How can you be sure that you’re protected from future expenses on your HVAC unit? Most manufacturers provide some type of warranty with the systems that your local contractors sell. Contractors offer maintenance plans. Which is right for you, a maintenance plan or warranty?   

A warranty covers exactly what it states it covers in the paperwork that comes with the HVAC unit. This warranty is from the manufacturer of the unit not the contractor who installs it. According to Warranty Week, manufacturers spend less than 2 percent of their revenue on warranty work. Read carefully to see exactly what is covered and for how long. Many parts are covered for five years, some for 10 or more. A warranty covers only the specific parts listed, not the service call, labor or supplies that may be needed by the technician to take out the old part and put in the new one. Extra charges are usually assessed if you have to call after regular business hours.

Heating and air conditioning companies offer maintenance plans to their customers as a way to help insure that the HVAC system is maintained properly and runs efficiently. They also check periodically for possible problems before they become major repairs. You prepay for a specific number of visits and usually receive preferred pricing on any needed extras not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Everyone is busy and it is easy to forget when you last changed the filter in your HVAC unit or what regular maintenance may be required. By maintaining your HVAC unit and having it checked regularly, you may be able to avoid making that emergency phone call, but if you do, many maintenance plans include priority service.

For help deciding if you need a maintenance plan or warranty, contact Comfort Systems HVAC and Plumbing Services in Wichita. Comfort Systems has been providing the best service at a great price in the Wichita area since 1996.  Our trained staff is ready to answer your questions and help you decide if a maintenance plan or warranty is the best choice for your needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about maintenance plans and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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