HVAC yearly maintenance

[jrref]

I just moved to the Villages and am finding out that some HVAC companies are changing their plans to only make one maintenance visit per year vs two. I know from experience that the filter at the very least has to be changed at least twice a year so one visit per year is unacceptable. I found Munns and Holliday are still offering twice a year visits at a reasonable price.

Any thoughts or advice on which company to go with?

[dewilson58]

SunKool is a good option.

[Kahuna32162]

Agree with Sun Kool, twice a year maintenance $199. Join the Kool club,gives you priority on emergency after hour calls.

[CFrance]

We were with Sun Kool until a year ago when their tech told us we should by a new system for twice what it would cost to repair the part he thought was failing (it wasn't). We had Kalo (sp?) come out when our Sun Kool contract was up (6 months after the "failing" part didn't fail). Without knowing what the Sun Kool tech had said, Kalo said the system was in good shape. We signed up with them. It may have been just an over-protective tech on Sun Kool's part, but we felt a bit uncomfortable with them after that.

[PugMom]

we use Munn's, & are very pleased with the service.

[tophcfa]

We have Chuck Farrell service our A/C annually and I replace the filter at least quarterly. Replacing the filter is about the easiest do it yourself project there is for a homeowner. It takes me about 30 seconds, open the filter door, slide out the old filter, slide in a new filter, and close the door. The only thought involved is putting the filter in with the air flow arrows pointing in the proper direction.

[CFrance]

We have Chuck Farrell service our A/C annually and I replace the filter at least quarterly. Replacing the filter is about the easiest do it yourself project there is for a homeowner. It takes me about 30 seconds, open the filter door, slide out the old filter, slide in a new filter, and close the door. The only thought involved is putting the filter in with the air flow arrows pointing in the proper direction.
Chuck Farrell is not taking new customers.

[MrFlorida]

Don't count on Munn's to change your filter, guy came out checked everything and said everything was ok, I guess ok means he couldn't find anything to charge me for...... he never even changed the filter, I did after he left, and then I canceled the contract.

[Velvet]

We use SunshineAC. Expensive but reliable. Respond within hours to an emergency. Annual maintenance $129 I think.
The filter is very important for the quality of air inside. Very easy to change. No tools required. Should be changed every 3 months not 6 although during allergy season I changed it monthly. Filters are cheap, buy from Lowe’s or Home Depot, I bought a year’s supply.

[TSO/ISPF]

We use SunshineAC. Expensive but reliable. Respond within hours to an emergency. Annual maintenance $129 I think.
The filter is very important for the quality of air inside. Very easy to change. No tools required. Should be changed every 3 months not 6 although during allergy season I changed it monthly. Filters are cheap, buy from Lowe’s or Home Depot, I bought a year’s supply.

What size filter are you using? Ours has a 10X20X 4 inch filter and runs 73 dollars for 2 the last time I bought filters on Amazon. That was for a Merv 11 but they ended up sending Merv 13's which run a little more.

[dewilson58]

What size filter are you using? Ours has a 10X20X 4 inch filter and runs 73 dollars for 2 the last time I bought filters on Amazon. That was for a Merv 11 but they ended up sending Merv 13's which run a little more.

maint fee does not include filter

[retiredguy123]

I don't have any maintenance agreement at all. But, annually is not often enough to add vinegar or to flush out the condensate line. I do it every 3 months. I change the filter every 6 months. Those are really the only things you need to do, except to inspect the inside of the air handling unit and the outside coils for dirt or mold. I think it is a waste of money to pay an HVAC technician to come to your house to do anything to a system that is operating properly. They cannot prevent a breakdown. Call a technician when the system fails. Also, don't pay in advance for repair service because you will be stuck with one company who may not be available when you need them.

[Velvet]

Honeywell 16” by 25” by 1” filter for a 14 seer trane AC rated for about 2000 sq ft. Our 14 year old AC is working perfectly but was always maintained by Sunshine. The next HVAC we put in will have the special pollen and allergy filter not sure if it has UV but will cost about $750 just for the filter, according to Sunshine.

