Air Conditioner Service
 

At our NY home we have an annual service plan that gets our central air system serviced once a year, including having the air filter changed, but we don't use the system nearly as much as I'd imagine the typical system in TV gets used. How do TV folks handle this? Is it advisable to have an annual agreement, or to deal with problems as they arise? How about filter changes? Can you do that yourself, or is it better to have a pro do it? There was a service receipt taped to the side of the system in the TV house we recently bought with a date well over a year ago. Should I have the system serviced ASAP when we get back in the Fall? I'd appreciate any and all advice on the subject, including recommendations for good companies to deal with (if permitted by TOTV rules). Thank you all.
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bc

We purchased new in TV. The first year, the annual was free. I signed up for an annual after that. This included the air filter, "a clean" and "an inspection."

I'm usually not big on service contracts, but with the A/C and being Florida.....I went for it. This contract also avoids being charged weekend rates on the weekend.

Regarding the filter..................it's an annual replacement and you can purchase them at the big box stores. The price was not much different than thru the annual contract.

Good Luck!!

We also purchased a new home. We purchased the 10 year parts and labor warranty. Time will tell if good Or bad. When our AC broke last week, It was up and running in 3-1/2 Hours, albeit it was the longest 3-1/2 hours you can imagine. I think I can say The name but just in case, it starts with a M, then a U, then a double N, and ends with a S. Our filter is changed annually at time if annual service.

Changing the filter is very easy, so really no need to get that on a contract. You can usually find the filters online much cheaper than purchasing from any of the stores around here. Depending on allergy and breathing issues, you may want to change your filter more frequently than once a year.

Getting a contract that just covers annual servicing is a waste of money, IMO. You can just as easily call and make an appointment annually with someone like Chuck Farrell, who charges $69 for annual servicing. If your home is older than four years, an extended warranty is not a bad idea, just make sure it covers parts and labor if at all possible.

The home we purchased is 11 years old and the A/C looks like original equipment. I'd guess an extended warranty for a unit that old might be a tad expensive, but I'll look into it. Thanks for the advice.
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bc

We had an Heat Pump inspection from Home Depot a few months ago and was told home AC equipment in our area usually last about 10 years. Costly to replace.

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I was told by our service company, that a warranty on units over 10 yrs old not available. However, I heard that someone supposedly bought a whole house appliance warranty which covers AC. Do not know the details or cost.