WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICE?
- Ryan Garb
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
A Clear Guide for Central Texas Homeowners from Greg’s Heating & Air
Most homeowners know they need HVAC service from time to time, but many aren’t sure where the line is between preventative maintenance and repair service. They sound similar, but they have completely different purposes, different timing, and different impacts on your system and wallet.
At Greg’s Heating & Air, we like to keep things simple and honest. Preventative maintenance keeps your system healthy. Repairs fix something that’s already gone wrong.
Greg Gonzales, owner of Greg’s Heating & Air, explains it perfectly:
“Maintenance is brushing your teeth. Repairs are getting a filling. One prevents the other.”
WHAT IS PREVENTATIVE HVAC MAINTENANCE?
Preventative maintenance is a scheduled, proactive service designed to catch problems early, improve efficiency, and keep your system running smoothly all year long.
Preventative maintenance includes:
• Performance testing
• Cleaning critical components
• Electrical checks
• Refrigerant analysis
• Safety system testing
• Early identification of worn or failing parts
Greg says:
“Most summer breakdowns started showing warning signs months earlier. Maintenance is how we find those signs before they turn into emergencies.”
WHAT IS A REPAIR VISIT?
A repair call happens when something has already gone wrong.
You need a repair when your system:
• Isn’t cooling or heating
• Has weak airflow
• Makes unusual noises
• Leaks water
• Freezes up
• Smells strange or burns
• Isn’t responding to the thermostat
A repair visit involves:
• Diagnosing the issue
• Identifying the failed part
• Providing repair options
• Restoring system operation
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICE SIDE-BY-SIDE
Preventative Maintenance:
• Purpose: Keep system efficient and reliable
• Timing: Scheduled (spring & fall)
• Cost: Low annual cost
• Outcome: Fewer breakdowns & lower bills
• Focus: Cleaning, testing, tuning
• Urgency: Not urgent
Repair Service:
• Purpose: Fix something broken
• Timing: When system malfunctions
• Cost: Varies by issue & parts
• Outcome: Restored operation
• Focus: Diagnosing & fixing
• Urgency: Often urgent
WHAT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INCLUDES
Spring/Summer AC Maintenance:
• Measure temperature split
• Flush drain line with vinegar
• Wash condenser coil
• Check blower motor amps
• Test blower capacitor
• Inspect electrical connections
• Verify refrigerant charge (superheat & subcooling)
• Measure compressor amps
• Test compressor capacitor
• Check outdoor fan amps
• Test outdoor fan capacitor
• Inspect contactor
Fall/Winter Heating Maintenance:
• Measure heat rise & temperature split
• Test electric heat strips (heat pumps)
• Verify defrost control
• Check blower motor amps & capacitor
• Inspect electrical connections
• Verify refrigerant charge (heat pumps)
• Test reversing valve
• Adjust gas pressure
• Test flame sensor and safety switches
• Check inducer motor amps
• Test pressure switch
• Perform carbon monoxide test
WHY MAINTENANCE HELPS AVOID REPAIRS
Preventative maintenance catches:
• Weak capacitors
• Failing motors
• Low refrigerant
• Dirty coils
• Clogged drains
• Loose electrical connections
Greg says:
“Nine out of ten breakdowns we see in July could’ve been prevented with spring maintenance.”
COSTS: MAINTENANCE VS REPAIR
Annual Maintenance Plans:
• 1 system: $159/year
• 2 systems: $299/year
• 3 systems: $440/year
Repairs:
Costs vary depending on the issue, parts needed, and timing. Maintenance almost always saves more than it costs.
ONLINE BOOKING
Whether you need preventative maintenance or a repair visit, you can schedule everything online:
Choose your service, pick your date, sign electronically - all in under a minute.
QUICK SUMMARY
Preventative Maintenance:
• Scheduled
• Prevents problems
• Improves efficiency
• Extends system life
Repair Service:
• Fixes something broken
• Immediate or urgent
• Often more expensive
Schedule at AustinACContractor.com or GregsAC.com.
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