$39 AC Tune-Up vs $149: Which One Should You Choose?

Not every tune-up is the same. The right one depends mostly on your system's age.

• $39 Basic: Visual condenser inspection, filter replacement, startup and thermostat check, surface coil cleaning. Best for units under 5 years old and well-maintained systems.
• $149 Comprehensive: Everything above plus deep indoor/outdoor coil cleaning, refrigerant check and recharge, electrical and capacitor inspection, compressor/motor evaluation, ductwork inspection, lubrication, and an efficiency report. Best for systems over 5 years old.

Why it pays off: a well-maintained system uses 10-15% less energy ($100-300/year), and can last 2-5 years longer, avoiding a $3,000-5,000 replacement. Emergency repairs typically run $500-1,500.