[Babubhat]

DiscountFilters.com: Refrigerator Water Filters, Furnace Filters & More (https://www.discountfilters.com/)

Seco filters I received came from them. They always have coupons making them cheaper than seco link. Good quality filters that fit well

[GrumpyOldMan]

I change my own filter and use Munns. Only the filter needs to be checked more than one a year. They were just here a couple days ago and it was $79.

[retiredguy123]

I change my own filter and use Munns. Only the filter needs to be checked more than one a year. They were just here a couple days ago and it was $79.
Many HVAC failures are caused by a blockage of your condensate drain line. This can occur in less than a year, especially if insects, a snake, or other animals get into the drain, which is wide open and exposed on the outside of your house. Mold and other debris can also block the drain.

[retiredguy123]

I would suggest buying a "Drain King 345" on Amazon for $11.90 to flush out your condensate drain. You just connect it to a garden hose and stick it into your condensate pipe inside your air handling cabinet. Much more effective than adding vinegar or hot water.

[Madelaine Amee]

Munn's was the original installer of our AC, we stayed with them and they have been exceptional to deal with. We also purchased a washable filter and clean that frequently. We also follow Munn's instructions for flushing the drainage pipe.

Many years ago we lost our AC one night during an electrical storm that took out our power. We called them and they sent an emergency crew to the house and got our AC running.

I do believe that any of the companies mentioned on this posting are very good, if you are not good you don't last too long in TV.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Many HVAC failures are caused by a blockage of your condensate drain line. This can occur in less than a year, especially if insects, a snake, or other animals get into the drain, which is wide open and exposed on the outside of your house. Mold and other debris can also block the drain.

I appreciate the suggestion, and they did suggestion I check it periodically - pour a gallon of water down it. The causes you suggest could happen and result in a. 100^ blockage in 24 hours. So doing it every 6 months is not enough. In fact, he suggested we pour a gallon down the drain every month. So, we put it on our schedule - about 2 1/2 minutes total. I can do that too.

[TomPerry]

Jeff Cabral at (352) 559-9558. Great job at reasonable price. He has a twice a year service plan that includes a clothes dryer vent cleaning!

[Luggage]

Okay here's the scoop on the AC maintenance, DeSantis andMunns are both too highly rated reputable companies. If you use the one inch filters you should change them every one to two months it takes minutes and they cost just a few dollars depending on the mirv rating from several reliable blogs it appears you need mirv of 8-11. 11 will remove virtually all pollen and dust particles and is at least 50% better than eight but of course more expensive. The other thing you should do at least wasley is make sure the water drain pipe is cleaned with vinegar or a light solution of bleach / water followed by a flush of your hose. If you have the thick 4-inch filters some of them are washable and others may need to be replaced 3 - 6 months

[egmcaninch]

Weuse Munns, and are happy with them. Two visits a year.

[retiredguy123]

Okay here's the scoop on the AC maintenance, DeSantis andMunns are both too highly rated reputable companies. If you use the one inch filters you should change them every one to two months it takes minutes and they cost just a few dollars depending on the mirv rating from several reliable blogs it appears you need mirv of 8-11. 11 will remove virtually all pollen and dust particles and is at least 50% better than eight but of course more expensive. The other thing you should do at least wasley is make sure the water drain pipe is cleaned with vinegar or a light solution of bleach / water followed by a flush of your hose. If you have the thick 4-inch filters some of them are washable and others may need to be replaced 3 - 6 months
What does "wasley" mean?

[ronda]

I don't have any maintenance agreement at all. But, annually is not often enough to add vinegar or to flush out the condensate line. I do it every 3 months. I change the filter every 6 months. Those are really the only things you need to do, except to inspect the inside of the air handling unit and the outside coils for dirt or mold. I think it is a waste of money to pay an HVAC technician to come to your house to do anything to a system that is operating properly. They cannot prevent a breakdown. Call a technician when the system fails. Also, don't pay in advance for repair service because you will be stuck with one company who may not be available when you need them.

I was thinking exactly the same thing. Change the filter, pour the vinegar down the condensate drain and check the coils. Takes about 5-10 mins total.
I think a lot of these companies make big bucks (in total, do the math) doing very little on "maintenance". It's like they either use fear and uncertainty to get TV-ers to pony up for maintenance contracts, in the hope they get some piece of mind. I agree with you, no way for them to prevent or anticipate a break down. This is life, things can and do break, no matter how much we would like to prevent it.

