AC Service/Inspection (Houston, Spring, Comfort: sale, new home, cost)

[TXwrath]

Looking to have a legitimate AC company come out to the house soon....


What is a standard cost to inspect/service both HVAC units?
Also, what is routinely done? For example, both of my units work fine but as a new homeowner, I would like to get these serviced annually.


Any information on what to look for or what to expect to pay?
Cheers

[Surfertx]

Try American Air Comfort. I used them to fix a HVAC issue and the tech was honest about the type of repair that was needed. I believe a standard inspect should run $100 to $150 tops. And don't use Houston Air Comfort, they pushed sale you to get a cut off switch that cost $400. After I let my self suckered into getting it, I realized I didn't really need it.

[kreeyax]

I've been using American Comfort Experts (ACE) for about 7 years now. They have an annual service plan that includes the Spring and Fall services. In the Spring they do the A/C service which includes cleaning the coils (inside and outside units), checking the refrigerant pressure in the system, cleaning the primary drain lines, and testing the capacitors. The Fall service to the heater involves cleaning the ignition system, clearing any blockages for the exhaust vents to the roof, and checking for leaks. There's probably more to these services but that's the major stuff I can recall.

For two units it runs about $390/year, but you get a discount on any service calls and parts for repairs. Since capacitors these days only last a few years, the discount has been pretty helpful when my A/C has stopped cooling due to a bad cap. I haven't needed any major repairs yet since my system is only 8 years old.