AC Tune Up Cost in 2026: What a Real Seasonal Inspection Should Cost

At minimum, a real tune up in the $119 to $189 range covers:

Thermostat operation and calibration
Air filter inspection (replacement extra if you need a high MERV filter)
All electrical connections tightened and inspected
Capacitor tested with a meter (not just "looks fine")
Contactor inspection
Refrigerant pressure check
Condenser coil visual inspection and rinse
Evaporator coil visual inspection where accessible
Condensate drain line cleared and treated
Blower motor amp draw and function test
Temperature split test across supply and return
System startup and run cycle observation
Written summary with any concerns flagged

A one time AC tune up costs between $79 and $225 in our service areas for 2026, with most homeowners paying $119 to $169 for a standard 60 to 90 minute inspection. Premium tune ups with coil cleaning and refrigerant top off run $169 to $275.

An AC tune up is a seasonal checkup, usually scheduled in spring, to catch small problems before they become big ones. It is the single highest ROI spend in HVAC ownership.