Summer heat can quickly leave people drenched in sweat, but homeowners shouldn't sweat the cost of their air conditioning maintenance. Instead of dealing with an AC breakdown in the middle of a heatwave, homeowners can ensure their cooling system works efficiently with a tune-up. A lot of companies offer AC maintenance, but how much should homeowners expect to pay?
From air conditioning tune-ups to brand-new installations, we at Monkey Wrench have worked with thousands of cooling systems around Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. For almost two decades, we've helped homeowners keep their houses cool in the heat by servicing their AC units.
The price for AC maintenance varies from one company to another, but the average cost range is between $70 to $200. There are factors that impact the final cost, and not all companies include the same services in their AC maintenance visits. In this article, we'll look at the following information.
- What's typically included in AC maintenance services
- How often should homeowners service their air conditioners
- Factors that affect AC maintenance costs
- How much DIY maintenance costs
By the time you finish this article, you'll have valuable insight into AC maintenance costs.
Let's get started!
What's Included in AC Maintenance?
AC maintenance involves a technician coming to a home to inspect and clean the air conditioner's components. Although most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) businesses offer AC care and maintenance, not all of their services include the same thing.
Here's a look at the common services included in central AC maintenance.
- Check and replace the air filter for proper airflow.
- Inspect the evaporator coil connection.
- Check the amperage of components.
- Inspect the compressor.
- Check wiring and tighten weak connections.
- Start and run the capacitors.
- Check the blower, motor, and bearings for wear.
- Look for any damaged condenser coils.
- Oil and lubricate bearings as needed.
- Inspect refrigerant pressures and freon levels.
- Inspect the condition of ductwork
- Check electrical and contactors for wear and tear.
These are the most common services included in AC maintenance, but some companies may offer additional services. These services include flushing the condensate drain and calibrating the thermostat.
Once the initial inspection is complete, the technician will advise the homeowner of any pending repairs, replacements, or upgrades needed. In addition to air filters, other AC parts require replacement, such as the capacitor, which can last six months to two years. Different parts can experience normal wear and tear and may need to be replaced during maintenance checks.
With plenty of AC maintenance services offered, how often should these units be serviced?
How Often Should an AC System Be Serviced?
It's recommended that air conditioning maintenance be scheduled once a year, preferably in the spring before the start of the summer. Not only does springtime maintenance help prepare air conditioners for the upcoming hot weather, but it is also offered at a lower price.
It isn't uncommon for companies to offer AC maintenance for under $100 during the spring, and prices increase to $200 in the middle of summer. Companies can upcharge their AC maintenance prices because of the high demand for cool air during heatwaves.
Many HVAC companies send out reminders for AC maintenance and offer special deals on these services during the months of spring. Some businesses may offer special memberships that combine cooling and heating maintenance so homes have efficient, cool air during the summer and warmth during the winter.
Prices for central AC system maintenance vary, and in the next section, we'll review the factors that impact pricing the most.
What Factors Affect AC Maintenance Pricing?
When homeowners call or go online to book an appointment, they may encounter the following questions, which can impact the final cost of AC maintenance.
- How old is the AC unit?
- When was the last time it was serviced?
- Where is the system located?
HVAC companies can charge to come and perform maintenance on an older central cooling system. For example, older AC units with barely any maintenance history may require extensive service. Businesses can charge $20 to $50 extra for older air conditioners on these kinds of maintenance calls.
Homeowners seeking to save some money may want to consider DIY AC maintenance.
How Much Does DIY AC Maintenance Cost?
If homeowners decide to perform maintenance on their air conditioner, they may expect to pay $20 to around $100 for the do-it-yourself (DIY) service. Although the service will be limited to a few things, homeowners can buy some of the items required for maintenance.
Air filter replacements are available in-store and online. The prices vary on the type of air filter used, such as HEPA and filter with high MERV ratings. A single standard air filter can cost around $20, and packs of high-end filters can cost over $50.
Although there's plenty of information and how-to videos online on DIY air conditioner maintenance, it's recommended that homeowners contact a professional for further assistance. Technicians are certified and have the tools, knowledge, and resources to perform maintenance correctly and identify any underlying issues.
Scheduling AC Maintenance for Los Angeles Homes
The cost for AC maintenance isn't set, but it is more of a price range. Regardless of how much a homeowner decides to pay for maintenance, there's no denying the importance of maintaining an air conditioner. By understanding how much this service costs and what's included, you can confidently seek out technicians who only have your AC's best interests in mind.
Since 2007, our technicians at Monkey Wrench have maintained air conditioners throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. Our thorough service and inspection give homeowners peace of mind, knowing their units are operating at full efficiency when blowing cool air during hot weather.
If you're interested in scheduling maintenance for your central air conditioning system, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment directly through our online HVAC scheduler.
Air conditioner maintenance is crucial for extending the longevity of an AC. If your air conditioning system is in need of repairs, read this article to learn about how much AC repair may cost.
