This is a very common question, and there are many valid reasons to consider a maintenance or protection plan for your home's heating and cooling system. First and foremost is performance and longevity. Your heating and cooling system is the heartbeat of your home. Not unlike an automobile, which requires regular oil changes, lubrication, tire rotation, etc., your heating and cooling system requires scheduled tune-ups to help maintain its efficiency and prolong its life span. For example, if you were to neglect doing oil changes and tune-ups on your car, you would increase the risk of engine failure, decrease performance and increase fuel consumption.
Heating and cooling systems need the same attention. As dirt builds up in the blower motor, switches, sensors, and burner, the efficiency begins to decline, which means it is costing you more to run the unit. The increased friction and buildup can wear down parts, unbalance the motor causing bearing failure, or cause switches and sensors to fail or malfunction. Regular furnace filter replacement is a must, but it will not eliminate all the dirt and debris being drawn through your heating and cooling system. Also, keep in mind that if your unit is still under warranty, manufacturers may not warranty parts if they feel the unit has been neglected.
A maintenance or protection plan creates good maintenance habits, provides piece of mind, and can reduce repair costs. Typically, a maintenance plan is best for those who are still under warranty and a protection plan is best for those whose warranty has expired. In order to purchase the plan that is right for you, you first must assess what the plan needs to accomplish. For example, do you want repair costs covered or does your warranty still include these costs? How old is the furnace and what is its life expectancy? Has it been regularly maintained or has it not been serviced in a while?
These are just a few questions you may want to consider when choosing the plan that is best for you. Remember, there is a reason furnaces tend to break down on the coldest days: This is when it is under the most strain and working the hardest, so it is more likely to break down if dirt and friction are present. Many plans include a priority service feature as an added bonus. Should your system require service on those bone-chilling days, you will be put at the top of the list.
Maintenance plans can cover cleaning, inspection and adjustment of equipment once annually, and can include other benefits such as reduced labour rates and discounts on replacement equipment.
A protection plan is generally designed to reduce or eliminate labour and repair costs, but it does not necessarily include annual maintenance. Some protection plans cover labour costs and repairs costs; others may reduce the labour rate and have a set annual limit for diagnostic work and repairs. A discount for replacement equipment may also be included.
The most comprehensive offerings are a combination of maintenance and protection plans. These can include an annual equipment tune-up, as well as repairs and diagnostics with no annual limits. A discount for replacement equipment is generally part of the package.
Heating and cooling systems need the same attention. As dirt builds up in the blower motor, switches, sensors, and burner, the efficiency begins to decline, which means it is costing you more to run the unit. The increased friction and buildup can wear down parts, unbalance the motor causing bearing failure, or cause switches and sensors to fail or malfunction. Regular furnace filter replacement is a must, but it will not eliminate all the dirt and debris being drawn through your heating and cooling system. Also, keep in mind that if your unit is still under warranty, manufacturers may not warranty parts if they feel the unit has been neglected.
A maintenance or protection plan creates good maintenance habits, provides piece of mind, and can reduce repair costs. Typically, a maintenance plan is best for those who are still under warranty and a protection plan is best for those whose warranty has expired. In order to purchase the plan that is right for you, you first must assess what the plan needs to accomplish. For example, do you want repair costs covered or does your warranty still include these costs? How old is the furnace and what is its life expectancy? Has it been regularly maintained or has it not been serviced in a while?
These are just a few questions you may want to consider when choosing the plan that is best for you. Remember, there is a reason furnaces tend to break down on the coldest days: This is when it is under the most strain and working the hardest, so it is more likely to break down if dirt and friction are present. Many plans include a priority service feature as an added bonus. Should your system require service on those bone-chilling days, you will be put at the top of the list.
Maintenance plans can cover cleaning, inspection and adjustment of equipment once annually, and can include other benefits such as reduced labour rates and discounts on replacement equipment.
A protection plan is generally designed to reduce or eliminate labour and repair costs, but it does not necessarily include annual maintenance. Some protection plans cover labour costs and repairs costs; others may reduce the labour rate and have a set annual limit for diagnostic work and repairs. A discount for replacement equipment may also be included.
The most comprehensive offerings are a combination of maintenance and protection plans. These can include an annual equipment tune-up, as well as repairs and diagnostics with no annual limits. A discount for replacement equipment is generally part of the package.