Your 317 Home Your 317 Home Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 29

we offer our maintenance customers a 10 percent
discount on repairs and five percent off installations.
major home maintenance items like roof replacement and
repainting. The SHAPE plan, for example, costs just $199
per year, which can be paid in one lump sum or in monthly
installments. Much of the typical customer’s plan is paid for
with the aforementioned savings on repairs and installation.
2. FASTER SERVICE.
Customers with maintenance plans receive priority
service on emergency calls so our crews get out to
you for repairs as quickly as possible to avoid service
interruption. We are on call day and night, 24/7.
10. PEACE OF MIND.
Peace of mind doesn’t carry a price tag, but it’s certainly
worth something to have the security of knowing that
your systems are being cared for properly. No one wants
their heat to give way in the dead of winter or their A/C
to stop working during the state’s worst heat wave.
3. GREATER CONTROL.
A maintenance program keeps you in the driver’s seat
by helping to prevent sudden emergencies that can
interfere with your work schedule or social plans. After
all, you don’t want to be the party host whose heating
system gives out on the coldest day of the year.
10 DIY MAINTENANCE TIPS
While your maintenance plan delegates the “heavy lifting”
to an outside HVAC company, don’t forget about the
simple things you still need to do to keep your heating, air
conditioning, and plumbing systems in good working order.
These include taking basic precautions, such as the following:
4. EXTENDED PART LIFE.
If you are on a maintenance plan, technicians will be able
to evaluate the many parts in your system individually and
often catch any “weak links” before they can potentially
give way and cause major damage to the entire system.
1. Keep the heat working to avoid frozen pipes
when the temperature dips below freezing.
5. HEALTH BENEFITS.
2. Run your water occasionally in freezing weather;
some even advocate leaving a slight drip going for extra
insurance if you will be away for an extended period.
A well-functioning ventilation system can keep the air in
your home free of contaminants, like animal dander, pollen,
mold, and dust particles. With regular filter changes, duct
inspections, and air purification options, you can help avoid
being sidelined by allergies and sinus infections and provide
a healthy environment for guests and family members alike.
3. Use exhaust fans while bathing to avoid moisture
build-up that could lead to mold or mildew.
4. Be sure your carbon monoxide detectors
are functional to guard against leaks,
particularly if they are battery operated.
6. LONG-TERM SAVINGS.
Research has shown that regular HVAC maintenance
can cost you less in the long run than “winging it,”
because preventative care can keep all systems running at
maximum efficiency. Your service provider will check a
multitude of parts and systems to anticipate outages before
they occur. In addition, by helping to prevent sudden
problems, you can better avoid costs for emergencies
such as weekend, nighttime, or holiday surcharges.
5. Check your air conditioning and furnace
filters periodically, especially if you have a family
member that suffers from asthma or allergies.
6. Look for and repair leaks in your pipes and
equipment quickly before they can spread
and cause more significant damage.
7. If you have a sump pump in your basement, be
sure that the discharge pipe is cleared of snow and
debris to avoid breakdowns and possible flooding.
7. WARRANTY COVERAGE.
When your equipment is being professionally maintained,
your manufacturer’s warranty coverage for parts and
systems is pretty much a given. If you neglect service for
any length of time, the manufacturer is able to void your
warranty, potentially leaving you stuck with a sizeable bill.
8. Ensure that electric space heaters are in good working
order, and turn them off when you are not home.
9. Install weather stripping and insulation to
prevent drafts and unnecessary heating expenses.
8. SPECIAL PERKS.
When you participate in a membership plan, you never
know what little bonuses may come your way. On the
Mister Quik SHAPE program, for example, the cost of
the initial service call is waived when you sign on.
10. Have a friend or neighbor check on your home
if you are away during periods of severe weather.
To learn more about Mister Quik’s SHAPE program,
visit our website or call us at [phone].
9. LOW COST.
In the grand scheme of things, the amount you need to pay
to ensure that your systems are working well is not that
high, compared to the cost of a system replacement or other
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