Before you book a furnace service or AC tune up, find out what the shop will actually do. What gets checked? What gets cleaned? Are they servicing both systems or just one? The words “tune up” don't answer those questions.
A low advertised price doesn't explain the visit either. Get the included work before deciding whether it's a good offer.
ENERGY STAR's maintenance checklist covers controls, electrical connections, drainage and system operation, along with tasks specific to heating and cooling equipment.
Use it to understand the shop's offer. Ask which tasks apply to your system, whether cleaning and supplies are included, and whether investigating a problem you've reported costs extra.
Before the visit, agree on how the company will price and seek approval for additional work.
Homeowner and contractor accounts in public forum discussions describe both useful maintenance and appointments that felt like sales visits. The way to evaluate yours is to ask what was checked, what was found and why the recommended work follows from it.
If the technician recommends replacement, ask for the diagnosis separately from the new equipment offer. Equipment age and an available upgrade don't explain a failed component.
A service visit can be worth paying for even if it ends without a repair sale. Ask for the completed checklist and any conditions to keep track of.
Read the benefits as specific promises:
| Benefit | Check before signing |
|---|---|
| Included visits | Which systems, tasks and limits? |
| Priority scheduling | What is promised, and under what conditions? |
| Repair discounts | Which charges qualify, and what is excluded? |
| Renewal | What happens at renewal, and how do you cancel? |
Compare the plan with services you expect to use. A discount doesn't make repairs free, and priority scheduling doesn't necessarily guarantee the appointment you want. A maintenance membership isn't automatically a warranty.
If an added repair or replacement recommendation still doesn't make sense, the second opinion guide explains how to request another assessment. For the appointment charge itself, see service call fees.