Posted: 11/1/2012 5:34:22 AM EDT
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I had a Trane system installed late spring of 2008. This included AC, furnace, air handler. As part of the install, I got a free service visit in Feb 2009. Since then, nothing has been done with it. Is it worth the money to schedule another visit to check things out and service the unit? I know they sell service agreements where they come out twice a year, but I have always believed that to be overkill. What is done during these visits? Thoughts? |
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I had a Trane system installed late spring of 2008. This included AC, furnace, air handler. As part of the install, I got a free service visit in Feb 2009. Since then, nothing has been done with it. Is it worth the money to schedule another visit to check things out and service the unit? I know they sell service agreements where they come out twice a year, but I have always believed that to be overkill. What is done during these visits? Thoughts? Personally I think it's overkill. HVAC companies derive a HUGE amount of income from these scheduled services. They check amp draws, wash condensor, check for play in motors, check pressure, usually top it off with freon. For what it's worth, I manage a HVAC company and am a licensed HVAC contractor, I haven't checked my hvac system in 2 years and won't until it stops working. HVAC is a business we got into as an extra source of revenue because we saw that they were making a killing. When I told my boss/partner what kind of markups we could get on parts and equipment he asked me if that was considered fraud. Lol EDIT - For the most part, you can change the return air filter, wash the condenser fins out with water really well and get by until something actually fails. |
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My technician was telling me that freon had gone up to $65/lb... I checked the web and found that licensed techs were buying it for $15/lb...(yep, same type...) Forget about selling meth, aparently there's more money in legal means. It's actually a lot cheaper than that depending on the type. I don't even think r22 is that high yet. The one single thing that got me interested in starting an hvac company was buying some 410a refrigerant local, they charged me $58/lb when I knew I could get it for about $6/lb. I just didn't want to wait that particular day. When I got the bill I decided i'd go start an hvac company. $65/lb is high but not very far above average for what most companies charge. |
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It isn't like a bank transaction. You pay $450 for a 30lb jug that sits on your truck waiting to be stolen, leak, whatever. Then when you do use it, some you end up giving away as a customer service, some you loose, some you never can account for. Freon isn't a loss-leader; we charge $44/lb, but we're still the cheapest in town. There are better markups on other parts. Quoted: My technician was telling me that freon had gone up to $65/lb... I checked the web and found that licensed techs were buying it for $15/lb...(yep, same type...) Forget about selling meth, aparently there's more money in legal means. |
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I had a Trane system installed late spring of 2008. This included AC, furnace, air handler. As part of the install, I got a free service visit in Feb 2009. Since then, nothing has been done with it. Is it worth the money to schedule another visit to check things out and service the unit? I know they sell service agreements where they come out twice a year, but I have always believed that to be overkill. What is done during these visits? Thoughts? Personally I think it's overkill. HVAC companies derive a HUGE amount of income from these scheduled services. They check amp draws, wash condensor, check for play in motors, check pressure, usually top it off with freon. For what it's worth, I manage a HVAC company and am a licensed HVAC contractor, I haven't checked my hvac system in 2 years and won't until it stops working. HVAC is a business we got into as an extra source of revenue because we saw that they were making a killing. When I told my boss/partner what kind of markups we could get on parts and equipment he asked me if that was considered fraud. Lol EDIT - For the most part, you can change the return air filter, wash the condenser fins out with water really well and get by until something actually fails. Thanks. Being an HVAC contractor waiting until it breaks is cheaper for you than a customer who would have to pay the markup for the repair. Is there a recommendation for a service check that is more realistic than every six months? Every 2-3 years? Every 5? I also have a 10yr parts and labor warranty with Trane. Does that impact how often I should have someone out to look at the system? |
