Is it just me? Yes, maintenance is often cheaper than waiting for something to break. But unless you really know your mechanics and mechanisms, and honest maintenance/repair people, you can be a victim. Sometimes I feel victimized.
Not all maintenance experiences are bad.
I sent my mower for maintenance instructing “do whatever it needs”. I expected certain things; oil change, oil and air filter and spark plug replacements, blades sharpened, and wheels aligned. I trusted the repair guy (a former student) and he charged me a reasonable amount, especially considering he picks it up and returns it.
There is a local auto shop I’m pleased with. They fix issues I know about and show me options for future consideration without needless pressure.
But then there are the oil change shops that want to “sell up”; filters tires, or a list of multi-hundred dollar recommended maintenance repairs.
Here’s the one that prompted this post.
Eleven months ago, my home air conditioner stopped. I couldn’t find the reason. I found a local business that had several positive recommendations. I called. He came. It was a capacitor, he replaced it and all was good. As we were settling up, he offered a $150 1-yr, 3-visit maintenance option; furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Sounded good. I signed up.
The first “check” was on my furnace. The tech said there was some “out of code” wiring and routing. It would cost $350 for the repair. The furnace could explode at any time. That should have been a red enough flag. I authorized the repair, however.
Today was check #2 — on my air conditioner, which, other than the part he replaced last year, has functioned perfectly. Today he found a part that, if I didn’t change, could cause the unit to not come on or not shut off. If I waited for that to happen, there would also be the cost of the service call on top of the nearly $300 to replace the part, which he happened to have with him.
As we were settling up, he asked two questions:
- When did I want to schedule the water heater check? I DID NOT. Not scheduled.
- Can he place a sign in my yard? NO!
Then I got a text (and also an email) asking for feedback.
DONE!