The Three Yearly Service Contracts Your Home Needs.

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. HVAC (Heating & A/C), pest/termite control, and a chimney sweep.

Setting each one of these up on a yearly maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance year-round. You will be assured that a professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these so that you can avoid preventable issues and serious problems down the road.

At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year on something that isn’t broken yet. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run. It will help you avoid more costly damage to your home and unnecessary distress and disruptions for your family.

Please take the time to do your homework on any company you are considering hiring for the work. You want a reputable, reliable, and trustworthy company that services your home properly and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs.

1) HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System

This is a biggie for most homeowners. Your heating and cooling systems affect 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:

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

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

• These maintenance visits are usually scheduled in the early fall and the spring before you need them most in the winter and summer. They will contact you to set up an appointment, so you don’t need to remember.

• 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 replacements. Always check your contract carefully.

• You will 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

No one likes to admit it, but some neighborhoods can have rats, especially more urban areas, as well as other creatures and pests. And don’t get me started on the damage (and cost!!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your home!

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 the preventative measures used by a professional technician. It’s all about controlling and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, carpenter ants, etc.

Here’s what to expect:

• With a service contract, the 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 the change of seasons.

• If you have an infestation, they know how to solve the situation safely and efficiently, which will save you money in the long run.

• You will 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 definitely not a DIY one since it can be dangerous and dirty!

Cleaning and inspecting your chimney requires a certified chimney sweep whose expertise will help prevent your fireplace from experiencing any combustion issues or creosote buildup, which could potentially cause a fire in your home.

Also, just because you don’t cozy up to a fire doesn’t mean you can skip this one!  Some homes have a chimney to vent the gas heater or gas water heater.

Here’s what to expect:

• You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more if you use it often. This is especially critical before you begin using your fireplace for the season!

• 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 ensure that birds and other critters haven’t made a nest inside that can block the chimney. They also clear out any leaves or other debris that can collect and obstruct the chimney.

• If your chimney needs repairs the company can handle this as well.

• 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 used to vent your gas heat and/or your gas water heater. Double-check your home’s setup.

As you can see, investing in service contracts upfront will make your life easier as a homeowner. You can rest assured that your home is being monitored and serviced regularly, which can help you avoid more costly and preventable damage later on. 

If you have any questions about service contracts or want any recommendations, email me at bschein@fathomrealty.com.