Homeowners and consumers are always looking for new ways to save money, and the good news is that many product manufacturers and service providers are happy to oblige. In recent years, more and more service-based companies – including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing companies – have turned to home maintenance service plans and memberships designed to provide homeowners with discounts in exchange for an annual or monthly fee. Do these clubs truly save you money, though? Here are some things to consider.
Cost Vs. Value
When it comes to things like maintenance clubs and memberships, the first thing you should think about is the cost of the program versus the value. For example, if you are paying a few hundred dollars a year for the sole purpose of saving money on what would normally be an annual call – a chimney cleaning, HVAC system inspection, or even plumbing inspection – then the value may not be worth the cost.
On the other hand, if you’re paying less than $200 for multiple discounts on multiple services you’ll use throughout the year, it’s time to calculate your savings and determine whether the membership truly can pay for itself over the course of that year. If it can, it’s a great deal.
Will You Truly Use the Maintenance Service Agreement?
Now that you’ve decided that the membership being offered can and will pay for itself during the year, it’s time to think about whether you will actually use the services being offered to you at a discount. For example, if an exterminator offers you a discount in exchange for an annual club membership, but those discounts don’t cover things you would typically need (something like removing an animal from a crawlspace at half cost), then you need to weigh the benefits versus the actual value once again. Sure, it may be nice to save that money, but if you won’t likely have any need for the service, it doesn’t make sense.
Conversely, if you’ll be getting discounts on things you need to have done each year, such as chimney sweeping, gutter cleaning, or annual heating or air conditioner maintenance, then you absolutely will use the discounted services being offered to you. Putting these things off is never a good idea, and it’s vital that you schedule them at least annually to ensure your home is safe and comfortable. In this case, it’s almost always a good idea to join the club or membership and take advantage of those savings.
Read the Fine Print
Even if membership seems like a good value, and even if you will use the services being offered to you, make sure you take the time to read the fine print. Numerous companies provide such clubs and memberships, but they’re not all equal. Some will only provide these services on their time, such as during their slow season. In some cases, there are even blackout dates. For example, if you’re a member of a plumbing club, and your sewer backs up on Christmas day, that membership may not cover you. Be sure to read the fine print carefully before signing on the dotted line.
All in all, maintenance and home care clubs and memberships can be a great way to save yourself some money throughout the course of the year on everyday service and repairs. However, you should research the details very carefully, determine whether it will save you money, and even think about whether you will use the service before making a final decision.
The Home Care Club from Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric
When you join the Home Care Club from Ravinia Plumbing, you’ll enjoy priority service, service discounts, and extended warranties, all for just $9 a month.
As a club member, you’ll receive the following benefits:
Service Discounts
- 10% off our regular prices
- Free annual visual plumbing inspection
- No standard service charge (usually $69) if we come to your home, provide a quote, and then do the work during regular business hours.
- During non-business hours, pay only the standard service charge (currently $69); not the emergency service charge (currently $189)
Priority Service
- Expedited service for HCC members for plumbing, HVAC, and electric emergencies
- Email service reminders
Extended Warranties
- Repair warranty increased from 30 to 90 days
- Installation warranty increased from one year to two years
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Maintenance Services
To keep your heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems running efficiently year-round, contact the professionals at Ravinia Plumbing to schedule service for regular maintenance. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Visit Ravinia Plumbing today to learn more and check out our careers page to view our current openings.
