While there are pros and cons to offering extended warranties, most contractors agree offering this added assurance differentiates themselves from their competition and makes them that much more valuable to customers.

Just about every manufacturer recommends homeowners have their air-source heat pumps serviced twice a year — once in the spring and once in the fall. Most believe that semi-annual maintenance helps keep equipment operating at peak performance and ensures the unit is ready for the heat of summer or cold of winter.

Many HVAC contractors like to provide warranties that offer longer labor terms, which they say gives customers more peace of mind.

Customers in Pennsylvania who sign up for new residential electric service with Direct Energy can also receive a free six-month trial of Direct Energy’s “Heating and Cooling Repair Essential Plan.”