Your Home Needs These Three Annual Service Contracts

With busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall off your to-do list.

Like many homeowners, you might try to cram certain projects into one weekend. Or worse yet, disaster strikes, and you get hit with a large bill since you never got around to a minor task that turned into a major issue.

Stop causing yourself so much stress! Let the professionals help you, and better yet, have a maintenance plan with them.

Why It’s Worth the $$

There are three yearly professional service contracts you should sign up for once you move into your home – Heating system (HVAC, furnace, or boiler), Pest Control/Termite, and a chimney sweep.

Having each of these set up on a yearly maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance year-round.  Each of these professionals will monitor your home systems, perform annual maintenance, identify wear, and tear that needs to be addressed, and head off any problems before they become major. There is nothing worse than having your heating system fail in the middle of a winter freeze.

At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year for maybe nothing that needs to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run, helping you avoid more costly damage to your home and unnecessary distress and disruptions for your family.

Please take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring any business. You want a reputable, reliable and trust-worthy company that services your home properly and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs.

1) Heating System (Furnace, Boiler or HVAC)

This is the biggie for most homeowners. Your heating and cooling system affects your day-to-day life all year long, and you want it running smoothly and efficiently.

No one wants to come home to no heat on a frigid January night or have their air conditioning unit break down during the hottest week of August! A service plan could help prevent that.

Here’s what to expect:

Oil Furnace/Boiler:

If you have oil fuel for your heating and hot water system(s) you most likely already have a service contract for the oil delivery that includes furnace maintenance and emergency service in the event something goes bump in the night. Make sure you take advantage of the regular maintenance visits that are included with the contract.

Gas Furnace/Boiler:

If you don’t have a regular service contract with a heating company or plumber, now is the time to get that set up.  You may also want to check that the service includes your hot water heater if it is separate from the furnace.   Make sure you take advantage of the regular maintenance visits that come with the contract.

HVAC (Heating and Cooling):

A service plan with a professional HVAC company will ensure that your system is serviced at least twice a year, at the change in seasons.

A technician will test, inspect, and clean as necessary to make sure all is safe and functioning properly.

These maintenance visits are scheduled usually in the early fall and the spring before your system needs to really crank out the heat or air conditioning. They will contact you to set up an appointment, so it stays on your to-do list.

The cost of a service plan is typically less expensive than if you scheduled two separate visits without a contract. And, again, you won’t have to remember to call them, since they’ll call you if you are on the yearly maintenance plan.

Some also provide discounts on parts and future replacements. Always check your contract carefully.

You’ll get scheduling priority when something does go wrong! This is extremely helpful during the holidays or weekends.

2) Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections

Let’s face it every homeowner will experience troublesome pests, whether mice find a way into your basement or squirrels your attic, getting them out and cleaning up after them can be a pain.

Pest control really isn’t a true do-it-yourself job. Sure, you can set up a trap or two, or even get out some ant spray, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative measures used by a professional technician.

Here’s what to expect:

A service contract with a pest control company will schedule regular maintenance and inspections throughout the year. They know what to look out for at certain times of the year and at the change of seasons.

It’s all about “control” and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, carpenter ants, etc.

If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they know how to solve the situation in a safe and efficient way that will save you money in the long run.

You’ll develop a relationship with the company and most likely with your neighborhood technician who will know your home and yard and its “problem” spots.

Again, you’ll get priority scheduling if an emergency arises.

3) Chimney Sweep (not just for fireplaces)

This task is not a DIY one since it can be dangerous and dirty!

Cleaning and inspecting your chimney require a certified chimney sweep whose expertise will help prevent creosote buildup and ensure your fireplace is functioning properly and safely.

And just because you don’t have a fireplace, doesn’t mean you can skip this one!  If you have a gas or oil fueled furnace you most likely have a chimney. According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

Here’s what to expect:

You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more if you use it often. You may want to schedule it for the fall just before you start using it.

A chimney sweep will clean the fireplace, check the firebox, liners, smoke chambers and flue, and the chimney’s exterior. They have the equipment and the expertise to do this efficiently and safely (and without a mess!).

Service contracts could also include wood-burning stoves.

A sweep will make sure that birds and other critters haven’t set up a nest that can block the chimney. Plus, leaves and other debris can collect and obstruct the chimney.

If your chimney needs repairs, the company can handle this too.

Again, you can develop a relationship with a certain company or technician who knows your home and chimney.

Even if you don’t have a fireplace, some homes have a chimney that is used to vent your oil furnace/boiler, gas furnace/boiler and/or your gas water heater. Double check your home’s set up.

As you can see, investing in service contracts upfront will make your life easier as a homeowner. Your home is being monitored and serviced on a regular basis, helping to avoid more costly and preventable damage later on. 

Email me if you have any questions about service contracts or want any recommendations.