Has Your HVAC Maintenance Contract Gone Up in Price

[CFrance]

We used a large HVAC maintenance company for several years at $200/year for twice yearly maintenance. We like the idea of preventative maintenance, plus the fact that if something quits working, they come out immediately.

A few years ago we switched to another company after the first company's serviceman tried to sell us a new system (which wasn't needed). The new company was charging us $189/year the first two years. This year they have upped their price to $225 for the same contract. That's quite a jump. I am wondering if others have had this experience with their maintenance companies. If not, I believe I should search for another company. If it's "normal," I am satisfied with their service.

Please I am not interested in suggestions to do our own maintenance. We want immediate emergency service, which we have had need of a few times in the past. We do change the filters ourselves.

I

[Hape2Bhr]

Question: does the twice a year preventative maintenance cover/pay for the emergency calls?

[Michael G.]

plus the fact that if something quits working, they come out immediately.

We want immediate emergency service, .



Ask yourself do you really feel this is true?
Most good HVAC maintenance Co. will answer any emergency call
when needed, not just because your on their books.

I had one that came twice a year, then doubled the annual amount because
my unit was getting older.
I told them, "Not is this life-time."

[retiredguy123]

Question: does the twice a year preventative maintenance cover/pay for the emergency calls?
I don't know of any HVAC company who will cover emergency calls, or who will even "guarantee" to show up within a set time frame. Last year, when my system failed on a Saturday in July, Munn's showed up within 3 hours and repaired it. But, I don't even have a maintenance agreement with them.

[retiredguy123]

Ask yourself do you really feel this is true?
Most good HVAC maintenance Co. will answer any emergency call
when needed, not just because your on their books.

I had one that came twice a year, then doubled the annual amount because
my unit was getting older.
I told them, "Not is this life-time."
I agree. In fact, being on their books may make them less likely to give you priority, if they are trying to attract new customers.

[CFrance]

Ask yourself do you really feel this is true?
Most good HVAC maintenance Co. will answer any emergency call
when needed, not just because your on their books.

I had one that came twice a year, then doubled the annual amount because
my unit was getting older.
I told them, "Not is this life-time."
We don't get charged extra for emergency calls, and they respond immediately, no matter the time of day. I know people who have had to wait more than a day to get someone out.

I am just asking if any of those who have maintenance contracts have experienced a huge jump in their yearly contract price. I am not debating whether or not to have a maintenance contract.

[midiwiz]

We don't get charged extra for emergency calls, and they respond immediately, no matter the time of day. I know people who have had to wait more than a day to get someone out.

I am just asking if any of those who have maintenance contracts have experienced a huge jump in their yearly contract price. I am not debating whether or not to have a maintenance contract.

all these years in Florida, 3 differenct locations, we have never ever had a maintenence contract for HVAC. As there is nothing they can do to make the unit last any longer than it normally doesn't. Complete waste of money. The secret is change your filter every month (yes even these crap 4 inch ones), hose down your outside unit on the inside (in the sun) and alternate vinegar and bleach every time you change your filter(drain tube). You are only going to get so many years out of it and that's all.

[Sandy and Ed]

I agree. In fact, being on their books may make them less likely to give you priority, if they are trying to attract new customers.
Hate to say it: I agree. Loyalty doesn’t increase a company’s customer base or new revenue. But…..here in TV word travels pretty fast so a company has more of an incentive to maintain its reputation for service

[NoMo50]

We have a service agreement with Munn's that includes two service visits each year, February and August. The technician (I request the same guy each time) does an excellent job, spending a little over an hour each time. We pay $140 total for the year, and that price has been constant for the past three years.

[forebubba]

I was told never use vinegar in the drain line as it can cause leaks and the fumes come back up to the unit which is not good. I just use hot water then flush it with a hose just like the service guys do.
Just saying.
Munns has been great when needed

[Mrmean58]

Yes, everything has gone up since Jan 2021. And maybe you received a promotional price for the first two years so the increase isn't as large as you think.

[Doug17s]

We use Munn's. $139 for twice a year maintenance. They also cleaned all of our duct work and dryer vent last year. Very happy with their work and staff. You need to schedule early as they are usually booked months out.

