$50 to have air conditioner cleaned and inspected?

[shortylickens]

A Advantage of Northern Virginia has done a fine job fixing and maintaining all our important stuff over the past few years. We've never had any complaints about them but they do tend to charge a pretty penny for their work.

Just recieved a phone call from them asking if I wanna spend 50 bucks to have my central AC cleaned and inspected. So far as I know the filter on the AC is new and was only used for a few days last Sept.

Is this worth the money?

 

[SagaLore]

No...

All they're going to do is take the case off and use an air compressor to spray it out. 😛

 

[sjwaste]

I have an oil furnace and use TJ Fannon out of Alexandria. I haven't had them do any AC service, though, but I definitely have them clean my furnace every fall. Probably not necessary with gas, though.

Still, for $50, it might be worth it if it hasn't been looked at in a while.

 

[Modelworks]

It depends.
I know some in the business and they charge $75 for the service. That includes opening the outside unit, washing out the coils with a special solution designed for coils to remove dirt,mildew. Inspecting for any rust and touching it up if need with primer and vacuuming out of any ducts if it is that type of unit outside.


You can also do it yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...pka3ec&feature=related


I would either pay to do it or do it myself as dirt in the coils does hurt efficiency.

 

[Mojoed]

I pay $240 annually ($120x2) for maintenance for my two Lennox Heat Pump systems. That includes new filters, checking for leaks, checking the air handlers, etc.

I don't like having to do this, but it's the only way I can get the 12 year labor/parts warranty.

OP, I wouldn't sweat it for $50. It's worth the peace of mind.

 

[Newbian]

Make sure you have them check for mice.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

Originally posted by: Newbian
Make sure you have them check for mice.

Beat me to it. :evil:

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: SagaLore
No...

All they're going to do is take the case off and use an air compressor to spray it out. 😛

this, most guys here want 100 bucks to do it. thing is, if its not seriousy broken, i dont think theres anything to find anyway

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: Newbian
Make sure you have them check for mice.

DAMNIT.... =)

 

[scott916]

Sometimes they do adjustments as needed besides the cleaning. If this is the case, then yes.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: Mojoed
I pay $240 annually ($120x2) for maintenance for my two Lennox Heat Pump systems. That includes new filters, checking for leaks, checking the air handlers, etc.

I don't like having to do this, but it's the only way I can get the 12 year labor/parts warranty.

OP, I wouldn't sweat it for $50. It's worth the peace of mind.

So basically, your heatpumps were whatever you paid for them +2880.

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: Mojoed
I pay $240 annually ($120x2) for maintenance for my two Lennox Heat Pump systems. That includes new filters, checking for leaks, checking the air handlers, etc.

I don't like having to do this, but it's the only way I can get the 12 year labor/parts warranty.

OP, I wouldn't sweat it for $50. It's worth the peace of mind.

So basically, your heatpumps were whatever you paid for them +2880.

Yep.

The maintenance done will ensure these systems run for a long time. Yeah I would prefer not to pay this much, but to me it's worth the peace of mind. If a compressor dies even once, or I need new coolant line, or whatever, the $240 per year for 12 years will pay for itself.

These aren't your run-of-the-mill heat pumps, these suckers are expensive. 😉

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Newbian
Make sure you have them check for mice.

I hear if you wait long enough, they'll just pop out on their own - saves you $50, right?

 

[SlitheryDee]

If they're actually planning on thoroughly checking it for any potential malfunctions then I'd say it's worth it once or twice a year. If they're just going to poke their head in the closet and declare things fine then no. I'd say your A/C is one of the last things you want to go out in the coming months, in any case.

 

[Eli]

If you're not the type to do it yourself, and you trust these people, it is well worth the money IMO.