Why Is My HVAC Contractor Selling Me A Preventative Maintenance Agreement?

There are a lot of reasons people consider buying a Preventative Maintenance agreement for their home HVAC system. Maybe your neighbor got one and you wonder if you need one. Maybe you just bought a new HVAC system and your contractor is trying to sell you a Preventative Maintenance contract to protect your new system. Most people are not sure what they get with a Preventative Maintenance Agreement and if they really need it.

Well your HVAC system is one of the most expensive appliances in your home and just like your car it does need to be maintained. There are a lot of moving parts and if you do not lubricate them and maintain them working within the tolerances that they were originally designed to work within they can and most likely will fail you.

Preventative maintenance agreements usually cover:

Inspecting unit for the correct refrigerant level and adjusting if required. Cleaning dirt, leaves and debris from inside the cabinet. Inspecting the base pan for restricted drain openings and removing any obstructions as required. Inspecting the coil and cabinet and cleaning as neededInspecting the fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage. On models that are older lubricating as needed. Inspecting the control box, any associated controls/accessories, the wiring and connections. Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories. All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear and damage. Inspecting the compressor and associated tubing for damage. Inspecting and cleaning the blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor) On models that are older, lubricating the motor and inspecting and replacing the fan belt if needed. Checking the combustion blower housing for lint and debris and cleaning it as necessary. Inspecting the evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Cleaning as required. Inspecting for any gas leaks in gas furnaces, Inspecting the burner assembly and cleaning/adjusting as needed. Inspecting the ignition system and safety controls, cleaning and adjusting as required, Inspecting the heat exchanger and heating elements. Inspecting the flue system and checking for proper attachment to the furnace, any dislocated sections, and for signs of corrosion. Replacing if necessary. Inspecting control box, associated controls, wiring and connections, Cleaning or replacing the air filters, and Inspecting the conditioned airflow system (ductwork) and checking for leaks.

I tend to give the advice on preventative maintenance that the manufacturer recommends having it done twice per year. In most cases unless you live in an extreme climate where you are using your HVAC system more than average I believe that you can get away with having it done once per year.

If you are still not sold I think you should look at it like this. You would never drive your car without ever having the oil changed or the motor tuned up would you? If you did your car would break down leaving you with a situation that is never convenient to deal with. Why would you put yourself in the same position with your HVAC system? It is never fun to be in a home in the hottest part of the summer or coldest day of winter with a non-functioning HVAC system.

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