HVAC Maintenance Costs: A Short Guide

HVAC systems are elaborate and a big expense too. People often feel that the system will not need any looking after at least for a few years since purchase. But only a system that is regularly cleaned and maintained will function smoothly and not require any repairs.

When you install a new HVAC system for your Bay Area residence or for commercial purposes, it is wise to buy a maintenance plan along with it from the HVAC company so that you have reliable technicians who will check for smooth running of your system from time to time and save you extra expenses.

Why is HVAC maintenance important?

HVAC systems comprise of various different small and large components that have different functions but which must all work in tandem to provide you proper heating and cooling.

These parts do their job well if they are cleaned and serviced regularly. HVAC maintenance takes care of cleaning, inspection, and part replacement which ensure a longer life for your system.

By caring for the parts, you are able to avoid any expensive repairs or replacement costs and sudden malfunctions that may cause an inconvenience during peak summers or winters.

A smoothly running system also uses less energy and helps you keep your utility costs from rising.

What does HVAC maintenance include?

Different maintenance contracts will offer different services. But generally, a maintenance plan includes the following:

1. Cleaning of parts (air filters, air vents, AC coils)
2. Inspection and cleaning of the ductwork
3. Checking the motors, fan belt, burner light
4. Checking of coolant levels and topping them off if necessary
5. Replacement of air filters if needed
6. Inspection of the wiring, connections, and thermostat settings

What does maintenance cost depend on?

HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on various factors. The maintenance required will be different for different types of systems and also depend on the size of your unit.

Usage is another factor that is critical. If your system is mostly running throughout the year, the parts will see more wear and tear than those in systems that are only used seasonally. Also, if your system is old, it will need frequent inspection and repairs.

Maintenance costs will be decided depending on the number of scheduled inspections per year, the number of parts that will be checked, cleaned and repaired or replaced, and the time and labor required for every inspection.

Costs will also vary depending on the accessibility of your unit and the distance that the HVAC company needs to cover to get to you every few months.

How to compare maintenance plans?

Check the hourly labor rate and the total price to understand how many hours of servicing you will receive in total. Also see how much time they will spend on each part.

Preventive maintenance, full coverage, and full labor are three types of contracts that you can choose from. The first one covers basic maintenance while the second takes care of labor costs. The last one is all inclusive (parts and labor).