Having the HVAC system inspected and repaired annually allows a technician to identify problems when they are minor, when repairs are minimal rather than cost-prohibitive. Like your car, your home's HVAC will last longer if given timely maintenance and maintenance. If this is the case, the manufacturer may require maintenance by a technician who is explicitly certified for the brand and often the manufacturer will pay part or all of the maintenance costs. Especially during the summer months, when HVAC companies are busy with all kinds of emergency repairs due to high temperatures, the annual cost of a service contract seems to be worth it, just in case.
Consider installing a new HVAC system if your units are more than 10 years old and the HVAC repair bill would be more than 30% of the cost of a new air conditioner and oven combination. These costs can range from something small, such as replacing a part, or something a little more expensive, such as a standard professional HVAC service call. As you can see, reactive maintenance HVAC repair doesn't have the same set-up cost as a proactive maintenance service. While you'll need a professional to perform regular HVAC maintenance, this cost is much lower than emergency service if the unit suddenly breaks down.
In most cases, the HVAC company will charge a standard rate for a regular annual service and maintenance call, and you'll know in advance how much it will cost. Fixing the problem could be more expensive than a standard HVAC service call, depending on the diagnosis.
