Don’t Let the A/C Go Out on the Hottest Day of the Year

Q: How much does basic HVAC maintenance typically cost?

Basic maintenance visits usually range from about $30 to over $100 depending on promotions, location, and the scope of tasks performed by the technician.

Q: How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?

Most systems benefit from at least annual professional maintenance; changing filters every 1–3 months and more frequent checks for older systems or those in extreme climates is recommended.

Q: What homeowner tasks help reduce HVAC maintenance costs?

Simple tasks include regularly replacing filters, keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris, gently rinsing condenser fins, ensuring the unit is level, and clearing drain lines.

Q: Will a maintenance plan save money on repairs?

Annual maintenance plans can reduce emergency breakdowns, extend equipment life, and often include perks like priority service that may lower long-term repair costs.

Q: What warning signs mean I should call a technician?

Call a technician if you notice warm air from vents while cooling, frequent shutdowns, uneven temperatures, unusual noises, or unexpected spikes in energy bills.

Published by

Clara

Dec 23

No matter where we live, we depend on our HVAC units to keep us comfortable — whether cooling us during scorching weather or warming us when it’s frigid. Still, the cost of HVAC upkeep can be a real shock to the budget.

That’s especially true when the system fails on the hottest or coldest day of the year. Or when it breaks down over a weekend and technician rates spike.

Routine care of your system can help you avoid some expensive emergency fixes.

But what exactly should be done, and what will it cost?

HVAC Fundamentals

HVAC means heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. There are multiple configurations, but split systems — with one component indoors and one outdoors — are the most common in homes.

The equipment varies depending on the climate where you live.

Furnace and air conditioner: These work well in regions with wide temperature swings, from cold winters to hot summers. Most furnaces run on natural gas, though some use heating oil. The condenser unit for the AC sits outside and the evaporator coil is inside. The evaporator coil absorbs heat and transfers it to refrigerant via copper lines.
Air handler and heat pump: In milder climates, a heat pump is an efficient choice. It provides heating and cooling by reversing its operation, while an air handler’s blower moves warmed or cooled air through the house.
Furnace and heat pump: In very cold areas, a single heating source may not be enough. A dual-fuel or hybrid system automatically switches from the heat pump to the furnace when temperatures drop too low.

All systems require routine upkeep.

“If issues create a dirty or clogged system, it can negatively affect performance and increase wear on the equipment,” said Wes Davis, Director of Technical Services at Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). “That has tangible consequences for the lifespan of the equipment and how well it heats or cools your home.”

Why Preventive Maintenance Matters

Think of your HVAC like your car. You change the oil to keep the engine running smoothly and to reduce the chance of being stranded. The same logic applies to HVAC systems.

Taking a proactive approach instead of waiting for breakdowns can save money and also:

Help prevent unexpected failures.
Improve indoor air quality.
Lower energy consumption.
Extend the system’s useful life.
Provide maintenance records required to preserve warranty coverage.
Prevent dangerous carbon monoxide from entering the home through cracks or leaks.

How often maintenance is needed depends on several factors.

“A relatively new system may not require checks as frequently as an older system,” Davis said. “It also depends on the geographic region and where the equipment is installed. Equipment located in a hot attic in the South will experience more stress than gear in a basement in a dry climate, where it will often last many more years.”

Ultimately, Davis said you and your HVAC technician should agree on a maintenance plan tailored to your system and climate.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

Some maintenance tasks are simple enough for homeowners to handle; others need a trained technician.

Changing the air filter is one easy job and should be done every one to three months. Filters are usually placed in the return air area before the air reaches the unit.

Higher-priced, high-efficiency filters such as HEPA aren’t always the best choice for every system.

“If your system is designed for a low-efficiency filter that allows air to pass freely and you install a very high-efficiency filter, the higher resistance can restrict airflow and have serious consequences,” Davis explained. Low airflow can cause parts to overheat and may force the system to shut down.

Conversely, allowing more air through can deposit more dust and debris on the coils, causing them to get dirty.

Replace filters more often if you have allergies, pets, or if the system runs constantly.

A 20-by-20-inch air filter typically costs $2 to $12 depending on quality. That size is common, but be sure you know the exact size your unit requires — there are many options.

Davis also emphasized the importance of these homeowner-friendly tasks:

Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear: Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around the compressor. Remove leaves and plants that are too close and trim trees that could drop debris on the unit.
Clean the condenser unit: Metal fins collect dirt, pollen, and other material. Use a garden hose (not a pressure washer) to rinse them gently. A fin comb can carefully straighten any bent fins that impede airflow.
Ensure the unit is level: An uneven compressor can fail prematurely.
Clear the drain pipe and pan: Clogs can lead to leaks or backups.

A man works on an outdoor a/c unit. — (Damir Sisic works on an outdoor A/C unit. Among things that need to be checked regularly, technicians should measure airflow and look at the voltage and all the connections. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder)

If you have a furnace, shut off the humidifier’s water supply in summer when it’s not in use. Before cold weather returns, change the humidifier filter and turn the water back on.

For window air conditioners, confirm the seal between the unit and the window is secure and that it touches the metal casing of the AC. Moisture can degrade the seal and let cool air leak out.

While some chores are easy, you should leave others to professionals. Depending on your area, a maintenance visit can range from promotional rates around $30 up to more than $100.

Davis said differences in services and pricing prompted the ACCA to produce national standards, establishing a baseline of tasks that should be completed during an HVAC inspection.

Technicians should:

Flush the coils.
Check drainage.
Vacuum blower compartments.
Inspect voltage and all electrical connections.
Verify refrigerant levels.
Search for leaks that force the system to work harder.
Lubricate motors.
Clean condenser lines.
Measure airflow through the evaporator coils.
Inspect visible ductwork for moisture or biological growth.
Test safety devices.

Some HVAC firms offer annual maintenance plans that may include perks like priority service, so check with the company you use to learn about any potential advantages.

Davis advised asking the HVAC provider which tasks they will perform during a maintenance visit, noting that some lower-cost companies focus more on generating leads and new sales than on preventing problems. He also recommended checking whether a company follows ACCA standards or belongs to a trade organization.

“Those kinds of indicators often point to contractors who do better work,” he said.