
- Measure gas pressure and temperature rise
Costs and maintenance plans
A single tune-up typically costs $80–$200. Maintenance plans of about $150–$300 a year usually include two visits plus discounts and priority scheduling. Plans are worth it if the visits are thorough. Be wary of very cheap "tune-up specials" used mainly to sell replacements.
Want to do your part? Use our homeowner maintenance checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is an annual HVAC tune-up really necessary?
It's not legally required, but it catches small problems early, keeps efficiency up and is often required by manufacturer warranties.
