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Indianapolis HVAC Maintenance Plans: Are They Worth the Money?


The short answer is YES. Heating and air conditioning equipment such as air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces are mechanical systems. As they operate, components sustain wear and tear – this is completely normal. To counteract this wear and tear and keep the HVAC system operating at its best, both where performance and energy efficiency are concerned, annual maintenance is required. Purchasing an HVAC maintenance plan provides you ongoing HVAC service, often priority emergency service, discounts on parts and labor, and more.

HVAC maintenance plans are something many Indianapolis homeowners are left to question whether they are worth the money or not. Just like the vehicles in your garage, your air conditioning and heating units need regular tune-ups to continue running at their best. But are HVAC maintenance agreements worth the investment?

In this guide, we’ll make the case why Indianapolis homeowners should really consider investing in a heating and air conditioning system maintenance plan.

What Are the Benefits of HVAC Maintenance Plans? 

We always want things to last, especially things that are expensive. We don’t want our car to die on the side of a busy highway, so what do we do? We TRY to remember to get regular oil changes and we TRY to remember keep up with all of the required maintenance. The same goes with our furnaces or air conditioners. New HVAC systems are not cheap, and heating and cooling equipment pricing in 2023 is on the rise.

Due to new SEER2 regulations mandated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, manufacturers are having to increase minimum efficiency standards for heat pumps and air conditioners. This means the costs for new HVAC equipment are rising as much as 30 % to keep up with the new regulations. What better reason to take better care of the equipment you have now rather than suffer critical repairs that make you weigh the decision of repairing or replacing your HVAC system.

Heating and air conditioning maintenance plans are a professional service performed by licensed heating and cooling technicians. These HVAC service contracts include full inspection and testing of system components as well as regular servicing for moving parts of the heating or cooling system. The HVAC maintenance agreements typically last for one year from the date of purchase.

HVAC preventive maintenance is designed to deliver the following benefits for homeowners:

  1. Better Performance and Energy Efficiency
  2. Early Detection of Malfunctions
  3. Fewer System Breakdowns
  4. Lower Energy Bills
  5. Longer System Service Life
  6. Intact Warranty Coverage
  7. Better Quality of the Indoor Air

Typically, HVAC maintenance plans go well beyond annual service visits. Many often include discounts on new equipment, parts, and labor warranties, no overtime charges for service calls, discounts or repair calls or waiving service trip fees, and more.

Problems HVAC Maintenance Program Membership Can Help Prevent

A trained HVAC inspection of your system allows minor flaws to be identified and corrected before they develop into serious repair needs or result in a system breakdown. Some of the heating and cooling problems your service HVAC contract works to prevent include:

  • Ignition System Problems Caused by Dirty Burners
  • Thermostat Malfunctions
  • Blown Internal Fuses
  • Tripped Breakers
  • Poor Heat Exchange
  • Short Cycling
  • Overheating
  • Damaged Heat Exchanger
  • Water Leaks

What Should Be Included in HVAC Maintenance Service Contract Work?

Professional HVAC preventative maintenance should be performed on your system twice per year. Depending on the maintenance plan you purchase, homeowners in Indianapolis can expect to receive at least two visits from the contractor to perform a furnace tune-up and air conditioning tune-up.

A professional HVAC maintenance service contract tune-up consists of many different steps. This service provides comprehensive care for all the elements of your heating and cooling system, to ensure it operates safely and correctly. To ensure your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump receives the best care, make sure your tune-up includes the following steps.

For All HVAC Equipment:

  • Sequence of Operation Check
  • Thermostat Testing
  • Review Electrical Connections
  • Lubricate Moving Components
  • Check Disconnect Power Box
  • Test Fan Control
  • Measure and Adjust Airflow
  • Amp and Volt Draw Check
  • Measure Temperature Rise and Drop
  • Inspect Capacitor
  • Inspect Contactors
  • Check Breaker

For Furnaces and Boilers:

