Your HVAC system is what heats your home in the winter and cools your home in the summer. This system provides both comfort and safety. Making sure that the HVAC system in your home is operating correctly and efficiently is important, that is why many people opt to get an HVAC maintenance agreement. These agreements help to keep your system running. Here is what you need to know.
Read Before You Sign
The number one thing that you need to know is to read the agreement before you sign it. Make sure you thoroughly understand what is and is not included. Are the cost of parts included? Labor? Is the work guaranteed?
Remember that with almost all contracts, once you sign it, it is yours. Often the word contract is left out, but you are signing a binding deal. These contracts may be called any of the following:
- Service Agreements
- Service plans
- Comfort Plans
- HVAC Maintenance Agreement
- Maintenance Agreement
Basic HVAC Maintenance Plans
A basic HVAC maintenance agreement is very simple. It covers the regular checks of your HVAC unit. That is a start because you need the system to run. They will also often cover the swapping out of filters and other regular service.
With a basic plan you might pay $200 and a lot of the basic service you can do for yourself such as replacing the filter. If you use your HVAC a lot you probably will need to replace that filter more than once a season anyways.
Mid-Level Service Plans
There are plans that fall into the middle of HVAC maintenance service plans. These cover the basics, just like the basic plan. They will also cover the cost of the parts that are replaced with the regular service that happens every year.
In addition to that, you will find that most mid-level plans start to offer priority service. That means if something goes wrong, they will come to work on your HVAC system before some others. This can help, especially if you need service during the busy times of the year.
High Level Maintenance Contract Plans
High level service contracts allow you to call in help whenever you need it. That includes emergency service at no fee. For many people that is a huge benefit, especially if they are concerned about their system going down.
Remember that the more wear and tear that you put on your HVAC system, the more likely that your HVAC will go down. If it goes down in the winter it can leave you and your family without the heat that keeps them safe. The highest level of HVAC maintenance agreement includes parts on top of everything else that we have already talked about.
With parts included you will be able to get your system repaired no matter what when it goes down. That is, as long as you aren’t the one fiddling with it.
The one problem that you will encounter is that these highest of level service plans only come with brand new units. They can cost upwards of $600 but when you factor in maintenance and parts to the cost of a repair, it will still end up saving you money.
Do It Yourself
Some people think that they can do all of the HVAC maintenance that is needed by themselves. While there are some people that can do that, others can’t. You need to keep in mind that when you work on your own HVAC you are liable for any damage that you might accidently do to it. Working on the system yourself might also void the warranty if your system is still protected by one.
Getting an HVAC maintenance agreement can help save you a lot of money. It also helps to make sure your system is always working when you need it. While the plans cost money upfront, they can quickly pay for themselves. You just need to decide which one is right for you.
For more information, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.
