Just got a notice from our HVAC office that she (the scheduler) would like to have my DH spend Tuesday & Wednesday with theirs techs as they perform our Annual Maintenance checks on all units, so he could let them and they wouldn't have to schedule each visit with the tenants (as they have always done in the past.)

What? So do we get a discount for taking up TWO days of his time to save HER scheduling time?? I asked for a discount.

We'll see what she says.

Tell them if DH has to follow them around for a couple of days and stand around doing nothing.

That what sounds easier if they would just take an hour and teach him what to look for and how to read the gauges.

Not that difficult.

Then he can buy his own set of guages and go around and make the checks.

Then just call the HVAC company if there is any problem.

Bet she changes her idea to have him go around with them.

Half the time on these so call checks the HVAC tech will say it needed a little freon. Even when it does not.

WMH,.

I think you are wise asking for the discount. Especially with the details you've provided.

Charlie, that's why we pay professionals, so we don't have to do it. "Hire it out!" What's the point of hiring it out if we also have to go?

We've been using them for 10+ years. And every year we buy their $79 Tune-up because it keeps us on the top of their lists for repairs, etc. We always get same day service no matter what.

They have always coordinated the check-ups directly with the tenants. Now and again DH has helped out if a tenant totally can't be there for a REPAIR but not for check-ups. If they can't be there just schedule another day.

Wait, back up. You are paying $1,600 to inspect 20 units?

What are they doing? We do our own. Clean coils, blow out overflow lines, new filter. Test temperature spread. Replace thermostat batteries. What else is there to do?

No thanks, Mrs. scheduler of a pre paid HVAC Service.

Lets just keep doing it the way we've been doing it.

W,

We will not enter without the res present so we stil need appts. Me with a master key is of no benefit.

Me? No. I suggest the HVAC co send a postcard to each res like we do for our inspections. "We'll be coming on Wed, Sept ___ between 5-7pm. An adult must be present. Please call to reschedule if this time is not convenient."

They can work your service appts in among their other appts.

If you want me to tag along I'm $200 per hour, but we still need an appt.

BRAD

LTD, we don't have a handyman, and we don't know HVAC. I'd rather pay the HVAC guys $79 to do it.

We have 16 central HVACs, including 3 here at our own place. All the other spaces have through-wall heat pumps which are not serviced by this company.

Charlie, I'm pretty comfortable with these guys. They have helped us out above and beyond the call of duty on several occasions and while I know the inspection is a chance to upsell, I'm okay with that too. Everyone has to make a living and it's our choice.

We also do annual checkups.

We worked out an arrangement with our HVAC company where he keeps the list of our properties and the tenant phone number with him. When he knows he will be in the vicinity of one of our properties he notifies the tenant and goes by to clean and check the system. He also trims back any bushes or tree limbs that are too close to the units. He charges me $25 per property. Takes him about 2 to 3 weeks to get to all of the properties done.