In the last four years, I’ve had six minor repairs on my furnace. While none of these services were overly involved or expensive, it’s frustrating. I need to schedule a time for the repair and then spend my day waiting for the HVAC contractor to show up. The small costs add up very quickly and any problem with the heating system is inconvenient. When the outside temperature is down below freezing, I need the furnace to operate dependably. I certainly don’t want to be without heat in the middle of the night and be forced to pay extra for overtime service. I want to be able to rely on the furnace. I want to be sure it’s operating at peak efficiency, safety and capacity. I’ve finally signed up for a maintenance agreement with a local HVAC contractor. This plan includes a complete cleaning, adjustment and troubleshooting in the fall. The technician inspects all of the components, looking for any potential issues. He tightens the electrical connections, lubricates moving parts and verifies the condition of the heat exchanger. He also removes any build up of dust or debris that can clog airflow. He checks the accuracy of the thermostat and tests the duct system for any leaks. The services restores the furnace to like-new condition. There’s far less chance of a malfunction. The furnace should last longer, cost less to operate and provide superior comfort. I also benefit from priority scheduling and no added fees for emergency service. The work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and I get a discount on replacement parts.