Today, an average HVAC system should last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. No matter how old or new yours is, maintenance is key to extending its lifespan.
Because of that, you may be wondering about HVAC maintenance agreements. If you’ve had a new system installed recently, then the installation company may have offered you one.
While some of these agreements can save you some money in the long run, others may be a waste of money, depending on what’s in the contract itself.
If you’re looking for the best HVAC maintenance agreement in The Woodlands or elsewhere, then keep reading. Here are some tips on what to look for.
Watch out for Mandatory Plans
When you purchase a new HVAC system, some companies will bully you into purchasing “mandatory” HVAC maintenance plans. However, you may not realize this tactic at first.
They may try and act like they’re watching out for your best interests. For example, they might claim you’ll void your warranty if you don’t get an HVAC maintenance agreement from them specifically. Because you’re worried about this issue, you’re more inclined to sign this contract.
However, know that this is an unscrupulous move on their part. There isn’t any truth to that statement, so if any HVAC company claims this, avoid.
Consider the Age of Your HVAC System
If your HVAC unit is brand new, then most likely, it won’t need many repairs in the next few years. Because of this, an HVAC maintenance agreement probably won’t be worth your money.
Most agreements cost between $150 to $500 a year. Take into account how much a repair job would be, and think about how likely it is that your new AC unit will break down in one year. Not likely to be more than once, if even.
However, if you have an older system and/or it’s not from a spectacular brand, then it may be a good idea to get an HVAC maintenance agreement. This is especially true if you’ve been dealing with lots of breakdowns recently.
Do note that it’s not always necessarily the best idea to sign a maintenance contract if your HVAC system is experiencing regular problems. Major repairs will be covered under your warranty, so check the fine print.
Sometimes, the requirement for coverage will be proof of routine maintenance. So in this case, it’d be prudent to sign an HVAC maintenance contract.
Determine If Emergency Repairs Are Included
This little factor can make all the difference in if an HVAC maintenance agreement is worth it or not. There’s an even split between whether or not maintenance agreements cover emergency repairs, so again, it’s best if you check the fine print.
If they’re included and the per year price for maintenance isn’t bad, then you’ll probably be better off getting an HVAC maintenance agreement.
Compare the Contract Price to Out-Of-Pocket Prices
The prices for a year-long HVAC maintenance contract may not seem that bad, especially when you consider you’re covered for 365 days. But you should do the math and see if it actually saves you any money.
For instance, let’s say you only plan on doing maintenance on your HVAC system once or twice a year. In this case, paying out of pocket may be a lot cheaper than signing an agreement.
The frequency of maintenance will depend on the condition of your AC unit, so make your own assessment to see if an HVAC maintenance agreement would be a good deal or not.
Consider What You Can Do Yourself
Not everyone has the time or physical capabilities to perform HVAC maintenance themselves, and we get that. For these people, an HVAC maintenance agreement is definitely worth it, since, without regular maintenance, you’ll find your AC unit quickly breaking down.
But for others who aren’t afraid of a little DIY, there’s actually plenty you can do yourself when it comes to HVAC maintenance.
When checking an HVAC maintenance agreement, see if the services go beyond the basics, especially if you’re planning on doing those yourself. Other services the company should provide include:
- Checking the level of your refrigerant
- Testing for any refrigerant leaks
- Removing any refrigerant leaks in a legal manner
- Checking and sealing any duct leakages
- Measuring the airflow
- Making sure your heating and cooling systems don’t turn on at the same time
- Inspecting your electrical terminals
- Oiling the motors and checking the belts
- Checking the accuracy of your thermostat
If these are not included, then the maintenance contract might not be worth the money.
Make Sure You Have Choices
Most HVAC companies only offer you one option when it comes to maintenance agreements. Most of the time, this might work out for you, but it can feel a bit restricting.
Exceptional companies will give you a few choices so you can pay for what you need. It’ll be easier to fit your budget since you won’t have to pay for extraneous services you don’t need.
Depending on the tier of service you sign up for, you can enjoy things such as discounts on repair costs, diagnostic fees, and priority service.
Get a Good HVAC Maintenance Agreement
If you know what you’re looking for and take the time to read the fine print, then an HVAC maintenance agreement can be worth every penny you spend on it. Considering each individual has their own limitations for performing maintenance on their own, the optimal contract will be different for each person.
So long as you fully understand the agreement and get some value out of it, then you’ll be making a good investment in your HVAC system.
If you’re ready to work with an excellent HVAC company in The Woodlands, then get in touch with us now. You can also text us at (281) 306-9875.
