Proudly Serving Monmouth and Ocean County

Casper Friendly Services Logo
Casper Plumbing & HVAC

Why Should You Consider an AC Maintenance Plan in Toms River, NJ?

Table of Contents

ac maintenance plan

When you invest in a new air conditioning system, you want it to last as long as possible without giving you any trouble. Although every system eventually starts to deteriorate, usually after a decade or so of service, extending its lifespan as much as possible is the goal. 

The key to many years of trouble-free air conditioning is maintenance, and an AC maintenance plan is an easy way to ensure your equipment gets the TLC it needs to last as long as possible. As the top-ranking HVAC service in Toms River, NJ, Casper Friendly Services offers convenient and affordable maintenance options to ensure peak performance and energy efficiency. 

If you’re unsure whether a preventive AC care service plan is right for you, consider its many advantages. 

What Is an AC Maintenance Plan?

AC maintenance plans and HVAC service contracts help reduce the costs of cooling system upkeep and ensure that the system gets the care it needs to run flawlessly. 

HVAC companies typically charge a flat annual rate or monthly fee for a “membership” in their plan. Specific plan details vary by company but typically include:

  • An annual air conditioning maintenance visit
  • An annual furnace or heating system tuneup
  • Priority scheduling for service appointments 
  • Discounts on repairs and parts 

Some companies offer additional benefits, like the opportunity to earn credits toward replacement equipment, but most customers enroll in the plans to save money on the annual maintenance visits. 

Why You Should Enroll in An AC Maintenance Plan in Toms River, NJ

Some Toms River homeowners are skeptical of AC maintenance plans. They erroneously believe that memberships are simply a way for HVAC companies to earn more money.

However, in reality, an HVAC service plan saves money. It can also save you a great deal of time and aggravation when it comes to cooling system upkeep. Consider the following benefits of signing up for your HVAC company’s service plan.

Comprehensive Preventive AC Care 

As the homeowner, you are responsible for some air conditioning maintenance tasks, like changing the air filter and keeping the area around the outdoor unit clean and free of foliage and other debris. However, systems require additional maintenance tasks that you probably aren’t equipped for. 

An annual professional service visit is critical to keeping your air conditioning system in prime working condition. During these visits, the HVAC technician inspects, cleans, and tunes up the system to ensure that everything is in good working condition so you don’t encounter unexpected problems later in the season. 

The typical air conditioning service visit includes:

  • Inspecting and cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils
  • Checking, tightening, and testing electrical connections 
  • Cleaning critical mechanical components 
  • Changing the air filter 
  • Checking refrigerant levels 
  • Testing the motor 
  • Cleaning and adjusting the fan 
  • Checking and cleaning the condensate drain and drain pan 
  • Calibrating the thermostat 

While inspecting the air conditioner’s critical components, the technician can identify issues that require additional repairs and fix minor concerns that could lead to bigger problems in the future. You gain greater peace of mind that your home’s cooling system won’t give you any trouble, even on the hottest Toms River days. 

Improved System Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills 

As in the rest of the country, electricity rates in the Toms River area are on the rise. You might get a bit of sticker shock when you receive your monthly power bill during the cooling season, as running the air conditioner day and night will drive up the costs. 

An air conditioner tune-up helps the equipment run as efficiently as possible, reducing its power consumption. Seemingly small issues, like a dirty air filter or miscalibrated thermostat, can force the equipment to work harder than necessary. This not only increases your energy bills but also causes additional wear and tear that shortens the unit’s lifespan.

Avoid Expensive AC Repairs 

Scheduled AC inspections ensure that minor issues with your system don’t become major problems that lead to a breakdown or complete system failure. Not only does the technician thoroughly scrutinize major components to uncover signs of excessive wear or impending failure, but the visit is a great time for you to discuss any concerns you have. 

