Which is better: home warranty or annual ac maintenance?

Imagine you bought a new air conditioner to replace the old, malfunctioning model in your home. You would need to call an air conditioning expert for installation. After completing the job, he asks if you would like to sign up for their annual AC maintenance

• how would you respond? This is a question many homeowners find themselves asking. Considering the recommended practice is to get your AC checked yearly, an annual contract sounds like a good idea. But how does it fare against a home warranty, one that protects all the plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances in your home against technical problems and damages? Find out below:

What You Get with a Home Warranty

The biggest difference between an annual plan of any kind and a home warranty is the period of coverage. Home warranties usually last a month, while an annual maintenance contract, as the name states, protects your AC throughout the year. However, under a home warranty, you are entitled to the replacement or repair of most appliances, including the AC, within your home. The plan also covers a few electrical and plumbing issues.

No prior inspection is required to qualify for a home warranty, but you should note that technicians attend to only those issues which crop up during the warranty period. There have been several instances where homeowners have been denied coverage for problems predating the purchase of this warranty. Plus, you might have to pay a policy deductible for each repair call.

So, what you’re getting is a single, umbrella plan that covers the breakdown of various systems and appliances within your home.

Annual AC Maintenance Benefits

An annual AC maintenance plan benefits your cooling system, and your cooling system alone. The terms of the contract do not cover any other appliances. However, the service you get is a lot more comprehensive, going well beyond simple AC repair and upkeep. Homeowners can expect bi-annual inspections, where an AC professional will not only check the status of the machine but clean all the components as well.

If your AC unit suffers a malfunction or breakdown while the warranty is valid, you will receive priority service. This means you won’t have to wait long for the repairman to arrive at your doorstep, thereby minimizing the discomfort caused due to the lack of a functioning AC system. Under some plans, a technician is dispatched the same day as your call. It is also likely that you’ll receive discounts on services and parts in case extensive repairs are necessary.

Choosing the Right Plan

Both home warranties and annual AC maintenance plans have their shares of pros and cons. But according to experts, regular maintenance holds more significance than a repair and replacement plan because maintenance does away with the need for any repairs in the first place. Moreover, timely maintenance can improve the life of your unit.

Another reason why a maintenance plan trumps a home warranty is continuity of service. Homeowners who opt for an annual sign up for their annual AC maintenance know which center the professional belongs to; in the case of a home warranty, there is no way to know for certain which company will get that claim. So, it’s better to work with a company you know and trust.

If you live in a place like Spring Hill, air conditioning is a must. The high temperature makes life unbearable without it, which is exactly the reason why you need a plan that will ensure prompt and efficient service. Consider your options carefully, and make the right choice!