This is a topic I have strong opinions about, and I’m going to be honest even if it costs me some business.
What an honest tune-up actually is:
A legitimate AC inspection checks refrigerant pressures, inspects capacitors and contactors, checks coils for cleanliness, verifies proper airflow, checks the condensate drain, and confirms the system is operating within normal parameters. That’s real value from a qualified technician.
The problem with the $49 tune-up model:
Here’s the math. A well-trained HVAC technician earns good money per hour. Add drive time, truck costs, insurance, and overhead — no legitimate company can send a qualified tech to your home for $49 and make money on that visit alone. The money comes from upsells. That pressure to find something to sell on every call is baked into the business model. It’s not the reputation I want, and it’s not the experience I want for my customers.
What I recommend instead:
Change your filter every 30 days. Check your outdoor unit for debris and cottonwood every spring. Keep the area around your condenser clear. If your system is running fine and something changes — that’s when you call.
If you want peace of mind, I’m happy to come out and do a thorough inspection at a fair, transparent price with zero pressure. You’ll get a straight answer about what I find — and what, if anything, actually needs attention.
By Gregg DeMille, owner of Timber Creek Services in Farr West, Utah.
Need help with this? See Furnace & AC Tune-Ups or call or text (801) 832-5302.