With busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall to the wayside.

Like many homeowners, you may have to push off all your home projects into a weekend. Or worse yet, disaster strikes and you get hit with a large bill since you never got around to a minor task that spiraled into a major issue.

Avoid the stress- 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 may want to enroll for as a homeowner – HVAC (Heating & A/C), Pest Control/Termite, and a chimney sweep.

Having these set up on a yearly maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with a consistent level of maintenance year round. A professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these so that you can avoid major problems later on.

It may seem like a lot of money to spend every year, as maybe your systems do not need to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be worth it in the long run, helping you avoid costly damage to your home and unnecessary distress, disruptions and large costs in the future due to disrepair.

Research and review when it comes to hiring any company to do the job. You want a reputable, reliable and trust-worthy company that services your home and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unnecessary repairs.

1) HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System

Your heating and cooling system affects your daily life year round and you want it running properly and efficiently.

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

Here’s what to expect:

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 really need to be put to work. They will contact you to set up an appointment so you won’t forget.

Some servicer providers also offer discounts on parts and future replacements. Check your contract carefully for specifics.

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

Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections

The truth is some neighborhoods can have mice, especially more suburban areas … and other critters and pests. And don’t get us started on the damage (and cost!!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your home! Yikes!

Pest control really is a job for the professionals. Sure, you can set up a trap, or even get out some spray, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative measures used by a professional pest technician.

Here’s what to expect:

A service contract with a pest control company will schedule routine 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 controlling and preventing an infestation of pests ranging from mice, to roaches, to spiders, to flies, to termites, and beyond.

If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they’ll know how to fix 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. Nice!

Chimney Sweep (not just for fireplaces)

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

Cleaning and inspecting your chimney requires a certified chimney sweep whose expertise will help prevent your fireplace from experiencing any combustion issues or creosote buildup that could cause a fire in your home.

And just because you don’t have a fireplace, doesn’t mean you can pass up on this one!  Some homes have a chimney simply to vent its gas heater or gas water heater.

Here’s what to expect:

You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more if you use it often. If you have a fireplace, this is critical before you begin using it.

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.

Service contracts could also include wood-burning stoves.

A sweep will make sure that birds and other critters haven’t set up a nest that can block the chimney. Plus, leaves and other debris can collect and obstruct the chimney, which is no good.

If your chimney needs repairs, the company can assist you with this too.

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, helping to avoid more costly and preventable damage later on.

If you have any questions, or need suggestions on companies that can provide you with these service contracts, email me.