[ThirdOfFive]

I don't know of any HVAC company who will cover emergency calls, or who will even "guarantee" to show up within a set time frame. Last year, when my system failed on a Saturday in July, Munn's showed up within 3 hours and repaired it. But, I don't even have a maintenance agreement with them.
We've used Munn's since moving here. After the first visit we went with a six-month inspection plan which also meant we were on their "preferred" list, meaning that on emergency calls the people on that list got first crack at service. when needed. Cost a bit--not too much as I recall.

Our unit was near to 15 years old and we knew replacement was inevitable. A couple of months back on a Friday afternoon the unit simply quit working. We called Munn's, a tech was there within two hours of the call. He spent maybe two hours checking it out. Turned out one of the hoses (underground, of course) had given out. Munn's could run new hoses through the attic but time, labor and parts would set us back $1,700 or so. We discussed options with him: the new hoses and work would come with a one-year warranty. A new unit had a ten-year warranty, parts and labor. He contacted his office and said a rep. would be out on Monday.

A VERY pleasant and knowledgeable young lady, Rosalee, showed up promptly Monday morning. She looked things over and shot us a quote on a complete new system; AC unit, furnace, piping, installation, the works. $8,000 for the job but our utility company would rebate us $500 of that price. We asked when: she called her office, spoke to a few people about availability, scheduling, etc. etc. "Wednesday morning" was her answer. Good to her word, two techs showed up promptly at 8:00 AM Wednesday (Munn's had emailed us with a description; their experience, interests, etc.). They got to work. Old stuff out, new stuff in and running by noon. Very pleasant and polite techs, by the way. Interesting: our old unit, even when working, barely kept up. This new one sounds like a jet engine spooling up with near-instant results.

Can't say enough good things about Munn's.

[retiredguy123]

We've used Munn's since moving here. After the first visit we went with a six-month inspection plan which also meant we were on their "preferred" list, meaning that on emergency calls the people on that list got first crack at service. when needed. Cost a bit--not too much as I recall.

Our unit was near to 15 years old and we knew replacement was inevitable. A couple of months back on a Friday afternoon the unit simply quit working. We called Munn's, a tech was there within two hours of the call. He spent maybe two hours checking it out. Turned out one of the hoses (underground, of course) had given out. Munn's could run new hoses through the attic but time, labor and parts would set us back $1,700 or so. We discussed options with him: the new hoses and work would come with a one-year warranty. A new unit had a ten-year warranty, parts and labor. He contacted his office and said a rep. would be out on Monday.

A VERY pleasant and knowledgeable young lady, Rosalee, showed up promptly Monday morning. She looked things over and shot us a quote on a complete new system; AC unit, furnace, piping, installation, the works. $8,000 for the job but our utility company would rebate us $500 of that price. We asked when: she called her office, spoke to a few people about availability, scheduling, etc. etc. "Wednesday morning" was her answer. Good to her word, two techs showed up promptly at 8:00 AM Wednesday (Munn's had emailed us with a description; their experience, interests, etc.). They got to work. Old stuff out, new stuff in and running by noon. Very pleasant and polite techs, by the way. Interesting: our old unit, even when working, barely kept up. This new one sounds like a jet engine spooling up with near-instant results.

Can't say enough good things about Munn's.
I agree that Munn's is one of the best HVAC companies. If I need a new system, I will most likely use them, even if they are not the least expensive.

But, I am just curious. Does your maintenance agreement actually say, in writing, that your are on a preferred list for emergency calls, or was that just a verbal promise?

[ThirdOfFive]

I agree that Munn's is one of the best HVAC companies. If I need a new system, I will most likely use them, even if they are not the least expensive.

But, I am just curious. Does your maintenance agreement actually say, in writing, that your are on a preferred list for emergency calls, or was that just a verbal promise?

Verbal. But they did indicate that the times I've called them for service.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We had ServiceStar, the previous owners of our house had a contract with them so we figured we'd just use them, since we weren't familiar with any of them anyway.

They sent Steve to replace our unit when it crapped the bed, but we didn't realize that the old one was still under warranty. So that was a few thousand bucks that we'll never get back.