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I had a Trane system installed late spring of 2008. This included AC, furnace, air handler. As part of the install, I got a free service visit in Feb 2009. Since then, nothing has been done with it. Is it worth the money to schedule another visit to check things out and service the unit? I know they sell service agreements where they come out twice a year, but I have always believed that to be overkill. What is done during these visits? Thoughts? Personally I think it's overkill. HVAC companies derive a HUGE amount of income from these scheduled services. They check amp draws, wash condensor, check for play in motors, check pressure, usually top it off with freon. For what it's worth, I manage a HVAC company and am a licensed HVAC contractor, I haven't checked my hvac system in 2 years and won't until it stops working. HVAC is a business we got into as an extra source of revenue because we saw that they were making a killing. When I told my boss/partner what kind of markups we could get on parts and equipment he asked me if that was considered fraud. Lol EDIT - For the most part, you can change the return air filter, wash the condenser fins out with water really well and get by until something actually fails. Thanks. Being an HVAC contractor waiting until it breaks is cheaper for you than a customer who would have to pay the markup for the repair. Is there a recommendation for a service check that is more realistic than every six months? Every 2-3 years? Every 5? I also have a 10yr parts and labor warranty with Trane. Does that impact how often I should have someone out to look at the system? Still cheaper for you, if they replace a fan motor because it's getting worn out, you got less time before the repair than if you had let it fail. HVAC techs and trained and paid to sell parts. Everything they sell they get commission (99 percent of them anyway). If you are gonna do it, i'd do it once a year or once every two. It's still cheaper to let it fail. Example, if they replace that fan because it's getting worn after two years, if will cost you x dollars. If they replace it when it fails after 4 years instead, it still costs x dollars. The only difference is you go without the unit working for a few days until they come. |
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Don't listen to some of these guys...
They are basically telling you out of one side of their mouth that they make a killing on selling parts and labor and out of the other side they are telling you that it's better to let things break rather than maintain them... Quite the catch 22. Yes, it's worth having your unit cleaned and inspected every year for three major reasons: 1) Safety. Just read a story today on a HVAC forum for service techs, guys boiler wasn't running right, CO killed him. 2) There are parts that need cleaned every year to allow the furnace to run right. Flame sensors, belts, older motors need greased or oiled, oil burners need nozzles and fuel filters... 3) Would you rather the issues be found in the fall when things are slow and the weather mild or in Feburary when it's -10 out and maybe I can get to you in a few days? Take my honest opinion, having it done is like a cheap insurance policy. Also, your 10yr labor warranty will be voided if you fail to maintain your equipment, no furnace can go 10yrs without being serviced. |
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Don't listen to some of these guys... They are basically telling you out of one side of their mouth that they make a killing on selling parts and labor and out of the other side they are telling you that it's better to let things break rather than maintain them... Quite the catch 22. Yes, it's worth having your unit cleaned and inspected every year for three major reasons: 1) Safety. Just read a story today on a HVAC forum for service techs, guys boiler wasn't running right, CO killed him. 2) There are parts that need cleaned every year to allow the furnace to run right. Flame sensors, belts, older motors need greased or oiled, oil burners need nozzles and fuel filters... 3) Would you rather the issues be found in the fall when things are slow and the weather mild or in Feburary when it's -10 out and maybe I can get to you in a few days? Take my honest opinion, having it done is like a cheap insurance policy. Also, your 10yr labor warranty will be voided if you fail to maintain your equipment, no furnace can go 10yrs without being serviced. I'm just giving the honest viewpoint from each side. If you want to make sure the hvac company makes money, get a tuneup twice a year. If you want to do it the cheap way then wait till it breaks. If i'm a customer I want to save money, if i'm the business owner I want you to spend money. Not that hard to figure out. And something I didn't take into account is where you live. Here in north texas it isn't a big deal if the furnace breaks. It'd be different in montana or somewhere. I've probably do a once yearly checkup on a system in the north. edit - and by the way, i've never claimed to make money on labor and never will. To pay a service tech well you only make money on parts. That's why we pay commission on the parts they sell. |
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Originally Posted By Fella:
The only difference is you go without the unit working for a few days until they come. 
