Maintenance Plans: Budget VS. American Home Shield

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As the seasons change, it’s important to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are working properly. One way to do this is by getting a professional tune-up twice a year, once in the spring to prepare your A/C system for summer and again in the fall to make sure your heating system is ready for winter. Learn more about Maintenance Plans!

Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing partners with the warranty company American Home Sheild in order to provide their customers with the same exceptional service we pride ourselves in offering our own customers. Both us and American Home Shield offer our own comprehensive maintenance plans, so it is important to be aware of the differences between our plans so we can meet your needs the most effectively.

American Home Shield

American Home Shield, a leader in home warranty and maintenance plans, offers discounted pre-season HVAC tune-up services to its members. For just $100 per unit with the ShieldSilver™ and ShieldGold™ plans, homeowners can get their HVAC systems inspected, tested, and serviced to prevent breakdowns and possibly prolong the life of their systems.

As the seasons change, it’s important to ensure your heating and cooling systems are working properly. We recommend getting a pre-season tune-up twice a year — once in spring to prepare your A/C system for summer, and again in fall to make sure your heating system is ready for winter. Keeping your HVAC system in top condition can help prevent breakdowns and possibly prolong its life. Tune-ups are available for just $100 per unit with the ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™ plans. One free tune-up per contract term is included in the ShieldPlatinum™ plan.

Through American Home Shield, your maintenance plan will include:

  • Inspect disconnects (A/C in spring, heating unit in fall)
  • Check thermostat
  • Check filters
  • Check contactor and condensate line
  • Test capacitors and operations
  • Clean/tighten electrical connections
  • Test safety and limit switches
  • Check refrigerant levels and systems pressures (A/C check in spring)
  • Clean the burners (heating unit check in fall)
  • Check the heat exchanger (heating unit check in fall)
  • Inspect the pilot system (heating unit check in fall)

Plus, these additional features if you have a heat pump system:

  • Test temperature split
  • Perform amp draw on condenser/evaporator motor and compressor
  • Rinse condenser coils with water
  • Check evaporator coil

What is not included:

  • Free filters (However, if you provide us with new filters, our contractor will install them for you.
  • Cleaning of condensate line stoppages (requires new service request)
  • Recharging refrigerant (requires new service request)
  • Evaporator/indoor coil cleaning, including acid cleaning beyond hosing with water
  • Cleaning or unclogging services required to correct problems related to the lack of manufacturer recommended maintenance
  • Geothermal systems, mini-split systems, boilers, swamp coolers, window and wall units, and oil furnaces
  • Units that are unsafe for contractor to access safely in order to perform tune-up

If you have the ShieldPlatinum™ plan, you receive one free tune-up per contract term as well as unlimited A/C refrigerant, which is otherwise $10/pound. The ShieldPlatinum™ plan is a comprehensive home warranty plan that includes coverage for major home systems and appliances, as well as 24/7 customer service and support.

One of the benefits of American Home Shield’s HVAC tune-up services is that there are no Trade Service Call Fees for service requests. Homeowners will simply pay $100 per unit (plus sales tax where applicable) for each HVAC tune-up. If a covered issue is found that requires repair, homeowners will be charged their Trade Service Call Fee for that separate service request, subject to the limitations and exclusions under their American Home Shield® home warranty.

If you have multiple HVAC systems that need a tune-up, American Home Shield has you covered. You’ll simply pay $100 for each unit (plus sales tax where applicable). If a covered issue is found that requires repair, homeowners will be charged their Trade Service Call Fee for each unit that requires a separate service request, subject to the limitations and exclusions under their American Home Shield® home warranty.

Overall, American Home Shield’s HVAC tune-up services are a smart investment for homeowners who have home warranty contracts and want to keep their home systems in top condition and avoid unexpected repair costs. With affordable prices, comprehensive coverage, and expert service, American Home Shield is a trusted partner in home maintenance and repair.

Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Here at Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer three levels of Maintenance Plans to ensure your heating and cooling systems are working to their optimal potential. These are our One Time Cleaning, Budget Savings Club, and Whole Home Maintenance Plan.

One Time Cleaning

With our affordable starting price of $139 per unit, our skilled technicians will provide a comprehensive cleaning of your furnace or AC unit to ensure it’s working at optimal levels. In addition to the cleaning, our technicians will thoroughly inspect your system for any potential issues and perform necessary repairs to prevent costly breakdowns in the future. We’ll also check your connections, pressures, and test the operations of your system to ensure that it’s functioning properly.

Budget Savings Club

With the Budget Savings Club, you can have peace of mind knowing that your heating, cooling, and plumbing systems are all taken care of.

For only $189 a year, you can be prepared for whatever the seasons may bring.

With the Budget Savings Club Maintenance Plans, you’ll receive a comprehensive service and cleaning for your AC in the spring, followed by the same for your furnace in the fall. With regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs in the future.

Don’t let unexpected HVAC issues ruin your day. Join the Budget Savings Club today and keep your home comfortable all year round.

