Are you content with the quality of your HVAC service contract? Terminating a contract is not as difficult as you might think — and can mean the difference between a system that runs smoothly and one that runs poorly due to inattention and sub-par maintenance. Even if you’re feeling hesitant about seeking a new provider, there’s no good reason to stay locked into a bad contract.
Know Before You Sign.
Not receiving the quality of service you signed up for? That alone may be reason to end the relationship. When it comes to breaking an HVAC service contract, there’s a “right” way to do it, and that’s why it’s so important to understand the terms you initially agreed upon. Most HVAC service agreements run for a year, but even if you’re just six months in, you’re not necessarily obligated to ride it out. As long as you’re current with your payment, many contracts allow for 30-day written notice to end the agreement. Other contracts may have early termination penalties that require you to pay for the remaining months on the contract. If that’s too costly, use the time to seek out better alternatives while waiting for your current contract to expire.
Do Your Homework.
If your current contract is coming to an end soon, now is the right time to consider transitioning to a new service provider. And be sure to scrutinize your new options carefully — section by section. For example, is any failure on the part of the vendor a cause for termination without penalty? Does the contract auto-renew unless you inform the vendor otherwise? By understanding all of the legal jargon, you’re less likely to feel trapped and more likely to sign on the provider who best meets the needs of your building.
Find out how easy it may be to make the switch to a new HVAC maintenance vendor with our free guide to Contract Confidence: Transitioning to a New HVAC Service Provider.