For example, if you notice a strange noise or a sudden jump in your electricity expenses, you have the opportunity to bring that up with the technician so they can look for signs of trouble. In most cases, they have the parts and tools on hand to make minor repairs on the spot.

If the issue is more complex, or you have a problem in between scheduled AC inspections, you can take advantage of the discounts and priority scheduling that come with your AC maintenance plan. You’ll get faster service and pay less; in some cases, you might save enough money to cover the membership cost.

Preserve the Equipment Warranty 

When you purchase a new air conditioner for your Toms River, NJ, home, it will come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers manufacturing defects. However, many homeowners overlook an important stipulation in that coverage: annual professional maintenance. 

Skipping annual AC maintenance visits can render the manufacturer’s warranty null and void. If something goes wrong while the equipment is still under warranty, and you cannot produce proof of professional maintenance, you may be on the hook for the repair or replacement cost. Compare that expense, which could be thousands of dollars, to the price of an AC maintenance plan, and it’s easy to see why you need an agreement with a local HVAC company. 

Longer Lasting and Safer Air Conditioning System 

The average HVAC system in Toms River, NJ, lasts 10 to 15 years with proper upkeep. Some modern systems can work reliably for up to 20 years or longer, assuming you keep up with ongoing maintenance. 

Neglecting your air conditioner and running it year after year without cleaning and tuning up the major components will have a significant effect on its lifespan. Not only are you putting your equipment at risk of a catastrophic failure well before its time, you’re creating the risk for a host of other issues, including:

  • Poor indoor air quality due to accumulated contaminants inside the equipment and ductwork
  • Safety hazards, like electrical fires and coolant leaks 
  • Unpleasant odors throughout your home due to bacteria in the system
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning 
  • Mold and mildew growth due to moisture in the system and increased indoor humidity
  • Skyrocketing energy bills 

An AC maintenance plan makes it easy to schedule preventive care and inspections so you don’t have to worry about putting your family in danger or emptying your savings account to replace the air conditioner years before you planned for it. 

Lower Costs 

Ultimately, an HVAC service agreement saves a significant amount of money over the course of your air conditioner’s life. Membership fees are often lower than the cost of scheduling maintenance visits separately, and when you consider the value of the additional benefits, you can save a lot of cash compared to buying services a la carte. 

I Have an Old Air Conditioner. Can I Still Get a Maintenance Plan?

Some Toms River homeowners choose to forgo AC maintenance plans because they have an old air conditioner and don’t think that the expense is worthwhile. 

However, the older your equipment, the more important a service plan is to your peace of mind and wallet. It’s critical to maintain your system as it ages and is more likely to break down. 

On the other hand, homeowners with newer systems often decline protection because they don’t think they need it and the manufacturer’s warranty will cover any issues. If this applies to you, carefully review the warranty disclosures before you choose to skip the maintenance membership. As mentioned, professional maintenance is a requirement for many warranties, and if you cannot provide proof of service, you could be on the hook for repairs. 

Toms River Homeowners Can Join Casper Friendly Services’ “Casper Club”

Casper Friendly Services wants to provide Toms River customers with peace of mind and cost savings, and we do that with the Casper Club. For one low annual fee, members of the club enjoy:

  • Two annual scheduled maintenance visits, one for the air conditioner and one for the furnace
  • Priority scheduling to reduce downtime when you need service
  • A 10% discount on all HVAC repairs 

Even if we didn’t install your HVAC equipment, you can join our service family and experience the fast, professional, and reliable service that makes us the number one choice for heating, cooling, and ventilation services in the Toms River area. 

Call Today To Learn More About Maintenance Services and More in Toms River

HVAC problems are inconvenient, but with Casper Friendly Services on your side, they won’t take up too much of your time or your budget. If you have questions about our AC maintenance plan, contact us today by calling or requesting an appointment online. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services, whether you’re having trouble with your air conditioner, furnace, boiler, or heat pump, and we will make sure your Toms River, NJ, home is safe and comfortable. Reach out today.