Did you know that nearly half of your energy bill stems from heating and cooling costs? That’s because your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system keeps you comfortable year-round — cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
However, even the best HVAC systems become inefficient without regular tune-ups, leading to higher energy costs, system failures and health risks. For example, gas or oil furnaces can leak carbon monoxide, while clogged air filters can reduce air quality, aggravating allergies and respiratory issues. Learn what an HVAC tune-up is, what it costs and when you should do it.
Key takeaways
Regular HVAC maintenance can extend the life of your heating and cooling systems.
An HVAC tune-up costs $75 to $200.
You should get an HVAC tune-up twice a year.
HVAC tune-ups make it easier to catch smaller problems before they become bigger (and more expensive) issues.
What is an HVAC tune-up?
“The HVAC pretty much acts as the lungs of a home,” said Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate and the founder of HomeCleanse.
Regular HVAC system maintenance keeps you comfortable and safe, reduces power bills and can extend the life of your HVAC unit.
An HVAC tune-up is preventive maintenance performed by a professional technician who can ensure that your system functions efficiently. Experts recommend scheduling an HVAC tune-up at least twice a year — in the spring for cooling systems and in the fall for heating systems.
HVAC tune-ups have three main phases:
- An inspection to check for issues,
- A cleaning to remove dust and debris, and
- A service call to adjust or repair the system for optimal performance.
Do you need an HVAC tune-up?
If you own a home with a central heating and air system, you need an HVAC tune-up. Regular tune-ups assure system efficiency and prevent potential issues that can turn into costly repairs. They also ensure your system runs safely, protecting your health. An HVAC system can spread existing contaminants like mold and bacteria throughout a home or building.
“When there’s moisture, there’s an issue for [potential] indoor contamination,” Rubino said. “If a mold spore or bacteria lands in this moisture, it will begin to colonize the space, leaving you with hidden growth. This growth will just continue to thrive undisturbed because it’s in an out-of-sight location. When you flip the thermostat to the alternate setting (heat or cool), all those particles will be blown throughout your home.”
When to get an HVAC tune-up
Air conditioning professionals recommend scheduling two HVAC tune-ups a year, one at the start of the hot season and another at the beginning of the cold season. This regular cycle allows technicians to examine the system that is about to be heavily engaged for the next several months more closely.
How much do HVAC tune-ups cost?
HVAC tune-ups are relatively inexpensive, and they can cost even less if you work with the same technician or company throughout the year. Many companies offer service guarantees or discounts if you preschedule bi-annual tune-up visits, and some home warranties will cover the cost.
“Homeowners can typically expect to pay between $75 and $200 for an HVAC tune-up,” said Tom Moor, a writer and researcher at HVAC.com. “The price can vary based on factors like the age and type of system, the geographic location and whether additional repairs or services are needed. Some tune-ups may go as high as $550, particularly if extra services are required.”
We recommend securing a few price quotes from local HVAC companies and comparing them. If you’re worried about getting a fair quote, HVAC.com recently launched a free service called QuoteScore, which says that a team of independent HVAC industry experts will analyze and score your quote to ensure you receive a fair estimate.
Who to call for your HVAC tune-up?
Look for a local HVAC provider who is knowledgeable about your HVAC system, whether it’s a top air conditioner brand, such as York, Lennox or Trane, or a lesser-known one. You can often use your brand’s website to find a certified dealer near you by entering your ZIP code. This will ensure you receive service from a technician familiar with your equipment’s requirements.
How to do a DIY HVAC tune-up
You can also perform a DIY tune-up on your HVAC system, but few professionals recommend that strategy long-term. Though there are simple steps that you can take to support your HVAC system, like replacing filters, some things are better left to the pros. Every year, HVAC manufacturers build increased technology into their systems, making technicians more reliant on specialized diagnostic tools. Also, many HVAC systems have long warranties, and you don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that protection.
pro tip
- ?Some home warranty companies offer plans that include HVAC tune-ups. This way, you can protect your wallet from unexpected HVAC failures and get preventive maintenance at the same time.
“While simple tune-ups like cleaning filters and removing dirt are well within reach of most people, I suggest leaving tasks like component lubrication and replacement installation to experts,” said Anthony Smith, director at Midland Air Conditioning with nearly three decades of HVAC experience. “These tasks could lead to dangerous outcomes, such as electrical failures and damaged parts.”
Simple steps you can take as a homeowner include changing your indoor air filters, keeping your outdoor units clear of debris and regulating your indoor temperatures. Let’s examine these tasks.
