Maintenance
5 questionsHow often should HVAC equipment be serviced?
Twice a year for a heat pump (spring and fall, it runs in both seasons). Once a year for a separate AC and furnace setup, AC in spring before cooling season, furnace in fall before heating season. Mini splits get one cleaning a year, plus monthly filter cleaning by you. Skip a year and you typically get away with it; skip three and you start paying for it.
What does a tune-up actually include?
A real tune-up is measurement, not just inspection. 30-point unit inspection including refrigerant level, wiring, compressor, motors, thermostat. Chemical condenser coil cleaning. Condensate drain flush. Ductwork evaluation. Indoor air quality evaluation. We document what we measured so you can compare it next year. We don't guess, we test, and a tune-up is where that shows up most clearly.
Is the Cardinal Club worth it?
For most homeowners, yes. $14.99 a month or $180 a year, per system. Two tune-ups alone are worth more than the annual cost ($360 in tune-up value at the standard $180 standalone rate vs $180 in dues). Add in 10% off repairs, 5% off new system replacements, no weekend or holiday surcharges, 24/7 answering, and priority scheduling, and the membership pays itself back the first time something needs attention. Cancel anytime, no penalty.
Can I cancel the Cardinal Club anytime?
Anytime, no penalty. We don't lock anyone into a contract. If the membership isn't paying off the way you expected, call us and we'll cancel it on the spot. The work we've already done stays warranted under the original terms.
What's the Mission Ready Plan?
Free annual maintenance plan for first responders, teachers, and military members. Every Cardinal Club benefit: two seasonal tune-ups, 10% off repairs, 5% off new system replacements, weekend and holiday service at no extra charge, 24/7 answering, priority scheduling, transferable plan. No monthly fee. Two Mission Ready Plan extras on top: a $39 service-call fee (versus the standard $77 that Cardinal Club members and non-members pay) and an additional 5% off all work. We can't pay first responders back. We can take this off their list. Apply on the Mission Ready Plan page (Charlotte · Raleigh).