HVAC maintenance plan (how much, heat pump, contractor)

[nitynity]

How much do you guys spent on AC maintenance/tune up yearly?

I had some issues with one of my AC unit and turned out it was due to some high pressure on one of the lines that shut off my compressor. The HVAC tech recommended signing up for the maintenance plan $288 for 2 units/visit , twice a year. So around $600 yearly. Is it reasonable or should I look around?

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by nitynity

How much do you guys spent on AC maintenance/tune up yearly?

I had some issues with one of my AC unit and turned out it was due to some high pressure on one of the lines that shut off my compressor. The HVAC tech recommended signing up for the maintenance plan $288 for 2 units/visit , twice a year. So around $600 yearly. Is it reasonable or should I look around?

That's high.

[nitynity]

Originally Posted by EDS_

That's high.

That's what I thought too. Is it even necessary or just pay for the repair as it comes?

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by nitynity

That's what I thought too. Is it even necessary or just pay for the repair as it comes?

1. I'd learn how to rinse your outside unit with a water hose several times per year. It's really and safe if one follows a couple of safety rules.
2. I've never had regular HVAC checks.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by nitynity

How much do you guys spent on AC maintenance/tune up yearly?

I had some issues with one of my AC unit and turned out it was due to some high pressure on one of the lines that shut off my compressor. The HVAC tech recommended signing up for the maintenance plan $288 for 2 units/visit , twice a year. So around $600 yearly. Is it reasonable or should I look around?

Originally Posted by nitynity

That's what I thought too. Is it even necessary or just pay for the repair as it comes?

Without knowing what their "maintenance plan" includes it would be difficult to tell if this is high or not. Ask them for a specific document from them explaining what it includes, call around to others and compare with their lists and prices.

Whether it is necessary or not depends on if the unit(s) are still under warranty and how much you understand the heating/cooling systems. If the units are under warranty (even any part of them) the warranty would most likely require routine annual maintenance to keep the warranty in effect. If you know basic system operation and what to look for on your own routine visual inspections, and how to perform basic routine checks/maintenance then you might be able to get away with not having it performed.

I know what the warranty on my unit entails and do perform routine checks, even cleaning both interior and exterior coils. Yet I still have the once annual maintenance performed (electric heat pump system). As much as I know there are issues that can be found with a proper annual maintenance by an HVAC contractor who is trained in your brand of equipment. If you can catch a problem early it may well cost less to repair than when the system fails!

[nitynity]

Originally Posted by escanlan

Without knowing what their "maintenance plan" includes it would be difficult to tell if this is high or not. Ask them for a specific document from them explaining what it includes, call around to others and compare with their lists and prices.

Whether it is necessary or not depends on if the unit(s) are still under warranty and how much you understand the heating/cooling systems. If the units are under warranty (even any part of them) the warranty would most likely require routine annual maintenance to keep the warranty in effect. If you know basic system operation and what to look for on your own routine visual inspections, and how to perform basic routine checks/maintenance then you might be able to get away with not having it performed.

I know what the warranty on my unit entails and do perform routine checks, even cleaning both interior and exterior coils. Yet I still have the once annual maintenance performed (electric heat pump system). As much as I know there are issues that can be found with a proper annual maintenance by an HVAC contractor who is trained in your brand of equipment. If you can catch a problem early it may well cost less to repair than when the system fails!

Thanks escalan. It's $288 yearly and not per visit. I checked with another contractor and it's the same rate. One of my unit is under 5 years old and the second one is builder grade over 15 years may be. I am not familiar with the system and so I think I will ask around, but it looks like the standard rate.

[nitynity]

Originally Posted by EDS_

1. I'd learn how to rinse your outside unit with a water hose several times per year. It's really and safe if one follows a couple of safety rules.
2. I've never had regular HVAC checks.

Yeah, most of the times they just need your money. If you are clueless it's easy money for them as well. I was told at multiple occasions that my outside unit is dirty and needs cleaning. I am not sure about the condition of heating unit in attic. Never did any maintenance on it for the past 3 years.

[Rakin]

Have them out 1 time a year. Change your filters every 60-90 days (use a good filter) and pour a bleach water mix down the air pipe to flush out system (google that)

That's about all you need.

If you see water dripping outside. You have a problem.

[oldoak2000]

Originally Posted by nitynity

How much do you guys spent on AC maintenance/tune up yearly?

I had some issues with one of my AC unit and turned out it was due to some high pressure on one of the lines that shut off my compressor. The HVAC tech recommended signing up for the maintenance plan $288 for 2 units/visit , twice a year. So around $600 yearly. Is it reasonable or should I look around?

BERKEYS heating & air has a $99 maintenance special - Includes ANY number of units at SAME location for just $99.

https://www.berkeys.com/memberships/...s-ft-worth-tx/

They did a THOROUGH job of checking my units out, measuring EVERYTHING that could be measured, and cleaned units. They identified a 'weak' capacitor that needed replacement (actually showed me with measuring meter). . . .

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by oldoak2000

BERKEYS heating & air has a $99 maintenance special - Includes ANY number of units at SAME location for just $99.

https://www.berkeys.com/memberships/...s-ft-worth-tx/

They did a THOROUGH job of checking my units out, measuring EVERYTHING that could be measured, and cleaned units. They identified a 'weak' capacitor that needed replacement (actually showed me with measuring meter). . . .

Now that sounds much more reasonable.