Are Cincinnati HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth The Money?

The Reputation

It’s easy to forget, but skipping this essential service could cost you big time – HVAC maintenance plans needs to be a priority on every Cincinnati homeowner’s household to-do list! Furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and other HVAC units require a tune-up on a regular basis to uphold performance and energy efficiency. Thomas & Galbraith walks you through everything you need to know about HVAC maintenance plans in Cincinnati, from what a service contract includes, and why they’re so important!

Why Should Cincinnati Home Owners Consider Purchasing an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

Your furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, air handler, or boiler is a mechanical system that is made up of various components that work together to heat or cool your home. Just like a car, these mechanical systems are affected by wear and tear over the course of use, even when they’re running fine with no system issues present.

Wear and tear can be quite damaging to your HVAC equipment if left unchecked – HVAC service maintenance plans will offset the negative effects of wear and tear to help your heating and air conditioning system maintain energy-efficient operation and reliable performance.

The Other Reason: Rising HVAC Equipment Costs

As of January 1, 2023, SEER2 regulations take effect, meaning the minimum energy efficiency standards are increasing. These new standards mean a price increase on many new systems, sometimes as much as 30% increase in new HVAC equipment costs.

Benefits to Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance Plans

HVAC tune-ups need to be a regular part of your home maintenance routine. Annual maintenance is recommended for all heating and cooling equipment.

There are a lot of reasons why the return on investing in an HVAC maintenance plan for your Cincinnati area home would justify the cost:

  • Improved System Performance for Better Comfort Indoors
  • Better Energy Efficiency for Lower Heating and Cooling Bills
  • Fewer System Breakdowns, Thanks to Early Detection of System Flaws
  • Longer System Service Life by Limiting Breakdowns and Wear and Tear
  • Preservation of Your Equipment Warranty, As Manufacturers Require Regular Maintenance Service

What Problems Can HVAC Maintenance Plans Prevent?

By counteracting wear and tear as well as fixing system flaws before significant issues develop, regular maintenance tune-ups on HVAC systems work to limit system problems that cause uncomfortable conditions inside the home as well as costly repairs.

A professional technician knows how to deliver the care each component needs to maintain its condition and performance, and a thorough inspection of the inner workings of this equipment by an experienced eye spots minor problems in condition or performance so they can be corrected now, instead of down the road once they develop into a serious system malfunction.

Many of the issues heating and cooling systems can develop can be avoided through regular maintenance performed in a HVAC service contract visit, such as:

  • Thermostat Malfunctions
  • Problems With Heating System Ignition
  • Tripped Breakers
  • Blown System Fuses
  • Overheating
  • Heat Exchanger Damage
  • Poor Heat Exchange
  • Poor Airflow
  • Water Leaks

What’s Included in an HVAC Service Contract Visit?

An HVAC preventative maintenance tune-up addresses the various vital components of your heating and cooling system. A tune-up has many steps to ensure all parts receive the attention they require for optimal, safe operation. Each heating and cooling company does tune-ups a little bit differently, but in general, your tune-ups should include these steps:

For All Heating and Cooling Units:

  • Test Thermostat
  • Observe Sequence of Operations
  • Inspect Electrical Connections and Tighten As Needed
  • Lubricate Moving Parts
  • Inspect Disconnect Power Box
  • Check Fan Controls
  • Measure Airflow and Make Adjustments As Needed
  • Check Amp and Volt Draw
  • Measure Rise and Drop of Temperature
  • Inspect Breakers
  • Inspect Capacitor
  • Inspect Contactors

For Furnace and Boiler Units:

  • Measure Carbon Monoxide Levels
  • Perform Indoor Air Quality Analysis
  • Inspect Sequencer
  • Test Safety Controls
  • Inspect Burners and Clean As Needed
  • Test and Inspect Ignition System
  • Inspect Heat Exchanger or Heating Elements
  • Inspect Gas Lines and Connections
  • Check Gas Valve Function
  • Measure Gas Pressure and Adjust As Needed
  • Clean Equipment Cabinet
  • Inspect Oil Nozzle and Filter, Replace Filter if Necessary (for Oil Boilers and Furnaces)

For Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Units:

  • Verify Refrigerant Charge
  • Check Refrigerant Connections
  • Inspect and Clear Condensate Drain
  • Clean Condenser Coil
  • Inspect Evaporator Coil
  • Inspect Compressor and Terminals
  • Clean Equipment Cabinet
  • Test Reversing Valve Function (for Heat Pumps)
  • Test Defrost Controls (for Heat Pumps)

Can’t I Service My Heating and Cooling Equipment Myself?

HVAC maintenance is not a single, simple task – it involves various steps to ensure all components are addressed. There are DIY elements of HVAC maintenance and there are also professional services that make up a well-rounded system care strategy.

Protect your system from accidental damage and make sure it receives the complete care it needs when you know what your responsibilities are and what your technician will do for you. As a homeowner, take responsibility for regular air filter replacement and cleaning of unit exteriors. For everything within the equipment cabinets, leave this to your technician and annual maintenance plans.

How Much Do HVAC Maintenance Plans Cost?

There is a fee for regular HVAC maintenance tune-up service from and Cincinnati Heating and air conditioning company, which is an ongoing expense as tune-ups are required regularly. Don’t be intimidated – this service is very affordable and well worth the price! Maintenance tune-ups are a low-cost service that will pay you back many times over in savings.

Prices are different from one Cincinnati HVAC contractor to the next, and tune-ups average anywhere from $59 to $160 in most cases. Service contracts from HVAC companies, while they can save you money on repair bills and have the benefit of granting you priority service, can end up costing you a little more over a year. For example, our True Comfort Membership HVAC plan runs $17.95/month — with its added perks and benefits.

Are HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth the Price?

You just have to weigh your options. Joining a maintenance plan can offer additional savings and perks that help you out when they’re needed most! Did you just purchase a new HVAC system? To keep the warranty up you may need preventive maintenance and HVAC service contracts will guarantee that.

HVAC contractors offer different maintenance programs that include varying benefits – they may be called preventative maintenance agreements, service plans, or another name. Membership typically covers the annual heating and cooling tune-ups your HVAC system needs and provides additional advantages for joining. Some examples may include:

  • Priority Scheduling for Tune-Up Appointments
  • Savings on System Diagnostics
  • Discounts on Repairs
  • Savings When You Buy New HVAC or Indoor Air Quality Equipment
  • Extended Labor Warranties

It’s easy for some homeowners to skip a tune-up, simply because they forget to make the call to schedule service. HVAC maintenance plan membership eliminates this worry and ensures your heating and cooling units get tuned up on time, every time! With priority scheduling, your HVAC company contacts you when it’s time to schedule your next tune-up to make sure it is completed before the start of the season!

Who Offers The Best HVAC Maintenance Plans in Cincinnati?

It’s a no-brainer: Thomas & Galbraith!

Keep your Cincinnati home’s heating and cooling equipment in prime condition so it will deliver optimal comfort this coming season. Join our True Comfort Membership plan and we’ll make sure your heating and cooling tune-ups are scheduled on time each season, at your convenience!

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