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An air conditioning tune-up to make sure your system is up to snuff is crucial: It can help prevent breakdowns, maximize energy efficiency to cut high cooling bills and lengthen your AC’s lifespan.

The cost of an AC tune-up will vary based on factors such as your system, location and technician, but you can expect to pay between $65 and $200, according to home services and home improvement resource This Old House. For many homeowners, AC maintenance is just another item to check off the to-list, but it’s important to understand what a tune-up should entail so you can be assured you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Here’s what a standard check in on your AC system should include, how often you should get one and whether it’s worth the cost.

What is an AC tune-up?

There are tasks you can do on your own to help keep your AC system running smoothly, such as changing the air filters once a month (or as often as your contractor recommends). But it’s important to get a professional to check out your system regularly to ensure that it’s not overexerting itself and wracking up high utility bills, that it is keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and it’s not going to break down during the summer.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians have experience installing, repairing and maintaining a variety of AC makes and models, and getting their expert opinions can make a huge difference for your comfort, safety and budget. So how often are tune-ups required?

“The importance of maintenance may change a little depending on where you are in the U.S., but biannual maintenance is the baseline,” says Joey Dooley, general manager at ARS in Texas who has 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry. “Almost every manufacturer recommends it, and I can tell you that a lot of them also effectively require maintenance if you want to protect your warranty.”

What a standard AC tune-up includes

The specific task a technician performs will vary, but there are core tasks most standard tune-ups will include:

• Refrigerant check: The technician will measure the coolant levels and pressure to make sure they’re running at peak efficiency. Low levels can strain your system.
• Electrical and contactor inspection: This step involves tightening electrical connections and contacts and inspecting components like capacitors and relays. Checking the electrical system is primarily a safety measure, but it also helps catch failing parts early and keeps the system running efficiently — loose connections and worn components make your AC draw more power than it should.
• Condenser coil cleaning: It’s important to wash away dirt and debris from outdoor AC unit’s coils. This step also includes inspecting the condenser fan motor and blades and lubricating them if necessary.
• Blower assessment: Inspecting the blower motor and fan and checking the airflow can help make sure your AC is cooling your home and working efficiency.
• Drain-line clearing: Clogged drains can cause problems for your system, so technicians will clear drain lines and address backups and moisture-related issues.
• Performance testing: Before finishing the tune-up, the technician will check your system’s overall performance and conduct any other necessary safety and efficiency inspections.

What a standard AC tune-up doesn’t include

While regular tune-ups are key to helping your AC work efficiently and last as long as possible, there are tasks that won’t be included in the price, including:

• Major repairs
• Replacing broken parts
• Ductwork repairs
• Major system upgrades
• Refrigerant recharges

If you’re unsure what’s included in an AC tune-up, be sure to ask your technician before you hire them.

Is an AC tune-up worth the cost?

With costs high for everything from housing to groceries, you may be reluctant to spend a couple hundred dollars each year on AC tune-ups. But doing so can help prevent small issues that could lead to major breakdowns down the line. According to ARS, a complete residential HVAC system replacement typically ranges from about $12,000 to $16,000, depending on system type, home size, and installation requirements. ARS notes that simpler furnace-only replacements run lower, while premium or high-efficiency systems and complex installs run higher.

You can also save on utility bills by keeping your AC maintained. Around 43% of a home’s utility bill goes to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Proper maintenance and upgrades can cut your energy use from heating and cooling from 20% to 50%.

Tune-ups are also important for keeping manufacturer warranty requirements satisfied. Some HVAC manufacturers require routine maintenance to keep warranties active, so be sure to document when your AC gets a checkup. That service documentation can come in handy if your AC breaks down or needs a component replacement. Otherwise, you risk voiding your warranty and paying potentially thousands of dollars for a repair.

Regular tune-ups are important, but it’s also critical to call an expert as soon as you notice an issue if it’s not something you can fix yourself. Doing so can save you from a large bill — and discomfort during sticky summer days.