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What Is an AC Service Plan?

When a consumer purchases an air conditioning system, they’re often encouraged to join an HVAC maintenance plan. Signing an HVAC service contract entitles you to a variety of perks, for a fee. Here, we’ll answer the common question “What is an AC service plan?”, explain what may be covered, and the benefits it may include.

What Exactly Is a Service Contract?

Do you usually decline a warranty or protection plan when buying a TV, computer, or other electronic device? These are usually optional. Most of the time, you won’t have much bad luck by turning it down. But AC and heating repairs are expensive. Routine service alone can add up if you’re not covered by a plan. If you buy a new HVAC, chances are you’ll be offered a service contract.

With an AC service plan, you pay a monthly or annual fee, in exchange for regular maintenance visits and covered repairs. There are different types of service contracts. Depending on the one your HVAC contractor offers, the coverage may vary. The most common types include contracts that:

  • Cover only labor involving planned maintenance such as inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting the system.
  • Cover labor for maintenance calls and any unplanned repairs that are needed.
  • Cover the cost of labor, maintenance, and repairs as well as select parts.
  • Cover the cost of service to only air conditioning or heating equipment.
  • Cover the cost of service to both air conditioners and furnaces.
  • Exclude the cost of cleaning AC coils or replacing specific items, ranging from capacitors to compressors.

Key Elements of an AC Service Plan

Always read the fine print to know what the agreement includes. Every contractor’s plan is different. Companies benefit from the ability to schedule work at times of low demand. You can benefit from reduced repair costs and regular service that can boost efficiency, prevent system breakdowns and major repairs, and increase system longevity.

The typical AC service plan incorporates things such as:

  • Regular Checkups and Inspections: A professional will carefully check for minor issues and perform minor adjustments or fixes as needed. An HVAC system should be inspected at least once a year. 
  • Changing the Filter: Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause indoor air quality problems. Changing them regularly helps keep your AC running smoothly and promotes cleaner air.
  • Testing the Thermostat: From time to time, your thermostat may need to be calibrated to improve accuracy. If a repair is needed, the technician can complete it on the spot, or  they may recommend an upgrade. 
  • Cleaning Air Ducts: Dusty, dirty, or moldy ducts aren’t good for your AC or your health. During duct cleaning, a technician can vacuum out debris or spray a substance that fights mold.
  • Checking Insulation: Insulation helps an AC run efficiently. If your insulation is old or there’s not enough of it, a contractor can add more or suggest installing a different insulating material.
  • Measuring Refrigerant Levels: An AC tech can determine if your air conditioner is overcharged, which may reduce efficiency, or undercharged, in which case a leak is likely. The leak will be repaired.
  • Lubricating Moving Parts: In an HVAC system, moving parts can wear out, overheat, and fail due to friction. By lubricating these parts, it’s possible to reduce wear and electricity usage.

All these tasks help keep your AC in working order. That’s the purpose of an AC service plan, which may also include inspecting the condensate drain for blockages and tightening and inspecting electrical connections. The more your AC runs and the more extreme your climate, the greater the benefits of a service plan.

Sign Up for Waldrop’s Family Service Plans

When customers ask, “What is an AC service plan?”, we have many examples to show. These family service plans protect the comfort of homeowners in upstate South Carolina in winter and summer. Our HVAC Comfort plan includes priority service, discounts, and warranties on service for ACs, furnaces, heat pumps, and other systems. Call 864-536-0887 to learn more.

Sammy

Greenville, SC

Waldrop has taken care of our HVAC since our house was built (2006). We get maintenance twice a year – spring and fall. This year, Kevin suggested the Phenomenal Aire unit. It cleans the air

Cheryl

Marietta, SC

Had the best experience with Waldrop, we will forever be in their debt. Not only the most professional group of men but the most honest, stand by your word company! I would recommend Waldrop to

KarmannGT

SIMPSONVILLE, SC

A friend recommended Waldrop after he had a visit last week. Our A/C was not cooling as well as it should, and the Split “Smart” thermostat was doing crazy things on the first and 2nd

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