[KRMACK55]

We use SunshineAC. Expensive but reliable. Respond within hours to an emergency. Annual maintenance $129 I think.
The filter is very important for the quality of air inside. Very easy to change. No tools required. Should be changed every 3 months not 6 although during allergy season I changed it monthly. Filters are cheap, buy from Lowe’s or Home Depot, I bought a year’s supply.
Filters are not cheap for the houses with carrier south of 44. My house is 2 years old. They aren’t standard and cost approx 50 each cartridge type

[crash]

What size filter are you using? Ours has a 10X20X 4 inch filter and runs 73 dollars for 2 the last time I bought filters on Amazon. That was for a Merv 11 but they ended up sending Merv 13's which run a little more.

Those filters only need to be changed once per year.

[GrumpyOldMan]

What does "wasley" mean?

Weekly

[retiredguy123]

Filters are not cheap for the houses with carrier south of 44. My house is 2 years old. They aren’t standard and cost approx 50 each cartridge type
Try ACE Hardware for a brand called Flanders. They also sell several other brands and they know which ones will fit the Carrier units. I think the Flanders filters are about $18 for the 16x20x4 inch size and about $32 for the 19x20x4 inch. Those nominal sizes will fit most Carrier units in The Villages.

[retiredguy123]

Okay here's the scoop on the AC maintenance, DeSantis andMunns are both too highly rated reputable companies. If you use the one inch filters you should change them every one to two months it takes minutes and they cost just a few dollars depending on the mirv rating from several reliable blogs it appears you need mirv of 8-11. 11 will remove virtually all pollen and dust particles and is at least 50% better than eight but of course more expensive. The other thing you should do at least wasley is make sure the water drain pipe is cleaned with vinegar or a light solution of bleach / water followed by a flush of your hose. If you have the thick 4-inch filters some of them are washable and others may need to be replaced 3 - 6 months
Flushing the drain with a hose is a good idea, but most condensate drains do not have a hose connection. The "Drain King 345", sold on Amazon, allows you to screw it onto a hose and push the rubber end directly into the condensate pipe. Very easy.

[toeser]

I don't have any maintenance agreement at all. But, annually is not often enough to add vinegar or to flush out the condensate line. I do it every 3 months. I change the filter every 6 months. Those are really the only things you need to do, except to inspect the inside of the air handling unit and the outside coils for dirt or mold. I think it is a waste of money to pay an HVAC technician to come to your house to do anything to a system that is operating properly. They cannot prevent a breakdown. Call a technician when the system fails. Also, don't pay in advance for repair service because you will be stuck with one company who may not be available when you need them.

Your circumstances may be different, but my condensate line has never been cleaned more than annually and has never presented a problem.

[BigSteph]

I don't have any maintenance agreement at all. But, annually is not often enough to add vinegar or to flush out the condensate line. I do it every 3 months. I change the filter every 6 months. Those are really the only things you need to do, except to inspect the inside of the air handling unit and the outside coils for dirt or mold. I think it is a waste of money to pay an HVAC technician to come to your house to do anything to a system that is operating properly. They cannot prevent a breakdown. Call a technician when the system fails. Also, don't pay in advance for repair service because you will be stuck with one company who may not be available when you need them.


As a person who grew up in the trades, as well as having a father-in-law owning an HVAC company, I don't immediately see the need for an HVAC maintenance contract.

Then again, if you have mobility issues or just never have been a DIYer at home, there may be value and "comfort" in having someone look at your HVAC once or twice a year.

As others said, changing the filter, cleaning the drain, and inspecting the coils, are most of what it takes to maintain HVAC.

There are other things consider in my opinion -- has the flow from the vents decreased, is the temperature not maintaining as it did in other seasons, has an animal been in your attic (real thing, animals can destroy ducts in attic), has a gardener kinked your high or low pressure line from the compressor, are your outdoor coils bent? These are some of the things that can degrade your HVAC experience.

