Your Home Needs These Three Yearly Service Contracts

With busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall off your to-do list.

Like many homeowners, you might try to cram certain projects into one weekend.
Or worse yet, disaster strikes and you get hit with a large bill since you never got
around to a minor task that turned into a major issue.

Stop causing yourself so much 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 should sign up for once
you move into your home – HVAC (Heating & A/C), Pest Control/Termite, and a
Sewer line maintenance.

Having each of these set up on a yearly maintenance plan will keep you on
schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance year round. You will be
assured that a professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these so
that you can avoid preventable SNAFUS or serious problems later on.

At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year for maybe nothing
that needs to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the
long run, helping you avoid more costly damage to your home and unnecessary
distress and disruptions for your family.

Please take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring any
business. You want a reputable, reliable and trust-worthy company that services
your home properly and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs.

1) HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System
This is the biggie for most homeowners. Your heating and cooling system affects
your day-to-day life all year long, and you want it running smoothly and
efficiently.

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

Here’s what to expect:
A service plan with a professional HVAC company will ensure that your system is
serviced at least twice a year, at the change in seasons.

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 needs to really crank out the heat or air conditioning. They
will contact you to set up an appointment so it stays on your to-do list.

The cost of a service plan is typically less expensive if you scheduled two separate
visits without a contract. And, again, you won’t have to remember to call them,
since they’ll call you if you are on the yearly maintenance plan.

Some also provide discounts on parts and future replacements. Always check your
contract carefully.

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

Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
No one likes to admit it but some neighborhoods can have rats, especially more urban areas … and other creatures and pests. And don’t get us started on the
damage (and cost!!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your
home!

Pest control really isn’t a true do-it-yourself job. Sure, you can set up a trap or
two, or even get out some ant spray, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative
measures used by a professional technician.

Here’s what to expect:
A service contract with a pest control company will schedule regular 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 “control” and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such
as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, carpenter ants, etc.

If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they know how to solve 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.

Sewer line maintenance (rodding your sewer line)
This task is definitely not a DIY one since it can be dirty and create more damage if
done yourself!

Many homes on The North Shore tend to have older trees and landscaping that can interfere
with sewer lines, rodding is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked. By taking proactive steps to address clogs, blockages, and deteriorating pipes, homeowners can
maintain the functionality and longevity of their sewer systems. This not only prevents
inconvenient sewage backups and costly repairs but also promotes a healthy and hygienic living environment. Don’t wait until a major problem arises; prioritize sewer line rodding and secure
the integrity of your home’s plumbing system!

Here’s what to expect:
You should rod your sewer lines once a year. This is critical to keep your plumbing
running smoothly!

A plumbing professional has all the equipment needed to get the job done!
Your service provider will come in and assess the situation to determine if there is
any current blockage and isolate the area and get your sewer lines flowing
smoothly. They have all the right tools to break down any problem area by
rodding through your pipes then flushing it out to create the perfect balance and
flow.

Again, you can develop a relationship with a certain company or technician who
knows your home and sewer lines and is there for you year after year.
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.

Email me stephanieeiden@atproperties.com if you have any questions about
service contracts or want any recommendations.