Responsible building managers and business owners are constantly trying to find cost effective ways to operate while still providing top notch services to their property’s occupants. Because the price tag of an ongoing service agreement with a heating and air conditioning contract seems high, many believe that bringing this type of equipment maintenance and repair in house is a more suitable arrangement. However, the cost of HVAC service agreements is not so expensive when you look at the benefits of having a professional available when you need one.
1. Efficiency
Having an ongoing contract for HVAC maintenance keeps your equipment working at peak levels during any season of the year. A professional performs regular checks to ensure that all your heating and air conditioning components are functioning properly with an expert eye that can catch problems before they become emergencies. Regular care results in improved efficiency from your HVAC system, so it’s always working at optimal levels. This means you keep your energy costs lower and improve comfort during extreme temperatures.
2. Emergencies
Those with HVAC service agreements are afforded special considerations when an emergency does arise. If you’re not under contract, you’re forced to contact a company with whom you don’t have a relationship and who is unfamiliar with your building. You’ll most certainly be paying more for a service call, and see a higher cost for repairs and replacement equipment. Of course, the cost is a higher premium if you need emergency repairs during a holiday or weekend. Plus, you could be waiting days for a technician, as most contractors give priority to customers who have agreements.
3. Expertise
Building owners and managers with HVAC service agreements can rely on professionals who are experts in the field. Their extensive experience enables them to know what checks need to be performed at the proper time intervals, and they can detect problems that the untrained eye cannot see. You may have general contractor experience to handle plumbing issues or basic electrical repairs, but today’s heating and refrigeration models are far more complex. By comparison, a qualified HVAC specialist knows to:
- Check refrigerant levels for proper cooling in warm weather;
- Inspect lubrication of all fans and moving parts, applying the proper solvents as necessary to keep equipment running smoothly;
- Examine air filters, cleaning where necessary and making replacements to old filters; • Review the ignition mechanisms to ensure that a spark will properly light the pilot light or main burner of your furnace;
- Recommend replacements or repairs on parts showing significant wear and tear, before these issues become catastrophes; and,
- Look at thermostat connections for proper on/off functions.
To learn more about commercial HVAC preventative maintenance and HVAC service agreements, download our white paper, HVAC Preventative Maintenance Contracts: How to Find the Right One for Your Infrastructure.
