

As a commercial building owner or operator, you are likely to be familiar with the importance of maintaining your facility’s Air Conditioning (AC) system. After all, your air conditioner is vital to the comfort of your tenants and customers.
BUT, is an AC Service Contract really worth the money?
On the one hand, investing in a regular maintenance plan can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your AC unit and catching small problems before they become major repairs.
On the other hand, some building owners feel that the cost of a maintenance plan is simply too high and not worth the investment.
So, what’s the verdict? Let’s take a closer look at the importance of AC Service Contracts and the benefits they offer commercial building owners.
What Does an AC Service Contract Cover?
An AC Service Contract is usually a yearly agreement between you and an AC maintenance company. The contract outlines the services that will be provided, the frequency of those services, and the cost.
Most AC Service Contracts will cover:
- Periodic AC maintenance (usually two to four per year)
- A thorough inspection of your AC unit
- Minor repairs and replacement of minor parts
- Discounts on major repairs
In addition, most contracts will also include an emergency call-out service, so you can be sure that someone will be available to help if your AC unit breaks down.
Benefits of AC Service Contracts
There are several benefits to enrolling in an AC Service Contract, including:
Reduced Repair Costs
One of the biggest advantages of an AC Service Contract is that it can help you keep your repair costs down. This is because regular maintenance will identify potential problems early on before they have a chance to become major (and expensive) repairs.
Longer AC Unit Lifespan
Another benefit of an AC Service Contract is that it can help extend the lifespan of your AC unit. By investing in a regular maintenance plan, you can significantly extend the life of your AC unit. Just like any other piece of machinery, an air condition unit needs to be regularly serviced and maintained in order to function properly. Thoroughly cleaning AC units and ensuring that they have the correct gas pressures, puts less wear and tear on the moving parts.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Over time, your AC unit will start to lose its efficiency as dirt and grime build up in the system. This can cause your energy bills to increase as your AC unit has to work harder to cool your home or office. However, by purchasing an AC Service Contract, you can ensure that your AC unit is regularly cleaned and serviced, so it continues to run at peak efficiency.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Another benefit of an AC Service Contract is that it can help improve the indoor air quality in your commercial building. Regular maintenance will remove dirt, dust, and other pollutants from your AC unit, which means that the air in your building will be cleaner and healthier for tenants and customers.
Avoid Costly Downtime
Downtime is costly for any business, but it can be especially costly for businesses that rely on their air conditioning to keep their products or inventory cool. By having a regular maintenance plan in place, you can avoid costly downtime by catching problems before they become major repairs.
Get Priority Service
In the event that your AC unit does break down, an AC Service Contract will ensure that you get priority service. Most contracts include an emergency call-out service, so you can be sure that someone will be available to help, even if it’s outside of normal business hours.
Peace of Mind
Perhaps the most significant benefit to having an AC repair service contract is peace of mind. Knowing that your AC unit is being regularly serviced and maintained can give you the peace of mind that you need to run your business. It also means that you don’t have to remember to arrange for servicing since the service provider will have it on their schedule.
How much money can you save by purchasing an AC Service Contract?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the size of your commercial space, the age and condition of your AC unit, the frequency of maintenance visits, and the scope of coverage.
In general, however, you can expect to save 10-15% on your AC repairs by enrolling in an AC Service Contract.
What to do if you decide not to enroll in an AC Service Contract?
If you decide not to enroll in an AC Service Contract, there are still some things you can do to keep your AC unit in good shape:
- Schedule regular maintenance visits: Even if you don’t have a contract, you can still schedule regular maintenance visits with an AC company. This will help to catch any potential problems early and prevent them from becoming major repairs.
- Be proactive about repairs: Be sure to visually inspect your AC unit on a regular basis. Look for any signs of wear and tear and be sure to address any issues immediately.
- Clean filters regularly: You should also clean or replace your AC unit’s filters at least once a month. Dirty filters can impede airflow and make your unit work harder (and use more energy) than it needs to.
- Have a repair fund: Rather than paying for repairs as they come up, it’s a good idea to set aside money each month into a repair fund. That way, when something does go wrong, you’ll have the money to pay for it without breaking the bank.
How to find the best AC Service Contract for your needs
When you’re ready to enroll in an AC Service Contract, be sure to do your research to find the best company for your needs.
Here are a few things to look for:
A company with experience
When it comes to something as important as your AC unit, you want to be sure that you’re working with a company that knows what they’re doing. Be sure to ask about a company’s experience in dealing with businesses similar to yours. If the company doesn’t have commercial experience, look for one that does.
A company with a good reputation
You should also make sure that you’re working with a company that has a good reputation. Ask around to see if anyone you know has worked with the company before and get their feedback. You can also check online reviews to get an idea of what other customers have said about the company.
A company that is willing to customize its services
Not all businesses are the same, so you’ll want to find a company that is willing to customize its services to meet your specific needs.
A company that offers a fair price
Be sure to get quotes from several different companies before making a decision. While you don’t want to choose the cheapest option, you also don’t want to overpay for services that you could get elsewhere.
Once you’ve found a few companies that meet these criteria, you can start narrowing down your options by comparing pricing and services. Be sure to get everything in writing before you make your final decision.
So, what’s the answer? Is an AC Service Contract worth the money? The truth is, it depends on your specific situation. However, we believe that a well-tailored maintenance plan IS worth the investment for most commercial building owners. Not only does it extend the life of your AC unit, but it also helps you avoid costly repairs down the road.
If you’re still not sure whether or not a service contract is right for you, contact us today to discuss your specific needs. We’d be happy to help!