More Budget Savings Club perks include:

  • Spring AC Clean & Check
  • Fall Furnace Clean & Check
  • 15% Off HVAC & Plumbing Repairs
  • 5% Off HVAC Equipment
  • Waived Dispatch Fees
  • Priority Scheduling During Normal Business Hours

What Is Included in a Clean & Check?

When our technician arrives at your home, they will begin by thoroughly inspecting your system disconnects, which includes your AC in the spring and heating system in the fall. They will also check your thermostat, filters, contactor, and condensate lines to ensure everything is working properly.

Next, we will test your capacitors and operations, clean and tighten all electrical connections, and test safety and limit switches. If your refrigerant levels are low in the spring, we will top off your system to ensure its functioning at peak performance.

During the fall check-up, our technician will clean your burners, check the status of the heat exchanger, and inspect the pilot system. This ensures that your heating system is working efficiently and safely before the colder weather arrives.

Finally, we will turn on your AC or heating system and run it for a few minutes to ensure that it is working correctly. Our Whole Home Plan also includes a comprehensive plumbing evaluation by one of our expert technicians, who will examine your home’s plumbing system and offer any necessary repairs or maintenance.

For less than 52 cents a day, you can enjoy the benefits of our comprehensive maintenance program. As a member of the Budget Savings Club, you’ll receive regular visits from our skilled technicians to service and clean your AC in the spring and your furnace in the fall. Our experts will also provide you with tips and advice to help extend the lifespan of your systems and improve their efficiency.

Whole Home Plan

For only $269 per year, our Whole Home Plan provides comprehensive maintenance services that cover all the perks of our Budget Savings Club, including twice-annual heating and cooling system inspections and cleanings. Additionally, our Whole Home Plan includes a full home plumbing evaluation to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly.

Our team of experienced technicians will visit you in the spring to service and clean your AC, and return in the fall to do the same for your furnace. We’ll also thoroughly evaluate your home’s plumbing system, checking for leaks, clogs, and other issues that could cause problems down the line.

With our Whole Home Maintenance Plan, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home’s critical systems are functioning optimally, and that you’re prepared for any issues that may arise. Our team of experts is committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable maintenance services that help keep your home running smoothly and efficiently. today to learn more about how our Whole Home Plan can benefit you!

Our Whole Home Maintenance Plan perks include:

  • Spring AC Clean & Check
  • Fall Furnace Clean & Check
  • 15% Off HVAC & Plumbing Repairs
  • 5% Off HVAC Equipment
  • Whole Home Plumbing Evaluation
  • Full Water Heater Flush
  • Waived Dispatch Fees
  • Priority Scheduling During Normal Business Hours

What Systems Do We Work On?

No system is outside of our wheelhouse here at Budget, but there are some exceptions to our maintenance plans. Systems that are NOT covered by this plan are:

  • Geothermal systems
  • Mini-split systems
  • Boilers
  • Swamp coolers
  • Window or wall units
  • Oil furnaces
  • Any unit that is in an unsafe location for our technician to perform their clean & check

How Does Maintenance Protect Your System?

Your home’s heating and cooling system is essential for maintaining indoor comfort throughout the year, particularly in St. Louis where the weather can be unpredictable. One day you may require heating and the next air conditioning. These systems are intricate and need regular professional maintenance to operate at their highest potential. Neglecting this maintenance could result in decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and potentially costly repairs. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize the upkeep of your heating and cooling system to ensure it continues to function optimally and keep your home comfortable all year long.

Benefits of regular heating and cooling maintenance include:

  • Lower chance of breakdowns and costly repairs
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Increased comfort levels
  • Longer lifespan of equipment
  • Lower energy bills

Learn more about the importance of seasonal maintenance here.

Proper maintenance is critical to ensure your home’s heating, cooling, and plumbing systems function efficiently and have a long lifespan. Neglecting routine maintenance could lead to significant issues that are not only inconvenient but also expensive to repair. To avoid these problems and ensure the comfort of you and your family all year round, consider a One Time Cleaning, Budget Savings Club, or a comprehensive Whole Home Maintenance Plan.

These plans can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home’s essential systems are regularly checked and serviced by professionals, preventing unexpected breakdowns and prolonging the lifespan of your equipment. By investing in a maintenance plan, you can avoid unexpected expenses and rest easy knowing your home’s systems are operating at their best.

Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems is essential to ensure their optimal performance and prevent unexpected breakdowns. While both Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing and American Home Shield offer their own comprehensive maintenance plans, it is important to evaluate the differences between them and choose the one that best suits your needs.

American Home Shield’s HVAC tune-up services provide discounted pre-season HVAC tune-up services for homeowners who have home warranty contracts and want to keep their home systems in top condition, avoid unexpected repair costs, and have a trusted partner in home maintenance and repair. On the other hand, Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers One Time Cleaning, Budget Savings Club, and Whole Home Maintenance Plan, depending on the level of service required by the customer. Ultimately, whichever maintenance plan you choose, regular maintenance is a cost-effective way to prolong the life of your heating and cooling system and avoid costly repairs in the future.