Considering an HVAC maintenance plan? Read on to discover if these plans are worth it to make the best decision for your home and budget here.
As a homeowner, you know that while being an extremely fulfilling experience, owning property can be quite expensive.
In fact, the average American homeowner spends almost $10,000 a year on costs associated with homeownership and maintenance.
Because of this, the last thing you want to do is add unnecessary expenses to the list. And while there’s no shortage of scams marketed toward homeowners, investing your time and money into the things that deserve it can save you a fortune in the long run.
One of these necessary expenses is an HVAC maintenance plan. But you don’t have to accept that statement at face value.
To learn why you should be committed to the upkeep of your HVAC system, just keep reading!
What Is an HVAC Preventive Maintenance Plan?
When you purchase an HVAC system or receive repairs from an HVAC service provider, you’ll likely be given the option of signing up for an HVAC preventive maintenance plan.
These plans come at a variety of price points, depending on the company and the benefits offered in the contract. Many offer bi-yearly maintenance, where a technician will come to your home and clean your HVAC system. They’ll also complete a check-up to ensure there aren’t any issues brewing within the unit.
These visits most often occur at the start of peak seasons—at the beginning of winter and just before summer. This is because it’s best to catch any problems before you reach the points in the year where your unit runs most often.
Your plan might also include a discount on future services and/or priority treatment. Your call will be placed ahead of those without maintenance contracts, in the event that you require a technician.
The Benefits of HVAC Maintenance
While HVAC maintenance does come at a cost, it isn’t for nothing. There are many general benefits of signing up for HVAC maintenance, and even more with the best HVAC maintenance plans.
Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect to receive with an HVAC preventive maintenance plan.
Prevent Major Issues and Breakdowns
Just as your car needs regular maintenance to keep it in peak condition, your HVAC system benefits from proper care. As with any type of check-up, the main goal is to catch any major issues before they happen to save you both time and money.
One of the worst things that can happen in the dead of summer or winter is your HVAC system breaking down. You don’t want to be stuck out in the cold (or sweltering heat) with no air.
An HVAC technician should be able to spot any major problems in their beginning stages and fix them before this happens.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Equipment
Depending on the size of your home and the type of unit you purchase, replacing your HVAC system can cost up to $10,000. Because this part of your home is such a huge investment, you want it to last as long as possible!
Keeping your system clean and in top shape can greatly extend its lifespan, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.
Receive Membership Perks
Most HVAC service providers will offer certain perks with their maintenance contracts. Typically, the better the perks, the more expensive the contract. But you can sometimes find a great bargain (just remember: cheaper isn’t always better).
Some of the most common perks offered are priority service, as we discussed above, and repair discounts. For example, say you need a new fan motor for your unit. If you have a maintenance plan, your provider might offer a 10% discount on both the fan motor and the cost of labor for installation.
Additionally, many companies charge a premium for after-hours or weekend calls, as they have to pay their technicians overtime to complete them. If you’re a contract holder, you may not have to pay this additional fee.
If you’re still unconvinced, read on here to discover a few additional reasons for having your HVAC system professionally serviced.
Are HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth It?
As we mentioned above, there isn’t one set price for HVAC maintenance plans. Because of this, the answer to the question, “Are HVAC maintenance plans worth it?” is: it depends.
Do your research. Don’t go with the first HVAC service provider you speak to. Talk to as many as you can and ask each of them what types of maintenance plans they offer and what is provided with each.
Depending on the cost of the plan, if they don’t offer services such as emergency repairs and discounts for members, you might want to look elsewhere.
Compare the HVAC maintenance plan cost of each company to the benefits that come with each contract and make your decision from there.
Remember, some manufacturers require that you purchase a maintenance plan to maintain the warranty. But this isn’t a problem, as maintenance plans are probably most worthwhile for a unit still under warranty. Any repairs needed should be free of charge.
Is an HVAC Maintenance Plan Right for You?
At the end of the day, it’s your home and your HVAC system. You have the power to choose whether an HVAC maintenance plan is right for you and your home or not.
The best thing to do is to first find an HVAC service provider you trust. It’s an unfortunate reality, but there are many untrustworthy companies and technicians out there.
Once you have a provider you can rely on, ask their advice. Then use the information you’ve gathered to form your own conclusion.
For more great advice for homeowners, from maintenance to renovations to decor, be sure to take a look at our blog!