I did a maintenance agreement for a year on a previously-owned home with a 15 year old HVAC system. In each visit, I was pressured to replace the system -- even though it worked fine and they even said it worked fine. I didn't renew the contract and the unit worked for a few years longer before, inevitably, expiring.

All HVAC systems, like us Villagers, will eventually breakdown and fail.

[GPGuar]

Your circumstances may be different, but my condensate line has never been cleaned more than annually and has never presented a problem.
Until it does!

[Michael G.]

I don't have any maintenance agreement at all. But, annually is not often enough to add vinegar or to flush out the condensate line. I do it every 3 months. I change the filter every 6 months. Those are really the only things you need to do, except to inspect the inside of the air handling unit and the outside coils for dirt or mold. I think it is a waste of money to pay an HVAC technician to come to your house to do anything to a system that is operating properly. They cannot prevent a breakdown. Call a technician when the system fails. Also, don't pay in advance for repair service because you will be stuck with one company who may not be available when you need them.

There's only ONE answer to this post and the above is 100% correct.
Any HVAC company gives service on weekends with quick respond after hours even without a service contract.

SAVE your $$$$ or adopt me........:clap2:
Change the dam filter, keep the water discharge clear w/vinegar every 3 months.

[Villages Kahuna]

We’ve had Munn’s Heating and Air Conditioning service our HVAC twice a year from the beginning. They were also the HVAC sub-contractor when our house was built. They serviced the furnace on one visit and the A/C on the other. Filter replacements when needed.

[kathyspear]

Don't count on Munn's to change your filter, guy came out checked everything and said everything was ok, I guess ok means he couldn't find anything to charge me for...... he never even changed the filter, I did after he left, and then I canceled the contract.

We use Munn's. They were out here a couple of weeks ago. When the appt was set up I was asked if they should bring a filter or if we had one. Cost is about the same either way so I asked them to bring one and change it, which they did.

We have been happy with their service and would recommend them.

kathy

[retiredguy123]

We use Munn's. They were out here a couple of weeks ago. When the appt was set up I was asked if they should bring a filter or if we had one. Cost is about the same either way so I asked them to bring one and change it, which they did.

We have been happy with their service and would recommend them.

kathy
I don't know where you buy your filters, but you can save a lot of money by buying your own filters. In my case, the Munn's filter is $50 vs the ones I buy at ACE Hardware for $18. You can save even more money by buying filters online.

[DonnaNi4os]

I just renewed my annual SunKool contract. They come twice a year. I check my filter monthly and usually change it whenever necessary. I check it every month and also pour water down the condensation line to be sure it’s flowing unobstructed

[Altavia]

Taking this a step further, most common failure is the run/start capacitor.

The fans will run but no cooling because the compressor fails to start.

Relatively easy to change so if handy, good to have a spare on hand.

[retiredguy123]

Taking this a step further, most common failure is the run/start capacitor.

The fans will run but no cooling because the compressor fails to start.

Relatively easy to change so if handy, good to have a spare on hand.
I agree, but I have read several checklists for regular maintenance service, and have never seen one that will replace the capacitor to prevent a future breakdown. It is interesting that the SunKool list says that they will wash and "wax" the outside unit. Really?

[Woodbear]

NordicPure has supplied all my filter needs for years. Their prices are normally very reasonable. Shop AC Furnace Air Filters - HVAC, Furnace and Replacement AC Filters (https://nordicpure.com/?sscid=81k5_r0hsi)

[Dana1963]

I just moved to the Villages and am finding out that some HVAC companies are changing their plans to only make one maintenance visit per year vs two. I know from experience that the filter at the very least has to be changed at least twice a year so one visit per year is unacceptable. I found Munns and Holliday are still offering twice a year visits at a reasonable price.

Any thoughts or advice on which company to go with?
AC repairman arrested with gun stolen from truck at Margarita Republic“AC repairman arrested with gun stolen from truck at Margarita Republic 8/25/21”
I’m just as concerned if A/C tech, trades people are bonded and insured and do companies actually participate in background checks.

[metoo21]

Jeff Cabral at (352) 559-9558. Great job at reasonable price. He has a twice a year service plan that includes a clothes dryer vent cleaning!

What does he charge? Does it include a filter?

[Michael G.]

Taking this a step further, most common failure is the run/start capacitor.