  • Carbon Monoxide Testing and Indoor Air Quality Analysis
  • Visual Inspection of Burners and Heat Exchanger
  • Verify Furnace Safety Controls
  • Inspect Gas Connections
  • Verify Gas Valve Operation
  • Verify Gas Pressure
  • Inspect Ignition System
  • Inspect Heating Elements (Electric Furnaces)
  • Inspect Sequencer
  • Inspect Oil Filter and Nozzle (Oil Furnaces and Boilers)
  • Clean Furnace Cabinet

For Air Conditioning System and Heat Pumps:

  • Measure Refrigerant Charge
  • Review Refrigerant Connections
  • Check and Clear Condensate Drain
  • Clean Condenser Coil
  • Inspect Compressor and Compressor Terminals
  • Inspect Evaporator Coil
  • Verify Operation of Reversing Valve (Heat Pumps)
  • Verify Defrost Control (Heat Pumps)
  • Clean Air Conditioner Cabinet

HVAC Service Contracts vs. DIY HVAC Maintenance 

Simple HVAC maintenance steps such as filter changes and exterior unit cleaning can be easily performed by any homeowner. However, these complex mechanical systems house many internal components that require specialized maintenance service. While it’s easy to complete some HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, leave the elements of a preventive HVAC maintenance tune-up to your trusted heating and cooling contractor.

What You Can Do vs. What a Professional Should Do

HVAC preventative maintenance is a big job – these mechanical systems are filled with various components that require specialized attention and delicate care. While it may be tempting to perform a tune-up yourself, doing so could actually lead to air conditioning repair or heating breakdowns and performance problems if you don’t know what you’re doing.

As far as HVAC maintenance is concerned, you should have no problem performing air filter changes and unit cleaning. As for everything else, leave these tasks in the trusted hands of a licensed heating and cooling technician.

Are Regular HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth It? 

HVAC maintenance costs are an ongoing investment into the performance and longevity of your home’s heating and air conditioning equipment. Professional HVAC preventative maintenance tune-ups are affordable and the return on investment is well worth the price you pay for this annual service. For your yearly heating and cooling equipment tune-ups, fees typically run between $75 to $150 per tune-up per system. Prices vary between companies and many HVAC contractors offer specials that can provide additional savings on your scheduled maintenance service. If repairs are needed in addition to maintenance service, repair charges will be in addition to the tune-up cost.

One great way to save on maintenance costs and make sure your HVAC systems stay protected with the regular service they need is to join an HVAC maintenance plan! Priority service plans, preventative maintenance agreements, membership plans – the name varies from one HVAC company to the next and so do the specifics, but these plans typically provide your annual heating and cooling tune-ups plus other money-saving benefits.

Some of the perks of HVAC maintenance plan membership can include:

  • Priority Scheduling
  • Extended Repair Warranties
  • Discounts on Diagnostics for Repair Service
  • Discounts on HVAC Repairs
  • Savings on New Equipment Purchases
  • And More!

Savings aren’t the only benefit of joining an HVAC maintenance plan – ensure your heating and cooling systems’ maintenance needs are always cared for with guaranteed annual HVAC maintenance tune-ups. Many HVAC companies offer priority scheduling for maintenance plan members, and a representative will call you to schedule your upcoming tune-up when it’s convenient. Never forget critical maintenance service again!

Following a consistent maintenance schedule offers unmatched benefits for your heating and cooling systems, and HVAC maintenance plan membership is one convenient way to make sure you stick to it! Your HVAC units receive the service they need, you benefit from the enhanced comfort, energy savings, and worry-free performance that comes with maintenance – plus great bonus savings opportunities, just for taking good care of your home’s heating and cooling equipment!

Who Offers the Best HVAC Maintenance Plan in Indianapolis?

The answer is simple: Williams Comfort Air!

Here in Central Indiana, there are countless heating and air conditioning companies that like to talk up their maintenance programs. And when you look at the details, they all generally look the same. So what’s the difference?

Here at Williams Comfort Air, our True Comfort Membership HVAC maintenance plan was created to be one of the industry’s more comprehensive, client-focused maintenance agreement programs. True Comfort Membership was to provide our clients with best-in-class services, priority placement, a phenomenal experience, convenient online scheduling, additional discounts, and most of all, peace of mind.

Learn more about the True Comfort Membership HVAC and plumbing maintenance program and purchase your plan with Williams Comfort Air today!

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