Out of the gazillion things many homeowners need to juggle on a monthly basis, air conditioning maintenance is up there. Realising this, HVAC companies in Toronto now offer maintenance contracts to busy residents as a way for them to pay for the maintenance in advance. Angie’s List, via WFMY News, looked at the details of these maintenance agreements to find out if they provide buyers with value for money.
With the most basic contracts, the service is a checkup and tune-up for your system at the start of the winter and summer seasons. You can also find contracts that include parts and service for problems found during those checkups, and some will even include emergency service.
The more services the contract includes, the more you will pay. Benefits: If you have a service contract, you will be more likely to get an annual tune-up for your HVAC system. This will improve your energy efficiency, as the technician will be able to spot dirty filters and other problems that are impacting your efficiency, helping your system to work more affordable overall.
Too good to be true
If your HVAC system is on the older side and is constantly in use, then a maintenance agreement would be perfect. The annual payment would be worth it since older units need constant care more than newer units would because of their condition. If the older unit isn’t ready to be replaced, then keep it under maintenance.
Don’t pay for something you don’t need
If the HVAC in your property is relatively new and seldom used, a maintenance agreement would basically be making you pay for fixing that the unit does not require. This is something only a trusted HVAC professional like Laird & Son Heating and Air conditioning can determine for you.
Do your homework
Before signing up with a company that specializes in air conditioner installation from Toronto, make sure you do your research – compute the cost of a maintenance visit then multiply it by the number of visits your HVAC unit may require. Make sure you factor in the cost of emergency services and cost of replacement parts. If the amount you pay per visit seems reasonable, then you may be ready to sign on the dotted line.
(Article Excerpt and image from “Angie’s List: How HVAC Maintenance Agreements Work”, 26 July 2014, Angie’s List, WFMY.com)