1. Change the air filters
Change your air filters every 30 to 90 days. Filters improve air quality by trapping dust, hair and other particles that could lead to allergies or respiratory issues. A clean filter ensures proper airflow, allowing your HVAC system to work more efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter with a new one can lower your AC’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Dirty filters are also an ideal breeding ground for mold.
“Clogged and dirty filters allow particles like mold spores to pass through to the rest of the unit and can even lead to mold growing on the filter itself,” Rubino said.
2. Keep units clear of debris
Keep your indoor and outdoor HVAC units clean and clear of clutter.
“It’s important to keep the area around the outdoor AC unit clean from dirt, leaves, sticks, rocks, acorns and other debris as well as from nearby bush overgrowth to allow for airflow around the unit,” said Randy Boutte, HomeServe’s manager of HVAC technician training.
3. Keep vents open
Keep your vents and registers open and clear of curtains, furniture or other obstructions. This step keeps the air circulating throughout your home and reduces strain on the system.
4. Regulate your home temperature
To maximize efficiency, don’t run the system full-time when you’re away from home or sleeping. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to automatically set different temperatures at various times of the day.
For even greater energy savings, consider a smart thermostat. These thermostats learn your habits over time and adjust the temperature based on your preferences. They can also be controlled remotely via your smartphone or tablet.
“Smart thermostats are a recent advancement that helps your HVAC system operate at peak efficiency,” said Max Veggeberg, the founder and CEO of Tetra, an AI-enabled home services company that helps homeowners adopt energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
5. Maintain your carbon monoxide detector
A carbon monoxide detector is crucial in homes with combustion-based heating systems, such as gas or oil furnaces, because it can save your life.
“Neglecting to perform maintenance can cause faster erosion to your furnace or boiler combustion mechanisms, causing carbon monoxide leaks,” Veggeberg said.
Test your carbon monoxide detector monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries as needed, typically once a year, and clean the sensor periodically to remove dust or debris. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended life of the device and replace it accordingly.
6. Clean condensation drain lines
Condensation drain lines remove excess moisture from your AC, heat pump or condensing furnace. Sometimes, these lines can get clogged or develop leaks, which may lead to mold or water damage. Regularly check the drain lines and clear any blockages with a mixture of water and vinegar.
General HVAC maintenance
HVAC experts shared a few more things to keep in mind for general HVAC maintenance.
Maintain indoor humidity levels
HomeCleanse’s Rubino recommended keeping your indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Anything outside the range can lead to various issues, including discomfort, health problems and damage to your home.
Protect HVAC systems during extreme weather
Tetra’s Veggeberg shared a few tips on how to protect your HVAC system and increase its life:
- Turn on fans. Using fans helps circulate air throughout your home, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
- Switch the rotation of ceiling fans. Ceiling fans have a switch that changes the direction of the blades. In the summer, the fan should rotate counterclockwise to create a breeze that cools the room. In the winter, the fan should rotate clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Keep windows closed and curtains drawn. This habit will insulate your home and protect you from hot air in the summer and cold drafts in the winter.
- Make sure windows and doors are insulated. Insulated doors and windows will help keep a stable temperature indoors and improve energy efficiency.
- For people with AC window units, clean and store them during the off-season. Window units aren’t designed to withstand harsh winter conditions. Storing them properly will protect them until the following season.
Beware of the warning signs
HomeServe’s Boutte shared some warning signs that could point to your HVAC system needing immediate professional attention:
- The system takes a long time to warm the house after the furnace starts.
- You hear unusual noises when the furnace starts.
- An unusual amount of dust is coming from the heating vents.
- The burner flame is yellow or flickering. In natural gas furnaces, the flame should be blue; a yellow flame indicates inefficient burning and may produce harmful carbon monoxide.
- Energy bills have increased more than expected, given the outside temperature.
- Excessive moisture builds up on windows, walls and other cold surfaces.
- You notice visual evidence such as soot streaks around the furnace, rust on flue pipes or connections, visible vent pipes from outside the home or water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe.
Bottom line
If you want to avoid costly repairs and protect your health, schedule regular professional HVAC tune-ups. “A clean and healthy HVAC system helps maintain a clean and healthy home,” Rubino said.
As technology advances, HVAC maintenance should become easier. Veggeberg noted that the best HVAC brands now have sensors that allow for remote system monitoring. He also recommended ductless mini splits/heat pumps for their minimal maintenance and safety needs. They feature accessible, reusable filters and pose no risk of carbon monoxide leaks, unlike traditional boilers or furnaces.
