How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
Your HVAC system should be serviced twice yearly—once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. In North Alabama’s climate, regular maintenance is critical because our hot, humid summers and occasional cold snaps put extra stress on systems. At Vandys LLC, our $189/year maintenance contract includes both seasonal tune-ups and helps prevent costly repairs.
Quick Answer
Service your HVAC twice yearly: spring for AC and fall for heating. Vandys LLC’s $189/year maintenance contract includes both tune-ups, saving you money on repairs and energy bills. As a bonus you get $50 per system that is cleaned.
Spring Maintenance (Before Cooling Season)
Spring is the perfect time to prepare your AC for Alabama’s brutal summer heat. A professional spring tune-up includes:
Cleaning and inspection:
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect electrical connections
- Test thermostat accuracy
- Clean condensate drain
Why it matters: Dirty coils reduce efficiency by 15-20%. Low refrigerant forces your system to work harder. A spring tune-up ensures your AC is ready for peak season and prevents breakdowns during the hottest months.
Cost: Included in Vandys LLC’s $189/year maintenance contract.
Fall Maintenance (Before Heating Season)
Fall maintenance prepares your furnace or heat pump for winter. A professional fall tune-up includes:
Cleaning and inspection:
- Inspect furnace burners and heat exchanger
- Check gas connections for leaks
- Test ignition system
- Clean blower components
- Verify safety controls
Why it matters: A faulty furnace can be dangerous (carbon monoxide risk) and inefficient. Fall maintenance ensures your heating system is safe and ready for winter.
Cost: Included in Vandys LLC’s $189/year maintenance contract.
Monthly Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
Between professional tune-ups, you can perform simple maintenance:
Monthly tasks:
- Check and replace air filters (every 1-3 months during peak season)
- Ensure outdoor condenser has 2+ feet of clearance
- Check that vents and returns aren’t blocked
- Listen for unusual noises
Quarterly tasks:
- Clean outdoor condenser unit
- Check thermostat batteries
- Verify system is cooling/heating properly
What Happens Without Regular Maintenance
Systems that skip maintenance experience:
- Reduced efficiency: 15-30% higher energy bills
- Shorter lifespan: System fails 3-5 years earlier
- More repairs: Preventable problems become expensive repairs
- Warranty issues: Many manufacturers require maintenance for warranty coverage
Example: A $189/year maintenance contract prevents an average of $500-$1,000 in repairs annually. It pays for itself many times over.
Maintenance Contract Benefits at Vandys LLC
Our $189/year maintenance contract includes:
- Two seasonal tune-ups (spring and fall)
- Priority service when you need repairs
- Discounts on repairs (typically 10-15% off)
- Extended system life (3-5 years longer)
- Lower energy bills (15-30% reduction)
- Warranty protection (many manufacturers require maintenance)
When to Call Between Scheduled Maintenance
Don’t wait for scheduled maintenance if you notice:
- AC not cooling or furnace not heating
- Unusual noises or smells
- System running constantly
- Energy bill spike
- Leaks or water damage
- Thermostat not responding
Service call fee: $110 (diagnostic)
Local Pricing for Athens & Huntsville
At Vandys LLC, maintenance is affordable:
- Maintenance contract: $189/year (includes 2 tune-ups)
- Service call (diagnostic): $110
- Emergency weekend service: $175 additional fee
- Financing: 0% APR for 12 months on repairs over $2,000
When to Call Vandys LLC
If you haven’t had your system serviced in over a year, call us today. We’ll schedule your spring or fall tune-up and get your system running at peak efficiency. Our $189/year maintenance contract is the best investment you can make in your HVAC system.
Contact Vandys LLC
Phone: (256) 225-7311
Service Areas: Athens, Huntsville, Harvest, Madison, Decatur, New Market, Owens Crossings
Hours: 7am-6pm Monday-Sunday
Emergency Service: Available 24/7
Maintenance Contract: $189/year (includes 2 seasonal tune-ups)