That sounds like a great plan. Let's be cheap and save $75 this year, maybe when the family is all over for Christmas we won't have heat! See my above post, I wasn't taking into account people in the north. I live in northern texas, winter isn't a big deal here. If your furnace goes out I just pull the little space heater out of the bathroom and put it in the living room, it heats the whole house. If you live in the northern 1/3 of the states i'd recommend a once a year checkup done before winter. I still wouldn't do it if it were me, to save money but i'm very cheap. |
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I still wouldn't do it if it were me, to save money but i'm very cheap. Of course you wouldn't, being that you claim your an owner I would expect you to have access to parts and labor ready to jump at a moments notice. Bottom line, your advice sucks for the average person, and with your claim to being an HVAC business owner I am pretty appalled at your responses. Not very well thought through. 
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I've been in the HVAC/R business for over 30 years on the wholesale side.
Do any of you change the oil in your car.... or do you just wait until the motor locks up? Do you just shoot your guns for years until it malfunctions or clean it periodically? Of course you will want to periodically service your equipment to keep it in optimum operating condition, just like you would with your car or you guns, or anything else you have invested in want to protect. Motors need the bearings oiled, belts checked for wear and tension, and coils need cleaned for optimum efficiency. Some of these basic tasks most of the more mechanically inclined types can do themselves. If you're not comfortable doing these things yourself, you should definitely have your systems checked at LEAST annually, and better off twice a year before winter and summer months. As a wholesaler I don't make a dime more whether you regularly service your equipment or not.... but you can bet the Service Companies do. Does the old phrase "You can pay me now.. or you can pay me later" ring a bell? It's the same theory, cars, guns, or furnaces/AC equipment. |
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I'm an A/C tech.
People, quit being cheap and take care of your equipment. Have a spring and winter check done, it doesn't cost shit compared to alot of other stuff you probably waste money on. I tell people all the time, "Take of it, and it will take care of you". And then I say, "I hate this line of work, please maintain it so I don't have to work on it". Otherwise, you have to call me out to fix it, and I'm going to tax you for it, because you called me at 9PM. Or its summer time in Houston, and your attic is 3,000,000*. |
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Quoted: Don't listen to some of these guys... They are basically telling you out of one side of their mouth that they make a killing on selling parts and labor and out of the other side they are telling you that it's better to let things break rather than maintain them... Quite the catch 22. Yes, it's worth having your unit cleaned and inspected every year for three major reasons: 1) Safety. Just read a story today on a HVAC forum for service techs, guys boiler wasn't running right, CO killed him. 2) There are parts that need cleaned every year to allow the furnace to run right. Flame sensors, belts, older motors need greased or oiled, oil burners need nozzles and fuel filters... 3) Would you rather the issues be found in the fall when things are slow and the weather mild or in Feburary when it's -10 out and maybe I can get to you in a few days? Take my honest opinion, having it done is like a cheap insurance policy. Also, your 10yr labor warranty will be voided if you fail to maintain your equipment, no furnace can go 10yrs without being serviced. Listen to this guy. I can vouch for him and tell you, he is the real deal. Known him for years on Arfcom and has never let anyone down. |
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Quoted: Figures... LOOK AT YOUR NAME! I'm an A/C tech. People, quit being cheap and take care of your equipment. Have a spring and winter check done, it doesn't cost shit compared to alot of other stuff you probably waste money on. I tell people all the time, "Take of it, and it will take care of you". And then I say, "I hate this line of work, please maintain it so I don't have to work on it". Otherwise, you have to call me out to fix it, and I'm going to tax you for it, because you called me at 9PM. Or its summer time in Houston, and your attic is 3,000,000*.  |
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I wish I would have taken pics of the furnace I worked on last sunday, 3/8 inch wide cracks in three of the 4 main heat exchanger runs [you could look inside and see the foil insulation backing on the far side of the unit] and 8 cracks in just the first portion of the heat exchanger just past the shot burners. The furnace was manufactured in 2000.....................
