In many cases, an HVAC maintenance plan is a great way to ensure that your home is safe, has adequate heating or cooling, and saves energy. It's a cost-effective solution that can provide peace of mind and help you avoid costly repairs. But is it really necessary? The ideal is to schedule heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance at least once a year. During this time, your HVAC professional will check for any damage, remove debris from the outdoor unit, and make sure the thermostat is working properly.
An HVAC maintenance plan will cover this seasonal maintenance, which is a great advantage. We often get asked if it's really necessary to have an HVAC maintenance plan. Our answer is yes! We recommend that you check your system at least once a year, but twice a year is better. It's best to do a tune-up in spring before the air conditioner needs to work at its best, and again in the fall before the boiler starts working. It's important to note that a higher energy bill doesn't necessarily mean you need to maintain it. Just make sure your consumption hasn't changed so you can make an accurate comparison.
But looking at your energy bill isn't enough. You should also consider the following two points:
- According to Consumer Reports, a central air conditioner lives between 10 and 15 years. Not maintaining your air conditioner shortens that lifespan.
- You only run a calculated risk that the money you save in the short term won't beat you up in the long run when your system breaks down prematurely, and then you have to buy one sooner than expected.
As you can see, all the problems associated with the lack of maintenance of your air conditioner occur in the long term. But like most things in life, looking to the long term can save you money and several headaches. Perhaps the most important benefit of having an HVAC repair service contract is peace of mind. We often recommend HVAC service contracts for maintenance because it's the most important factor in preventing emergency breakdowns. Additionally, an HVAC maintenance contract offers discounts on parts and labor for repairs, which can save you a good amount of money if your unit breaks down. Think of your HVAC maintenance plan as if it were any type of insurance you take out for your home.
Many companies offer different types of HVAC preventive maintenance plans that aim to mitigate that cost or, at the very least, spread it out over a year. Take a look at what you should consider before purchasing an HVAC maintenance plan to help cover unexpected repair costs. An HVAC maintenance contract can be expensive, especially if you've just invested in the cost of a new HVAC replacement. However, (and this may be surprising if you're an HVAC contractor), annual air conditioner maintenance isn't absolutely necessary (if you're taking risks). The main reasons to purchase an HVAC maintenance contract include the fact that it ensures that problems are detected before they become costly repairs.
These factors should help you determine if an HVAC maintenance contract is worth paying for. While you can keep your HVAC unit without a maintenance plan, this contract can provide more consistent work. It's called the Peace of Mind Protection Program, and just like its name, it's designed to be an HVAC service contract that ensures your HVAC equipment doesn't fail when you need it most.
