I read tons of reviews about various local HVAC contractors before I signed up for a maintenance plan.
I wanted to be sure to choose a company that is fully licensed, fully insured and guarantees their work.
I looked for NATE-certified technicians, and I wanted a maintenance plan with plenty of perks. The company I chose sends a contractor to the house twice per year. He services the furnace in the fall and takes care of the air conditioner in the spring. He inspects the whole system, checking for wear and tear and replacing broken parts. This helps to avoid a malfunction during the season, when the equipment is working its hardest. He always provides a complete cleaning process, removing any accumulation of dust and other debris that might otherwise block airflow or pollute our breathing air. Because the system is operating at maximum efficiency, it doesn’t need to run as long and my monthly bills are kept at a minimum. He makes necessary adjustments, tightening electrical connections and lubrication moving parts. He also verifies the performance of the thermostat, safety of the heat exchanger and refrigerant charge. The whole service takes a little over an hour, and it fulfills the requirements of the manufacturer’s warranty. We enjoy better comfort with more consistent temperature from one room to the next. I don’t need to clean as often, and we’re definitely benefiting from cleaner air quality. The service agreement also includes priority scheduling and a discount on parts and repairs. The labor includes a two-year guarantee and there are no added charges for emergency repairs outside of regular business hours.