Contract for geo?

[tomfox21]

I've had a geo maintenance contract with a local HVAC company, but I've read that some don't think they're really worth it because of the low maintenance. The contract includes a yearly tuneup and a slight discount on emergency service. Do you think it's worth having a contract?

[James Colver]

It really all depends on how nice of a job they did putting it in. Just like any other piece of equipment it could be very reliable if the installer did a good job.

[stickman42]

I've been through three years with my system. Haven't done a single thing to it other than change filters. Haven't needed any service yet either. I plan on checking the air coil soon to see if it needs a cleaning. If you're getting a "tune-up", I would ask exactly what it is they are doing. From my readings, the majority of geo owners go without a service plan.

[tomfox21]

Once a year they change 1” filters (40% pleated filters are extra), clean drain pan & vacuum drain lines, check pump operation for loops, inspect glycol concentration, test and adjust operation of safety and operating controls, check electrical connections for loose or worn connections, test and check thermostat controls, check for proper cooling transfer in geo coil, check electric heat (or other back-up heat source) check compressor terminals , check for proper heat transfer in geo coil. Cost = $ per year

[stickman42]

Seems thorough... Only questionable point is that the 1" filter is being changed just once a year? Those filters, which I also use, tend to load up with dust, etc. quicker than that. Leaving them in too long could put stress on the system through increased pressure drop across the filter. Otherwise I guess it's a choice which brings peace of mind. I chose to install a monitoring system and keep an eye on things year-round.

[behappy]

I've had a geo maintenance contract with a local HVAC company, but I've read that some don't think they're really worth it because of the low maintenance. The contract includes a yearly tuneup and a slight discount on emergency service. Do you think it's worth having a contract?

Are ya feeling lucky....

We have a house that has 6 units in it and have PM'ed it for well over 15 years.
We have found numerous Freon leaks, component problems, loop pump and loop problems.
A lot of these problems were found on the PM before major damage occurred.

Also pricing not allowed...

[stickman42]

I look at these types of contracts as quasi-insurance. If you need it, it's great to have. If not, then you'll lament the money spent. You could go either way. Here's the best concise pro/con discussion on the topic I've come across.

https://www.geoexchange.org/forum/th...81/#post-56837

[cwb124]

I've seen a couple quotes where the installation company will provide 5-10 years labor warranty as long as you show proof of regular maintenance. I don't see how scrimping on $250/year in service maintenance makes any sense under those conditions.

[Sailfast]

I've had a geo maintenance contract with a local HVAC company, but I've read that some don't think they're really worth it because of the low maintenance. The contract includes a yearly tuneup and a slight discount on emergency service. Do you think it's worth having a contract?

It depends on how important heat and cool is to you. If a problem is caught and a breakdown prevented you could avoid being down a day or 3.
But heat in the winter probably isn't that important to you.

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