Starting Your Year Off Right: Why an HVAC Maintenance Plan is a Good Investment for Your Home

As Minnesota homeowners bundle up for another winter and look ahead to the year, there’s one solution that could save you money, stress, and keep your family comfortable all year long: investing in an HVAC maintenance plan.

We recently surveyed homeowners across Medina to understand their experiences with HVAC maintenance—and the results were eye-opening. 68% of homeowners in our survey don’t currently have a maintenance plan. If you’re among those 68% of homeowners, you might be wondering whether an HVAC maintenance plan is worth it. The answer, according to the data and experiences of your neighbors here in Medina, MN, is a resounding yes.

We recently conducted a comprehensive survey titled “Preventive Maintenance Awareness” with 240 local homeowners to understand their experiences and perceptions about HVAC maintenance plans in Medina. The results were eye-opening:

For those with maintenance plans:

• 86% are satisfied or very satisfied with their coverage
• 84% plan to renew next year
• 69% have used their priority service or repair discounts
• 71% value the peace of mind and prevention of breakdowns most

For those without maintenance plans:

• 52% would consider purchasing if it meant lower repair costs
• 43% are interested in regular tune-ups being included
• 40% say they’d be likely to purchase if recommended by their contractor

Picture this: It’s the coldest week of January, and your furnace suddenly stops working. You’re scrambling to find an available technician, facing emergency service fees, and your family is uncomfortable while you wait for repairs. This nightmare scenario? It’s entirely preventable with regular heating and cooling maintenance.

We heard from 240 Minnesota homeowners in our recent survey, and the results revealed an interesting contradiction. Among those without maintenance plans, 22% said they prefer to pay only when repairs are actually needed, while 21% were concerned about the upfront cost. However, this approach often ends up costing more in the long run.

Here’s the problem with that logic: reactive repairs almost always cost more than preventive maintenance. The average HVAC repair in Minnesota runs anywhere from $150 to $1,000, and emergency calls? Those come with an even heftier price tag. Meanwhile, 60% of homeowners with maintenance plans pay just $150-249 per year for their annual HVAC service agreement. When you do the math, investing in prevention starts to look pretty smart.

One surprising finding from our survey: 13% of homeowners without plans said they’re unsure what a maintenance plan includes. Let’s clear that up.

A typical HVAC maintenance plan in Medina, MN includes:

Most plans (74% according to our survey) include two visits per year – one spring AC tune-up and one fall furnace check. During these visits, technicians will:

• Inspect all system components
• Clean critical parts like coils and burners
• Check refrigerant levels and electrical connections
• Replace or clean filters
• Test safety controls and thermostats

When something does go wrong, 52% of plan holders report having priority service included. This means you jump to the front of the line during peak seasons – invaluable during Minnesota’s temperature extremes.

Nearly 60% of maintenance plan members receive discounts on repairs, typically ranging from 10-20% off parts and labor. These savings can add up quickly on even minor repairs.

Many plans also include:

• Filter replacements (56% of plans)
• Extended labor warranties (31%)
• Discounts on new equipment (35%)

When we asked current plan holders what they value most about their coverage, “peace of mind” topped the list at 38%, with “preventing breakdowns” close behind at 34%. This isn’t just about staying comfortable—it’s about protecting one of your home’s largest investments.

Your HVAC system, like your car, needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Preventive HVAC maintenance can:

• Extend system lifespan by 30-50%
• Reduce energy bills by up to 15%
• Prevent 85% of system failures
• Maintain manufacturer warranties
• Improve indoor air quality

“HVAC Maintenance Plans are Too Expensive”

While cost was the top concern for 70% of non-plan holders, consider this: Survey respondents with plans report high satisfaction despite the cost. Why? Because they’re avoiding emergency repair bills, extending equipment life, and saving on energy costs. The typical preventive HVAC maintenance cost of $150-249 annually is less than a single emergency service call.

“Does My System Need HVAC Maintenance?”

Even new systems benefit from maintenance. In fact, most manufacturer warranties require annual maintenance to remain valid. Plus, catching small issues early prevents major failures later.

“Does an HVAC Maintenance Plan Actually Save Money?”

Our survey found that 69% of plan holders have used their benefits for priority service or repair discounts. When you factor in energy savings from a well-maintained system (10-25% efficiency improvement), the plans often pay for themselves.

Living in Medina, MN, means your HVAC system works overtime. Our extreme temperature swings—from subzero winters to humid 90-degree summers—put tremendous stress on heating and cooling equipment, which makes Minnesota HVAC maintenance not just beneficial, but essential.

During harsh winters, a failed furnace isn’t just inconvenient; it’s genuinely dangerous. Frozen pipes, health risks, and emergency lodging costs can quickly escalate. The same goes for summer AC failures during heat waves, which can pose serious health risks, especially for elderly family members or anyone with medical conditions. In Minnesota’s climate, your HVAC system isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

If you’re ready to protect your home comfort and investment, here’s what to look for in an HVAC service contract:

• Clear pricing and terms – Know exactly what’s included
• Reputable local contractor – Choose established Medina-area companies
• Comprehensive coverage – Ensure both heating and cooling are included
• Flexible scheduling – Look for convenient appointment options
• Transferable benefits – Some plans add home resale value

As you plan for 2026, consider this: 84% of homeowners with maintenance plans intend to renew. That’s a powerful endorsement from your neighbors who’ve experienced the benefits firsthand. Whether you’re tired of unexpected repair bills, want to extend your system’s life, or simply crave the peace of mind that comes with professional care, a home heating maintenance schedule makes practical and financial sense.

Don’t wait for your system to fail during the next cold snap or heat wave. The best time to invest in an HVAC maintenance plan is right now, while your system is running well. You’ll start saving immediately through improved efficiency, and you’ll sleep better knowing you’re protected when Minnesota’s extreme weather inevitably arrives.

Contact a trusted Medina, MN HVAC contractor today to discuss maintenance plan options. Ask about what’s included, compare costs to potential repair bills, and make an informed decision for your home and family.

Based on our December 2025 “Preventive Maintenance Awareness” survey of 240 Minnesota homeowners. Results show clear satisfaction among maintenance plan holders and growing interest among those considering coverage.