Domestic Air Conditioning (Split System) Maintenance Contract

powerbooksub

Hi

I will shortly be purchasing a split system with 1x outside unit and 2x inside units for my house (domestic). I am new to aircon but have read that aircon systems should be serviced to ensure reliable operation. I have a few questions:

Q1. How frequently should they be serviced? Annually?

Q2. Should I set up a maintenance contract for the servicing? Or just arrange the annual call out myself? I am seeking the cheapest method.

Q3. I am guessing maintenance contracts might offer some type of emergency call out (perhaps with a cheaper call out charge?) if the system breaks down? I am not sure how often this would be req'd but I am guessing if I wasn't on a contract would the call out charge be higher? Is it like car breakdown cover/boiler insurance? ie you only need to use it once every 2 or 3 years for it pay for itself?

Q3. Do these contracts also cover replacements parts or just servicing

Thanks for any advice as it looks like a bit of a minefield and my head still hurts from all the technical blurb I have head to learn just to spec the system!

I am in Surrey, UK.

Regards
PB