We've been told to get an annual checkup on our A/C/heat pump unit to prevent expensive repairs. However, the company that originally installed it told us not to bother for the first 5-7 years. Now I find that any time we have the checkup done, they find something else to charge us for. Same with our water softener/RO units.

Do you deal with this?

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No...Dh and I have differing opinions on whether or not it is essential.

nope we have lived in our house going on 15 years my dh checks it out every fall and spring it only broke one time in the 15 years and it was a simple repair my dh could make he is handy(was a mechanic for many years also can do wiring). we just make sure we maintain it well..

no wour neighbors have an ac unit that is only 6 years old and it died but they did not take good care of it and i don't think it was a quality one like we have.

We always have our furnance checked every year. We have found it prevents expensive repairs. We have a service contract with a local plumbing and heating company. We only have window air, so we don't worry about that.

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Nope.

You're supposed to drain your water heater every year, too. We never get around to it.

We're supposed to pump the septic tank every 5 to 7 years. We've lived here 9 and have never done it.

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No, not by a so-called professional.

Dh does it himself. Checks the gas line for leaks too! (he has some kind of gas meter leak gauge).

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Nope. My husband works for Carrier and he doesn't really think it's necessary. Since he knows more about heat and A/C than I do, I pretty much defer to him on that one.

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8/03), Ian (9/05), & Lucas (11/08)

DH has a friend in the A/C and heater repair business so he checks ours for free ( or a couple of beers ) We have only had to add freon (sp). He charged us 10 bucks. Our A/C is original to our house too!!

Our oil man was supposed to come today and didn't....we have an annual contract that includes free cleaning and checking. Our a/c we check every 3 years or so....its 15 years old so it may need some major tuneup. Oh, and for the person with the septic and never checks...be really careful, I can't imagine the mess if that septic overflows or cracks. We have ours pumped every 3 years or so and they check the drum inside too. I mean, if it ever leaked, the EPA would get involved because that is raw sewage and you could have a major cleanup on your hands. North of Boston area, they charge $200 ~ to clean it....I think that's well worth it!

We believe in preventative maintenance for our home. Yearly, we have the furnance serviced, air handlers (we have 2 ... one in the basement and one in the attic)serviced, the HEPA filters changed, humidifer (whole house) serviced, a/c units serviced.

About every 9 months I can change the filter water filtration system for the house (We have well water that is hard and full of minerals) and add salt for the water softener as needed.

Every 2 - 3 years we have the septic tank pumped.