Commercial HVAC Service Contracts: What to Look for and What to Avoid
The Right Maintenance Plan can Extend Your Unit’s Functionality and Lifespan.
If you’re a business owner or property manager, you’ll have to maintain your facility’s HVAC system. Routine maintenance and upkeep are critically important to a well-functioning HVAC system. So, you may be wondering, are HVAC service contracts worth it?
The short answer is, yes. HVAC service plans provide a great system for monitoring, maintaining, and repairing your HVAC system.
What is a Commercial HVAC Contract?
With a typical commercial HVAC contract, you are covered by an HVAC company for preventative maintenance of your system.
What Services Does a Commercial HVAC Service Contract Include?
HVAC service plans typically include regular maintenance visits, emergency service, and regular adjustments. So, exactly what services does a contract cover? Services can vary based on the supplier, but general priority service and maintenance agreements can include:
Supplies
Such as solvents, lubricants, cleaning supplies, air filters, etc.
Labor
Labor costs for annual visits, maintenance tasks, cleanings, inspection, etc.
Parts
Screws, wires, fuses, bolts, and other common parts are often included. Major parts such as heat pumps, fans, and compressors would likely not be covered under a standard maintenance plan.
Emergency Service
Fees for emergency services are typically an extra charge outside of the agreement.
What Benefits Does a Maintenance Agreement Provide?
Peace of mind may be the most significant benefit that HVAC service contracts provide. Regular preventive maintenance monitors the health of your HVAC equipment. This means that there are fewer, if any, surprise breakdowns or service failures.
Maintenance contracts can’t stop your HVAC system from aging, but regular check-ups can prolong its life, delaying or avoiding the process of having to get new HVAC equipment.
Can Maintenance Contracts and Service Plans Have Red Flags?
Maintenance service plans for your HVAC systems can be incredibly useful for preserving equipment life and functionality and for ensuring repairs are made fast.
Consider the following factors when evaluating a service plan:
Costs
Be sure to ask about the average upkeep and repair costs. The annual or monthly service fee should be in line with average costs and not many times greater.
Priority Service
Contracts and service providers often provide priority service to customers with service plans. With that said, an experienced company will also be realistic about how quickly it can provide service during peak times.
Repairs Coverage
Major parts and components may not be covered in a service plan. Ask if it’s possible to incorporate these costs into your plan.
Upkeep
HVAC service contracts should not provide an excuse for HVAC companies to find reasons for major or costly repairs on each service checkup. Ask about your unit’s projected lifespan and potential upcoming service needs.
Are Service Plans and Maintenance Contracts Worth It?
HVAC service plans are worth it if only because unplanned system breakdowns and repairs can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. A well-maintained unit can last years longer than a neglected unit, saving significant costs and surprise expenses.
Preventive maintenance also enhances energy efficiency, cutting energy costs.
United Mechanical’s Service Plan Makes a Difference.
The service providers at United Mechanical are big fans of having a maintenance plan that capitalizes on preventive maintenance and reducing emergency service. As commercial HVAC experts, we know that even the best systems require maintenance and care to prolong function.
Our Proactive Preventative Maintenance Program is designed to keep your HVAC equipment up and running for years to come. And when your HVAC needs repairs, we do not add fees on top of your monthly maintenance payments. So, if you’d like to learn more about our service agreements or other services, please contact our team.
Source: United Mechanical
