Quote:
Originally Posted by capecoralbill
Hello Frank, I enjoy reading your posts. I just bought a 17 year old house with a 5 year old AC/Heatpump system. The home seller says I need to have an annual service agreement (approx. $120.00 per year) with the HVAC installer or the warranty will be void. Besides replacing thermostat batteries and air filters what annual service would be required? Seems to me this is just a money grab by the HVAC company that installed it. Thanks for your thoughts. Bill
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Thank you Bill for the kind words. I do not want to "hijack" this thread, but your question is somewhat related, so hopefully no one will take offense. I suggest that you speak directly to the A/C company who installed it and who has the current contract.
While I am not usually a big fan of service contracts, for the typical homeowner I do suggest some type of service plan. Your A/C system is just about the most expensive thing in your home. It is priceless during the hottest part of the year.
We are really talking about two different things here. A service contract is one thing and an extended warranty is another.
I do believe it important to have your A/C system serviced at least once a year. Cleaning the A/C coils, checking refrigerant levels, etc is important for peak efficiency and longevity of your system. One would not neglect to have their car checked regularly, tuned up, oil changed, etc....why would we neglect the A/C system...something we use almost everyday here in Florida. If good maintenance helps extend the life of the unit a couple of more years, it is worth it. A more efficient unit means lower electric costs also.
A extended warranty is just that. Costs, duration, scope of coverage can vary. I can tell you that I purchased an extended warranty for my unit when it was installed about 7 years ago and it has paid for itself. I recently had the A-coil replaced and a small R-410a leak repaired. This coverage for me has more than paid for itself. The added bonus is that when I do have an A/C problem, I just tell them it is under a warranty contract.....they are there the same day usually within 3 hours or so, and I never get a bill.
Hope that helps! Frank