Then it was time for our annual inspection of ducts and everything else (not duct cleaning service - an inspection for mold, wear and tear of the ducts themselves, etc).

We called, set up an appointment. No one called to confirm, so we called to confirm. They confirmed. Next morning, no one was there, so we called to make sure they knew they were supposed to come. Woman said absolutely yes, she'd text Steve to get an ETA. She never called back. I called her around noon, she said she was sorry she didn't call me, but she hadn't heard back from Steve yet and she'd definitely call me back within 1/2 hour even if she didn't hear from him.

She never called back.

I called and left a message a few hours later telling her that we'd waited all day for Steve, never heard anything from anyone, and they weren't paying ME to be THEIR secretary, it wasn't my job to keep after them to do their jobs or keep track of their schedule.

We ended up not having our ducts inspected at all. We'll get around to it at some point this year.

[asianthree]

We use Chuck F. He and his techs say see you once a year. When we put in a new system, told us to wait 1.5 years for first checkup. I have never read a post unhappy with Chuck.

[PugMom]

I don't know of any HVAC company who will cover emergency calls, or who will even "guarantee" to show up within a set time frame. Last year, when my system failed on a Saturday in July, Munn's showed up within 3 hours and repaired it. But, I don't even have a maintenance agreement with them.

Munns is very good, we lost power in the heat of summer, & they were out within hours. to op: yes, everything is going up in cost

[Denniewillard]

We just signed with Sunkool for $219 for the year. It’s about the same as your contract so if you are happy …

[PugMom]

We had ServiceStar, the previous owners of our house had a contract with them so we figured we'd just use them, since we weren't familiar with any of them anyway.

They sent Steve to replace our unit when it crapped the bed, but we didn't realize that the old one was still under warranty. So that was a few thousand bucks that we'll never get back.

Then it was time for our annual inspection of ducts and everything else (not duct cleaning service - an inspection for mold, wear and tear of the ducts themselves, etc).

We called, set up an appointment. No one called to confirm, so we called to confirm. They confirmed. Next morning, no one was there, so we called to make sure they knew they were supposed to come. Woman said absolutely yes, she'd text Steve to get an ETA. She never called back. I called her around noon, she said she was sorry she didn't call me, but she hadn't heard back from Steve yet and she'd definitely call me back within 1/2 hour even if she didn't hear from him.

She never called back.

I called and left a message a few hours later telling her that we'd waited all day for Steve, never heard anything from anyone, and they weren't paying ME to be THEIR secretary, it wasn't my job to keep after them to do their jobs or keep track of their schedule.

We ended up not having our ducts inspected at all. We'll get around to it at some point this year.

wow, i can't believe someone would be so inconsiderate to a customer. that's just bad business & poor work ethic. he could've @ least called to explain .

[Michael G.]

wow, i can't believe someone would be so inconsiderate to a customer. that's just bad business & poor work ethic. he could've @ least called to explain .

Truth is there so many people moving in Florida there's a sucker born every hour.

[Limey]

Although we did a twice yearly a/c check up before we moved here, we had the unit checked out when we first moved in and asked the tech about a twice yearly service. His response was, Why, it's a known rip off! He's the guy we're going to call when it eventually goes wrong.
Other than changing the filter every month and pressure washing the unit we have done nothing to it for almost six years. Any company will come out and service it whether you have a contract or not so save the money.

[JGibson]

Retired A/C mechanic.
Don't put bleach down a PVC drain pipe. Just use Dawn dish soap.

Other than pressure wash condenser, change filter, vacuum coil, return grills and put compound gauges on the system to make sure you have proper pressures on both high and low side of unit.
Detecting a freon leak early is better than discovering it late when it becomes a huge job or possibly need to replace the whole unit.

Also when buying a new unit be mindful of the efficiency rating, there's new efficiency laws so don't be fooled into an outdated unit.

Munn's is the best but currently has an August/September waiting list.

[Michael G.]

Munn's just replaced our complete HVAC system and, well, like someone ask:
"How's your new HVAC system"?
I answered: "I'll tell you in about 12-15 years."