While there’s an initial cost with purchasing an HVAC maintenance agreement, you’ll save money over the long run as you take advantage of all of the benefits the plan provides. Below are just some of the top things to look for when you’re considering getting a maintenance plan for your home’s HVAC system in Tigard, OR.
Annual Scheduled Tune-Ups
A good HVAC maintenance plan provides you with up to two yearly tune-ups for your system. Annual inspections of your equipment help technicians pinpoint any issues that could grow and worsen over time, allowing them to take care of such problems right then and there. Typically, you’ll want to schedule your tune-ups once in the spring for your air conditioner and once in the fall for your heating system. It does not matter if it’s a furnace, a heat pump, or another system. Regular maintenance keeps your comfort systems running optimally throughout the year so that you can use them when you need them the most.
Getting annual tune-ups helps prevent more serious issues from occurring, thus saving you from having to spend extra money on more extensive repair work later on. It’s always best to catch issues when they’re small and manageable before they get worse.
Discounts on Repairs
The maintenance agreement you choose should offer discounts on repair services should you need such services at any point during the plan’s time frame. The amount of savings depends on what’s spelled out in the agreement, but typically, expect to receive anywhere from 10% to 20% off on repair work.
Priority Service
Imagine your heating system breaking down in the middle of winter in Tigard. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to wait for too long before a technician can come out to your home and assess the problem. When you sign up for a maintenance agreement that offers priority service, you’ll end up at the front of the line when it comes to receiving service. Companies that offer priority service with their maintenance agreement will focus first on customers who have such a plan in place as opposed to those clients who aren’t on any plan.
Warranties and Guarantees
Another aspect to consider as you’re researching an HVAC maintenance plan is whether it provides parts and labor warranties or workmanship guarantees for repair work. A good company that stands behind its work and technicians will offer a plan that features either one or the other in terms of these warranties or guarantees, or both. Get peace of mind knowing your agreement comes with such guarantees.
Speaking of warranties, you’ll keep the one for your HVAC units intact when you rely on professional technicians for your system’s maintenance. Voiding the warranty through DIY efforts or from not having an experienced company perform regular tune-ups could cost you in the long run. This would come in the form of pricier repair projects or complete system replacement due to neglect or breakdowns.
Discounts or Credits on Installations
See if the maintenance agreement offers any type of discount or credit, either in dollars or as a percentage off, on new equipment installations. It’s expensive having to replace your air conditioner, heating system, or both. With a plan that offers new install discounts or credits, you’ll save on the initial cost of the replacement job.
No Overtime Charges
With an HVAC plan that features no overtime charges as one of its benefits, you won’t have to worry about spending anything extra should a scheduled job exceed its allotted time frame. Skip the overtime fees once and for all when you’re signed up for a maintenance agreement.
Discounts on Parts and Accessories
Look into an agreement that offers savings on HVAC parts. Avoid paying full price should an inspection reveal that your AC or heating unit needs a new part or two. As with discounts on repair work, the amount of savings on parts and accessories will vary depending on the maintenance plan’s terms and the company. However, a good plan will offer anywhere from 5% to 15% off on accessories and parts.
Air Filter Replacements
A typical HVAC maintenance plan will include regular air filter changes. Getting your system’s air filter swapped out every three months or so is crucial when it comes to your home’s indoor air quality. A dirty or clogged filter won’t be able to trap particles as easily as it should. You’ll start to notice that your home’s air isn’t as clean as it used to be, with things like pollen and dust floating around.
Another danger of relying on dirty air filters is that they’ll cause your system to work harder to push air through it. When your system has to constantly work harder at its job, it will experience wear and tear quicker. Eventually, your units could end up breaking down. Not only is having regular air filter changes good for your indoor air quality. It will also help prolong your system’s lifespan when it doesn’t have to work too hard to cool and warm your home.
Other Benefits to Look For
Some other things to check for when you’re hunting for an HVAC maintenance plan that works best for you include priority same-day service for emergencies. Time is of the essence during an emergency, so with your agreement in hand, you’ll get priority service on the same day you call. This is when you need work done immediately on your HVAC units.
Some businesses might offer you the chance to work with the same technician every year. A big benefit of this is that your own personal HVAC pro will already have familiarity with your system as well as your home and family. There’s nothing like building a professional relationship with someone you’ve come to know and trust.
Instead of paying the full cost of the agreement upfront, you may wish to pay on a monthly schedule. Search for a plan that offers options for monthly payments to help you save even more.
HVAC companies tend to book up in the summer and winter when many homeowners use their cooling and heating systems the most. Find a maintenance agreement that lets you schedule service in advance. Get ahead of everyone else with this advanced scheduling option. Some plans may offer members priority scheduling for weekend service, too.
Contact Us Today
At Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC, we proudly serve Tigard and the Greater Portland community. In addition to repair, maintenance, and installation services for air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps, we also offer services related to indoor air quality, such as duct cleaning. You can also rely on us for generator and water heater services. We’re also accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with an A+ rating, and we’ve won the Angi Super Service Award. Call us today at Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC to learn more or to set up an appointment at your home in Tigard or a nearby community with one of our experienced technicians.
