Air conditioning service contract
 

I need to read up on the details of this later today but I believe we have a year from our new house closing date to decide whether to purchase. I think I had previously read that it’s 5 years labor and 10 years parts. I was just wondering if others thought this was a good or bad idea. The company is Sun Kool. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.

As I understood with Sun Kool you have two years from your closing date to sign up for the extended LABOR warranty that will take you to 10 years. I too am contemplating the same thing whether another five years of labor is worth it. I believe the extra 5 years is around $649. If you sell as I understand you would get part of that money back minus what you may have used in labor through that period.

Yes now that you mention it, I believe it is two years to sign up. I guess the only negative on waiting the two years is that the price could go up. Hopefully we can get others thoughts on this.

Actually now that I’m reading, the 10 year parts and 5 year labor warranty were included by the Villages when you purchased your home. The extended SunKool warranty is a maintenance warranty where you get a couple tuneups per year. It includes a discount of 20% off service calls as well as no overtime or weekend charges and biofresh duct treatment. I may call today to find out what they charge for a tuneup if you don’t have the maintenance contract.

Consumer Reports position on extended warranties/service contracts.

Don't Buy Extended Warranties - Consumer Reports


And yes, there are some folks who have come out ahead...by purchasing an extended warranty.

However, if the company offering the extended warranty wasn't making a profit (often quite large) on them...they wouldn't exist in the first place.

It all boils down to the fact that no one can predict the future and how much someone is willing to spend...for their own peace of mind. :shrug:

Just be sure to read all of the fine print on what is/isn't covered and what level of 'routine maintenance' is required...to maintain the extended warranty.

Yeah I realize most service contracts are a rip-off.
To be covered by the included 10 year part and 5 year labor warranty requires that annual maintence be done on the unit so I need to find out how much is charged for this by Sun Kool without the Sun Kool maintence contract.

The Villages only provides a one year warranty on individual parts and labor, and a 2 year warranty on "systems". But, the manufacturer of the A/C equipment, such as Carrier, often have longer warranties.

I agree. These service contracts have never made sense to me because it limits your options when your system breaks down. You are tied to one company, and they may not be as quick to come out to repair your system. And, the company your have paid in advance may be looking for new business and may not give you the high priority response that you deserve.

Yes you are correct. The extended warranty is not through the Villages.
“Because you purchased a home in The Villages, your heating and cooling system comes with an enhanced Carrier 10-year factory part warranty and a 5-year labor warranty through Climate Shield. Climate Shield is an insurance company.”

My last Sun Kool tune up bill was $89.00 dated 10/31/2017

I believe that is the lowest price plan which includes one tune-up. We’ll probably go with that. Then there is a $199 plan which includes two tune-ups and a $50 credit for filters, etc. along with a few other benefits. Finally they quoted me a plan for $649 shortly after I bought. I’m waiting for their return call so they can explain that one to me. Not quite sure why that one would be needed since the 10 years parts and 5 years labor is already included as long as your unit is serviced once per year.

I’m curious what they say. I believe this 649 is for the labor in years six through 10 so in essence it would now be 10 years labor and maintenance. You still need to get and pay for the annual maintenance to keep it active.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You are correct. The $649 is for labor for years 6 through 10. I’m leaning towards just the $89 yearly tune-up to be in compliance with the 10 years parts and 5 years labor warranty. The first tune- up is free.

About this "yearly tune-up". What exactly does the service tech do to your air conditioner?

The attached is for the $199 Kool Club membership which includes 2 yearly tune-ups. I’m assuming but not positive that the $89 once a year tune-up would include the same stuff.