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Have an older HVAC system and are tired of paying for repairs? Or perhaps the idea of a sudden significant expense makes you worry? How about you’ve recently invested in a new HVAC system and want to start things off right by taking proper care of it? If any of these situations apply to you, you may be considering investing in regular maintenance or service and looking at HVAC maintenance plans for the first time.

These plans can sometimes be confusing, and you’ve surely got questions. You may be reluctant to call and deal with a potential sales pitch. We’ve put together some handy information about what you can expect from an HVAC maintenance plan so that you can begin evaluating your options without any sales pressure.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Maintenance Plans

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we often get from first-time purchasers of HVAC maintenance plans; and the kind of answers you should expect to get from a reputable vendor.

1. What do HVAC maintenance plans typically cover?
An HVAC maintenance plan usually offers a variety of benefits not available to those without the plan. Plans may include an annual maintenance & servicing (tune-up) appointment, priority emergency service, unlimited service calls, extended warranty on parts and/or labour, labour discounts, etc. The number of visits and the list of tasks performed may vary by situation. For example, the maintenance needs of a residential system will differ from a commercial unit running 24/7.

2. What happens during the annual servicing appointment?
During your annual (or semi-annual in some cases) appointment, a technician will visit to perform a thorough inspection of your HVAC equipment, clean & test the components and ensure everything is running smoothly with no anticipated issues.

3. Why do I need an annual inspection?
An annual HVAC system check-up serves several functions. It gets your system cleaned and tuned up, running as smoothly as possible. It provides the opportunity to know if there is an issue that can be fixed up right away before it evolves into a more serious and costly matter. Finally, many HVAC system warranties require an annual maintenance appointment. Foregoing this step may invalidate your warranty.

4. How does payment work? Am I locked in?
Most residential HVAC plans offer convenient pricing options. You can usually pay monthly or a reduced amount if you pay annually. Most reputable HVAC companies offering maintenance plans will allow you to cancel at any time.

5. What is the response time? Will I get priority service?
Maintenance plan customers will often get bumped to the top of the list during an emergency. You’re sure to appreciate this priority service if your AC breaks down in the middle of a heatwave! Regardless, your HVAC company should be able to get to your home within a few hours.

Before shopping for an HVAC system maintenance plan, you should know that they’re not one-size-fits-all. Your plan should address the equipment you have, the level of coverage you are comfortable with, and your specific needs.

Want to learn more about getting everything you need, want and expect from your HVAC maintenance plan? Atel Air can help you select the plan that meets your needs without the extra frills you don’t. We offer protection plans for all your HVAC appliances, including furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning, fireplaces, hot water tanks, HRVs & ERVs, air filtration systems, humidifiers, thermostats, etc. Check out the Atel Air VIP Program or call us to have all your questions answered.