There was a burn spot on the front panel where the main blower had pushed out the flame from the shot burner. |
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Quoted: I wish I would have taken pics of the furnace I worked on last sunday, 3/8 inch wide cracks in three of the 4 main heat exchanger runs [you could look inside and see the foil insulation backing on the far side of the unit] and 8 cracks in just the first portion of the heat exchanger just past the shot burners. The furnace was manufactured in 2000..................... There was a burn spot on the front panel where the main blower had pushed out the flame from the shot burner.  |
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Quoted: +1Quoted: Don't listen to some of these guys... They are basically telling you out of one side of their mouth that they make a killing on selling parts and labor and out of the other side they are telling you that it's better to let things break rather than maintain them... Quite the catch 22. Yes, it's worth having your unit cleaned and inspected every year for three major reasons: 1) Safety. Just read a story today on a HVAC forum for service techs, guys boiler wasn't running right, CO killed him. 2) There are parts that need cleaned every year to allow the furnace to run right. Flame sensors, belts, older motors need greased or oiled, oil burners need nozzles and fuel filters... 3) Would you rather the issues be found in the fall when things are slow and the weather mild or in Feburary when it's -10 out and maybe I can get to you in a few days? Take my honest opinion, having it done is like a cheap insurance policy. Also, your 10yr labor warranty will be voided if you fail to maintain your equipment, no furnace can go 10yrs without being serviced. Listen to this guy. I can vouch for him and tell you, he is the real deal. Known him for years on Arfcom and has never let anyone down. ZW17 is an HVAC genius and he didn't even steal anything at my house  |
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Don't listen to some of these guys... They are basically telling you out of one side of their mouth that they make a killing on selling parts and labor and out of the other side they are telling you that it's better to let things break rather than maintain them... Quite the catch 22. Yes, it's worth having your unit cleaned and inspected every year for three major reasons: 1) Safety. Just read a story today on a HVAC forum for service techs, guys boiler wasn't running right, CO killed him. 2) There are parts that need cleaned every year to allow the furnace to run right. Flame sensors, belts, older motors need greased or oiled, oil burners need nozzles and fuel filters... 3) Would you rather the issues be found in the fall when things are slow and the weather mild or in Feburary when it's -10 out and maybe I can get to you in a few days? Take my honest opinion, having it done is like a cheap insurance policy. Also, your 10yr labor warranty will be voided if you fail to maintain your equipment, no furnace can go 10yrs without being serviced. Listen to this guy. I can vouch for him and tell you, he is the real deal. Known him for years on Arfcom and has never let anyone down. ZW17 is an HVAC genius and he didn't even steal anything at my house Yes he did, he was so good you still don't know it yet.
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Don't listen to some of these guys... They are basically telling you out of one side of their mouth that they make a killing on selling parts and labor and out of the other side they are telling you that it's better to let things break rather than maintain them... Quite the catch 22. Yes, it's worth having your unit cleaned and inspected every year for three major reasons: 1) Safety. Just read a story today on a HVAC forum for service techs, guys boiler wasn't running right, CO killed him. 2) There are parts that need cleaned every year to allow the furnace to run right. Flame sensors, belts, older motors need greased or oiled, oil burners need nozzles and fuel filters... 3) Would you rather the issues be found in the fall when things are slow and the weather mild or in Feburary when it's -10 out and maybe I can get to you in a few days? Take my honest opinion, having it done is like a cheap insurance policy. Also, your 10yr labor warranty will be voided if you fail to maintain your equipment, no furnace can go 10yrs without being serviced. Listen to this guy. I can vouch for him and tell you, he is the real deal. Known him for years on Arfcom and has never let anyone down. ZW17 is an HVAC genius and he didn't even steal anything at my house Yes he did, he was so good you still don't know it yet. Right? I can't believe he hasn't pooped out that condom yet. Are you eating right armoredsaint? |