What’s Included in an Air Conditioning Maintenance Contract?

When you make enquiries about air conditioning maintenance, you’ll need to be aware of what should be included in the contract. Most air conditioning contractors provide a maintenance service, although the details can vary depending on the scope of their work.

We take a closer look at what should be included in an air conditioning maintenance contact, why they are needed and discuss why maintenance is so important for the longevity of your system.

What is an air conditioning maintenance contract?

An air conditioning maintenance contract is an agreement made between a home or business owner and an air conditioning contractor. The agreement details the full list of services the contractor offers for the duration of the contract, as well as how regularly they will be applied.

Whilst many people target the summer as the best time to service their AC system, an air conditioning maintenance contract can significantly reduce the risk of a breakdown occurring.

There is no set template for an air conditioning maintenance contract, as the details vary depending on the requirements of the customer. For example, a domestic property will have different needs than a commercial workspace, so the services offered will reflect that.

There are generally two types of maintenance contract: annual maintenance contracts (AMC) and comprehensive maintenance contracts (CMC).

An AMC offers an effective way to cover the basic maintenance requirements of your system, which provides cover for the service itself. If you take out a CMC, it will cover all the associated maintenance costs as well as parts and labour.

Most maintenance contracts last for one year, although a longer-term agreement can usually be put in place if you are happy with the contractor’s work.

Why does my air conditioning system need servicing? Click here to find out more.

What are the benefits of air conditioning maintenance?

Some of the key benefits of air conditioning maintenance include:

• • Save money: Regular cleaning and adjusting of your air conditioning system helps to keep it running efficiently. Not only does this help to maintain high performance levels, but it can also lower cooling and heating costs.
  • Fewer breakdowns: The most common reason for emergency repairs is lack of servicing and maintenance, as hidden faults gradually worsen until the system stops working completely. Regular maintenance will reduce the likelihood of a breakdown, which can save you money in the long run.
  • Extended lifespan: With regular maintenance, mechanical-based equipment like air conditioning should last for longer, giving you better value for money and helping you to delay investing in a brand-new replacement system. Even the simple replacement of filters can make all the difference to its longevity.

How to find a good air conditioning maintenance contract

Air conditioning maintenance contracts vary, depending on the company offering the service, so there are some key elements to keep a lookout for:

Verify the company

Whether you have found the company on Google or have been recommended by a friend, it’s always a good idea to find out more about them. Check that the company:

• Uses fully qualified and experienced engineers and has adequate insurance cover.
• Is part of any of any professional bodies or organisations.
• Has been in business for a while and has developed a good local reputation.
• Offers the right kind of maintenance services you need.
• Has good reviews online and is located a reasonable distance away from you.

What happens during an air conditioning servicing? Click here to find out more.

Check the contract

Before you agree to a maintenance contract, request a copy, and inspect the terms, paying special attention to the cancellation section.

The contract should detail everything that will take place during a maintenance check, how many visits you will receive in a year and any other services that are included in the package. Ask for more details if the contract only provides general claims about what you are paying for.

Details the contract should feature include:

• Full names and details of both parties
• Services provided
• Payment terms
• Response times
• Service schedules
• Equipment details
• Scope of work
• Warranties, guarantees and compensation
• Contract termination details

The contact should also state the type of maintenance you will receive, such as condition-based, on-demand or preventive, for example. Regular servicing of the system can also help to keep the warranty valid.

Review the cost

Whilst cost is important, it shouldn’t be the first thing you check or the sole factor you base your decision on.

Contractors that are willing to offer heavy discounts at the drop of a hat should be seen as a red flag, as it suggests they do not place too much value in their own services. This doesn’t mean you should have to pay over the odds, but there is a fair balance to be struck regarding price.

And if you have more than one unit installed in your property, the company should take the size of the system into consideration when giving you a quote.

Customise the contract

Most air conditioning companies will also be able to offer bespoke and custom maintenance packages based on your needs.

For example, if your air con has an unusual configuration, ask if you can customise the contract to reflect this. It makes more sense to do this before you agree to a maintenance contract, so you can avoid any unnecessary issues later.

Final thoughts

There is quite a lot of ground to cover when it comes to checking an air conditioning maintenance contract. However, it pays to take your time to ensure that it covers everything you need so you can receive a high-quality service that supports your system, helping you to get more value for your investment.

Get a free survey and quote

If you are interested to find out more about air conditioning maintenance and how it works, get in touch with AAC today to arrange a free quote and survey at a time that suits you. Email info@aacteam.co.uk or call 01707 32 55 66.