HVAC Maintenance Cost Worth It: A Contractor’s Recommendations
Fred ran a post about a great experience with a local HVAC contractor earlier this month. One reader, Scott, had a few questions about annual maintenance and warranties. He was curious if they were really worthwhile. A buddy of mine has been in the HVAC business for some time. Here is what he told me.
Is HVAC Annual Maintenance Worth the Cost?
A maintenance contract is key to keep your HVAC system working properly. It extends the life of your equipment and ensures your unit will operate efficiently.
A typical service contract includes service twice a year. The technician should preform several diagnostics including freon charge, filter change and making sure that all parts are in good repair.
And there are other benefits like discounts on all repairs and parts (% based on level of contract). Also, contract customer calls often receive higher priority over other service calls.
Other Recommendations
Get a good media filtration system installed. The filtration system will keep the equipment cleaner (especially the evaporator coil) preventing future problems and repeated cleanings. Duct cleaning typically costs $225 per system and coil cleaning costs at least $250. A filtration system is a one-time cost of approximately $500. Other benefits include improved indoor air quality and fewer filter changes (once every six months).
What Can the Homeowner Do?
Homeowners can apply “paint on sealer” to all accessible duct joints. This seals their ducts better than tape preventing air leaks and dust problems. It also holds much longer than any tape. Amazon has a great deal for 1 gallon of duct sealant for $19.95.
If a homeowner has a gas furnace for heat and an air conditioning only outdoor condenser, I suggest that they get a winter cover for the unit to protect and extend the life of the unit. Amazon also sells Air Conditioning Weather Wraps for just that purpose.
My buddies name is Pat Riley. He agreed to let me post his name and contact info in case anyone has questions or concerns. You can reach Pat at 443-765-1767 or email him at patrickriley1084 at comcast.net. Just put One Project Closer in your subject line.
What do you think? Do you agree with Pat’s suggestions? What’s your experience been?
Image courtesy of Sylvar
June 24th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I’ve been putting this off with our AC….I really should call and make an appt to have it serviced. Thanks for the reminder.
June 24th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Another tip I learned this summer: for those living in the midst of mature trees, take the side panel off the outside compressor unit and clear the leaves out periodically, so they’re not choking the fan or blocking air flow through the unit.
June 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
@Kim, Good point. That’s something that I need to do!
June 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I asked the contractor that installed my AC/furnace last week about the winter wraps. He offered a contrary opinion- he said that the winter wraps trap any condensed moisture on the coils and electronics and prevent it from evaporating. This actually promotes rusting, freezing, etc. and ultimately decreases the life of the equipment. He would never recommend the use of a water tight cover. Instead, he recommended that those in wooded areas can use something like window screen material to make a cover for themselves that will keep out debris, but let water in and out as normal.
June 25th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
@Nathan, Good info. So make sure the weather wrap is made of breathable material. Are you thinking about getting something for your AC unit?
June 25th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Ethan, I think that my AC unit is probably OK. It is covered by the deck, and sided by the shed (not optimal for energy efficiency, but no choice) so it shouldn’t pick up too much debris. I did get a PM contract when purchasing the AC/furnace (for all of the reasons that you state above), so it’ll get cleaned.