What Is an HVAC Maintenance Plan?
Discover what an HVAC maintenance plan is, what it includes, what it costs, and the benefits of preventative maintenance.
By Anne Fonda
Every time you go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned or get an oil change or brake check on your car, you’re performing preventative maintenance. You know that these maintenance visits can help detect small problems and ensure good dental health and vehicle health.
Your HVAC system needs the same TLC. The easiest way to ensure you’re taking care of your heating and cooling system is to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan with your preferred HVAC company.
But just what is HVAC maintenance, and are HVAC maintenance plans worth it? Keep reading to get answers to those questions and more.
What is included in a typical HVAC maintenance plan?
We’re often asked, “What does HVAC maintenance include?” A professional HVAC service contract will include items that should only be performed by an HVAC technician. These items can include:
- Inspecting the thermostat
- Checking electrical connections
- Inspection of ignition, blower, and heat exchanger on a furnace
- Cleaning heating elements on a furnace
- Carbon monoxide testing if you have a furnace
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking and/or cleaning the evaporator coil
- Checking and/or cleaning the condenser coil
- Checking refrigerant levels
- AC drain line inspection and flushing if needed
- Condensate drain pan cleaning
- Changing filters if needed
Before signing an HVAC service agreement, be sure you know exactly what’s included and what will cost extra.
How often should I schedule preventative maintenance for my HVAC?
Twice a year is recommended – once in the spring before cooling season starts, and once in the fall before heating season starts. This holds true whether you have an AC + furnace system or a heat pump system.
With an HVAC maintenance plan, you don’t have to remember to schedule – the HVAC company will send you a reminder to schedule when your system is due for regular maintenance.
Can I do preventative maintenance on my HVAC system myself?
There are a couple of DIY HVAC maintenance tasks you can do yourself. But any preventative maintenance that involves opening up the indoor unit or outdoor unit should be performed by a certified HVAC technician.
DIY tasks include:
- Changing the HVAC air filter every 1-3 months
- Keep your return air vent system clear
- Keep shrubs and plants 2 feet away from the outdoor unit
What are the benefits of a preventative maintenance plan for my HVAC system?
Not all HVAC companies offer the same perks. Be sure to ask what an HVAC service contract includes. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Priority scheduling (This can be a big deal during a heat wave or polar vortex)
- Discount on parts
- Reduced air conditioner repair costs
- Reduced heat pump repair costs
- Reduced furnace repair costs
- Potential waiver of service fee
- A well-maintained HVAC system is more energy efficient
- A well-maintained system can last longer
- Potentially improved indoor air quality (IAQ)
If you just had a new system installed, the HVAC company may also offer an extended labor warranty with a service agreement. The standard labor warranty is 1 year, and an extended labor warranty may go up to 5 years.
How does preventative maintenance extend the life of my HVAC system?
Just like regular oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations can improve vehicle performance and longevity, regular HVAC maintenance can extend the life of your system.
Dirty or clogged air filters can cause a system to run harder, trying to heat or cool your home. This increased wear and tear can shorten the life of the system. Changing the filter regularly helps your system run more efficiently, which can prolong its lifespan.
Dirty coils or refrigerant leaks can negatively affect efficiency and performance. Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance to spot these issues and fix them will keep your system running longer.
What are the common issues prevented by regular HVAC maintenance?
Regular maintenance can prevent a lot of problems. Three of the biggest problems are listed below.
Decreased performance and higher energy bills
Just like maintaining your vehicle can improve gas mileage, maintaining your HVAC system can enhance performance and help you save energy. Failure to do regular maintenance can lead to decreased energy efficiency and higher energy bills.
Frozen evaporator coil
One of the biggest issues you can prevent with regular HVAC maintenance is a frozen evaporator coil. A dirty air filter, a dirty evaporator coil, low refrigerant, refrigerant leak, and blocked air vents can all cause the evaporator coil to freeze over.
Carbon monoxide or gas leaks
Your furnace produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct of burning fossil fuel. A yearly furnace tune-up helps ensure the gas valve, gas line, and flue exhaust system are all working safely.
What companies offer the best HVAC preventative maintenance plans?
Most local HVAC companies offer HVAC preventative maintenance plans. They might call them service contracts or maintenance agreements, but they’re all the same thing. You will need to research HVAC companies near you to see who offers the most comprehensive maintenance plan.
Consider Trane Diagnostics
If you have a Trane smart thermostat, in addition to a maintenance plan, consider opting into Trane Diagnostics via the Trane Home App. Opting in gives your Trane dealer remote monitoring capabilities, much like a home security monitoring service.
Your Trane dealer can see how your system is operating, review trends, and more. They will get alerts when it’s time to schedule maintenance or there is a problem with your system. If they think they can troubleshoot and solve the issue remotely, they will ask for one-time Dealer Remote Access (DAR)
If they need to schedule an on-site visit, the HVAC technician will arrive with the knowledge gained during the remote troubleshooting session. This can save you and the dealer time and money.
What are the costs associated with HVAC preventative maintenance?
HVAC maintenance cost covers purchasing your filters and a professional maintenance plan. Better filters with a higher MERV rating cost more but generally last longer.
Most professional HVAC maintenance plans offer a spring and a fall visit. Although the annual cost may range from $175-$350, most companies offer a monthly payment plan, ranging from $15-30 a month.
The nominal cost of an HVAC maintenance plan can save you a lot of money in the long term. It just makes financial sense to take care of your HVAC system so that it will last longer.
Do HVAC maintenance plans vary by region?
They can. For instance, HVAC preventative maintenance plans in northern states will include a furnace tune-up each fall. Plans in the south might focus on heat pump and air handler maintenance in the spring and fall. The plans will be tailored to the HVAC equipment most common in your area.
What brands offer the most reliable HVAC systems?
Trane HVAC systems are known for their reliability and industry-leading warranties. Our energy-efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and air handlers are among the best HVAC equipment available today.
Our commitment to quality is a big reason Lifestory Research has named us America’s Most Trusted® HVAC Brand for the 11th year in a row. Our systems are known for their reliability, which is why the phrase “It’s hard to stop a Trane” rings true.
Sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan
Contact your local Trane dealer(s) to see what sort of maintenance plans they offer. Compare plans and opt for the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. Finding the right HVAC company is like finding the right mechanic. They become your partner in maintaining your system.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
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