Is an HVAC Maintenance Plan Really Worth it?

by Hammock's HVAC

When you’re considering what you need for your home, things like fancy décor or new technology might be at the top of your list. But things like HVAC maintenance plans can be a hidden benefit, one that can save you a lot of money in the long run. In this article we’ll answer all your question: What does a maintenance plan cover? What types of maintenance plans are there? And who would benefit from a maintenance plan the most?

What does an HVAC maintenance plan check for?

When we visit for a maintenance check-up, we have a specialized 21-point inspection with which we will test every aspect of your HVAC system. This will vary depending on the time of year, as we have one for check-ups in the Spring that focuses on the health of your A/C, and one that we will use in the Fall that will check on your heating.

Heating Inspection

  • Electronic carbon monoxide detection
  • Check for gas leaks
  • Inspect pilot assembly
  • Check all electrical connections
  • Test & inspect all safety controls
  • Check hot surface ignition or spark ignition
  • Inspect burners for rust and wear
  • Check draft inducer for fan motor
  • Check thermostat operation (proper calibration and batteries)
  • Verify proper temperature rise
  • Check gas valve for proper operation
  • Check blower wheel and oil when needed
  • Inspect flue and vent pipe
  • Replace 1″ filter
  • Test & adjust gas pressure
  • Clean flame sensor
  • Clear pressure tubing; inspect for cracks
  • Check 90% furnace if possible
  • Inspect ductwork for energy loss: sealing of system, plenums, take offs, duct wrap, etc.
  • Defrost cycle
  • Advise on additional energy consumption, safety, and comfort opportunities

A/C Inspection

  • Check thermostat operation (proper calibration and batteries)
  • Replace 1″ filter
  • Check air temperature differential between supply and returns is within tolerance
  • Inspect disconnect
  • Inspect fuses and wiring
  • Tighten all electrical connections
  • Inspect and test contactors for burned or pitted contacts
  • Inspect and test relays and pressure controls
  • Check supply voltage and amperage to all motors
  • Inspect line set and connections for leaks
  • Inspect and clean condenser coil with hose if needed
  • Inspect ductwork for energy loss: sealing of system, plenums, take offs, duct wrap, etc.
  • Flush drain line and check if condensate pump is clear
  • Drain pan and evaporator coil surface is clean
  • Monitor operating pressure of refrigerant
  • Inspect and test capacitors
  • Inspect safety devices for proper operation
  • Test that refrigerant levels are within specs
  • Inspect condenser fan blade
  • Inspect service valves for proper operation
  • Monitor compressor for proper amperage draw and wiring connections

What are the different types of HVAC maintenance plans?

There are 3 types of annual HVAC maintenance plans – Gold, Silver, and Commercial. We’ll go over the details of each.

Gold

The gold package has three options within it, depending on how often you want maintenance visits, and what extra perks you wish to include in the package. All three tiers include our 21-point inspection conducted in twice yearly visits (A/C in the Spring, Heating in the Fall), a standard 1″ filter, 20% off parts, and a $500 discount on full system replacements (furnace, condenser, and evaporator coil). Prices and unique features of each tier are listed below.

Gold Monthly Plan – 2 visits – $16 per month; $4.50 each additional system

No cancellation for 12 months; after cancellation request in writing
  • No service call charge (saving $85 per visit)
  • Priority Pass (service within 24 hours)
  • 10-year warranty on replaced parts

Gold Monthly Plan – Quarterly Visits – $26 per month; $4.50 each additional system

No cancellation for 12 months; after cancellation request in writing
  • 2 additional filter change visits
  • No service call charge (saving $85 per visit)
  • Priority Pass (service within 24 hours)
  • 10-year warranty on replaced parts

Gold Annual Plan – 2 visits – $170.00; $60.00 each additional system

  • 1-year parts warranty

Silver

The silver package also has two different options – a monthly plan and an annual plan. Both include our 21-point inspection conducted in twice yearly visits (A/C in the Spring, Heating in the Fall), a standard 1″ filter, and 10% off parts. Prices and differentiating features of each option are listed below.

Silver Monthly Plan – 2 visits – $10.50 per month; $3.00 each additional system

No cancellation for 12 months; after cancellation request in writing
  • Priority Pass (Service within 24 hours)
  • 5-year warranty on replaced parts

Silver Annual Plan – 2 visits – $130.00; $40.00 each additional system

  • 30 day parts warranty

Commercial

Our commercial HVAC maintenance plan options include bi-annual maintenance visits and quarterly maintenance visits. Both include our 21-point inspection conducted in twice yearly visits (A/C in the Spring, Heating in the Fall), a standard 1″ or 2″ filter change at each visit, and 10% off parts. For our quarterly plan, there are also 2 visits which include just a filter change.

Who would benefit the most from an HVAC maintenance plan?

HVAC maintenance plans are most beneficial to people who will be dealing with their HVAC systems for a prolonged amount of time. This applies to homeowners, but also renters who have an extended lease or plan to stay in their current situation for longer than the standard 1-2 years. In addition, property managers would heavily benefit from having an HVAC maintenance plan for their individual units, since tenants are often not proactive in the maintenance that will keep your units running smoothly for as long as possible. Also called predictive maintenance, having a regularly scheduled checkup “results in lower operating costs by reducing the risk of early equipment failure and avoiding unscheduled down time.” In addition, with a maintenance plan, you can ensure that you get quick service when any one of your units does fail.

Having an HVAC maintenance plan in place means you won’t have to worry about missing a potentially costly problem with your unit. It will help you pay less in the long term, and will take the stress off your shoulders of trying to remember the last time you changed the filter, or had a check-up. You’ve got more important things to do, so let us take care of this!
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