The fans will run but no cooling because the compressor fails to start.

Relatively easy to change so if handy, good to have a spare on hand.


Also Freon leaks is another common problem, low Freon go coolly.

[butlerism]

Come on. The filter.
Two clips ... pop it out.
Buy new depending on the type.
My filter can be rinsed.
Do not buy paper filters. Reduced air flow equals MOLD. and the paper breeds MOLD.

Wake up. Save a buck.

Expect to pay heavily with you inability

[butlerism]

The condensate line is typically occluded by water scum.

Back to science class.
Water has something called surface friction.
Add debris and dead bugs. It is a problem.
Rather tough.
back to vinegar.
Vinegar and only vinegar works best to mitigate the scum layer. If you do not, major blockages will occur.

Stop overthinking, when you decide to stop.
Ask yourself.... I have no clue what the hell I am thinking about.
Buy your vinegar. Set your phone alarm. Put it in regularaly.
Rinse your filter.

otherwise.....

Pay $100 for a dog and pony show & let some A/C repairman come dupe you.

I know what I am talking about.

Two clips. your filter is out.
Brand new $19 on amazon. Buy two.
One to use, one to clean out and dry

I even buy the capacitors.
Trust me, it takes 10 minutes.
Definitely not worth a $100 plus service call.

Electrical Engineer here. Number one service call is to change out a capacitor.
$17 on amazon

[coffeebean]

Don't count on Munn's to change your filter, guy came out checked everything and said everything was ok, I guess ok means he couldn't find anything to charge me for...... he never even changed the filter, I did after he left, and then I canceled the contract.

Did the Munns tech flush the condensation line? Don't they have a list of items they do for the annual maintenance? Just "checking" doesn't cut it.

[dewilson58]

Pay $100 for a dog and pony show & let some A/C repairman come dupe you.



If you get both a dog & pony, it's well worth it.

:ho:

[dewilson58]

Expect to pay heavily with you inability

An engineer speaking.
:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[mikebama]

Don't count on Munn's to change your filter, guy came out checked everything and said everything was ok, I guess ok means he couldn't find anything to charge me for...... he never even changed the filter, I did after he left, and then I canceled the contract.
In my 41 years of home ownership I have never had a single tech change an air filter. I always thought it kept them from having to keep different sizes in their trucks. Plus it’s a simple task. My last house was 20x20x, 18x14x1. . Our new house looks to be 20x20x4.
🥃🥃

[biker1]

Munns will change your filter if you want them to. I mail order the Carrier filters and change myself.

In my 41 years of home ownership I have never had a single tech change an air filter. I always thought it kept them from having to keep different sizes in their trucks. Plus it’s a simple task. My last house was 20x20x, 18x14x1. . Our new house looks to be 20x20x4.
🥃🥃

[Garywt]

We use SunKool who installed our unit when the house was built. They have only changed the filter once in 2+ years of owning the house.

[Mckramer807]

We have Chuck Farrell service our A/C annually and I replace the filter at least quarterly. Replacing the filter is about the easiest do it yourself project there is for a homeowner. It takes me about 30 seconds, open the filter door, slide out the old filter, slide in a new filter, and close the door. The only thought involved is putting the filter in with the air flow arrows pointing in the proper direction.

Hi - we just moved into our CYV, which is about 11 yrs old. In the garage I found a new pleated air filter in the box. Where does it get installed - in the main unit in the garage?
We are not familiar with changing air filters.
Thank you,

[JMintzer]

Hi - we just moved into our CYV, which is about 11 yrs old. In the garage I found a new pleated air filter in the box. Where does it get installed - in the main unit in the garage?
We are not familiar with changing air filters.
Thank you,

That depends on the unit. There is typically a little door with a pull handle and magnetic attachments, or sometimes held close with a few screws.

It's typically where the return vent enters the unit...

[bilcon]

I have used Sunshine for over 10 years. I buy my 4" filters at Sparr Buildings Products on CR44, Wildwood. Only $29. Takes 5 min to put it in. I change it 2 times a year and never shows much dirt at all. Once a year maintenance check should be enough. I put as new system in last year after I had several opinions. Sunshine did a great job with no mess.