Your Home Needs These Three Yearly Service Contracts

Your Home Needs These Three Yearly Service Contracts

With busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall off your to-do list.

There are three annual services I recommend in order to prevent you getting hit with a large bill. These are minor tasks that can help avoid major issues.

Let the professionals help you, and better yet, have a maintenance plan with them.

Why It’s Worth the $$

There are three yearly professional service contracts you should have done to your home – HVAC (Heating & A/C), Pest Control/Termite, and a chimney sweep / dryer vent clean out.

Having each of these set up on a yearly maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance year round. You will be assured that a professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these so that you can avoid preventable possibly serious problems later on.

At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year for maybe nothing that needs to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run, helping you avoid more costly damage to your home and unnecessary distress and disruptions for your family.

Please take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring any business. You want a reputable, reliable and trust-worthy company that services your home properly and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs. If you need help with finding a professional, I have several contacts in the Cypress/ Tomball area that I can recommend.

HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System

This is the biggie for most homeowners. Your heating and cooling system affects your day-to-day life all year long, and you want it running smoothly and efficiently.

No one wants to come home to no heat on a frigid January night, or have their air conditioning unit break down during the hottest week of August! A service plan could help prevent that.

Here’s what to expect:

A service plan with a professional HVAC company will ensure that your system is serviced at least twice a year, at the change in seasons.

A technician will test, inspect, and clean as necessary to make sure all is safe and functioning properly.

These maintenance visits are scheduled usually in the early fall and the spring, before your system needs to really crank out the heat or air conditioning. They will contact you to set up an appointment so it stays on your to-do list.

The cost of a service plan is typically less expensive if you scheduled two separate visits without a contract. And, again, you won’t have to remember to call them, since they’ll call you if you are on the yearly maintenance plan.

Some also provide discounts on parts and future replacements. Always check your contract carefully.

You’ll get scheduling priority when something does go wrong! This is extremely helpful during the holidays or weekends.

Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections

No one likes to admit it but some neighborhoods can have rats, especially more urban areas … and other creatures and pests. And don’t get us started on the damage (and cost!!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your home!

Pest control really isn’t a true do-it-yourself job. Sure, you can set up a trap or two, or even get out some ant spray, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative measures used by a professional technician.

Here’s what to expect:

A service contract with a pest control company will schedule regular maintenance and inspections throughout the year. They know what to look out for at certain times of the year and at the change of seasons.

It’s all about “control” and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, carpenter ants, etc.

If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they know how to solve the situation in a safe and efficient way that will save you money in the long run.

You’ll develop a relationship with the company and most likely with your neighborhood technician who will know your home and yard and its “problem” spots.

Again, you’ll get priority scheduling if an emergency arises.

Chimney Sweep / Dryer Vent Clean Out

This task is definitely not a DIY one since it can be dangerous and dirty!

Cleaning and inspecting your chimney and dryer vent requires a certified professional whose expertise will help prevent any combustion issues or creosote buildup that could cause a fire in your home.

Don’t use your fireplace because it is too hot in Cypress for a fire?  Still have this checked on a regular basis…often birds and other creatures can build nest that need to be removed before damage is caused. 

Here’s what to expect:

You should have your chimney / dryer vent inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more if you use it often. This is critical before you begin using your fireplace for the season!

A chimney sweep will clean the fireplace, check the firebox, liners, smoke chambers and flue, and the chimney’s exterior. They have the equipment and the expertise to do this efficiently and safely (and without a mess!).

Often the same company can check your dryer vent for clogs, birds’ nest, condensation, and broken ducts.

Having your dryer vent serviced will save you money in the long run from higher electricity or energy bills you incur from running a defective appliance. Your clothes dryer will also last longer despite frequent usage. It is also necessary to protect your home from catching accidental fire from overheating vent due to clogging.

If your chimney needs repairs, the company can handle this too.

Again, you can develop a relationship with a certain company or technician who knows your home.

As you can see, investing in service contracts upfront will make your life easier as a homeowner. Your home is being monitored and serviced on a regular basis, helps to avoid more costly and preventable damage later on. 

Email me jennifer@movewithmestayer.com if you have any questions about service contracts or would like any recommendations.