When is the Best Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

It's a common misconception that it's cheaper to replace the air conditioner (AC) in winter. In reality, if you're looking to replace both your air conditioner and your oven, you should consider doing it together, since most companies offer discounts on houses that replace both at the same time. The misconception is that you'll get better prices because demand is low. The truth is that the winter months are often still a very busy time for any legitimate air conditioning and heating company.

Most people have been led to believe that the best time to buy an air conditioner is during the winter and the best time to buy a heating system is during the summer. The reason is that air conditioners will be sold at a lower price during the winter and the heating systems will be cheaper during the summer. Especially for central air conditioning sales that require installation by an HVAC professional, the best time to make the call is from fall through spring. And while you may think that winter is the best time because of less competition, that's not true; HVAC professionals are busy working on heating units during the winter months, which can contribute to a longer wait and higher expenses than during the fall or spring. While you may not need a professional to install another type of air conditioning unit, such as a window unit or a swamp cooler, prices are historically lower during cold weather months.

One reason for this is that air conditioners, like cars, are regularly available in new models. Dealers want to eliminate the previous year's models out of season to make room for future versions, which can be fantastic for people looking to buy air conditioners. With several types of air conditioning systems, some are better suited to certain homes than others. There is also a wide spectrum for the costs of air conditioners with window units in the low range and smart or geothermal central air conditioners in the high end. Determining what type of air conditioning system is right for you will also consider the question of when is the best time to buy an air conditioner.

In addition to the lowest possible price of the unit, other ways to save when buying an air conditioner include asking about the credits and tax refunds available for high-efficiency models and asking if you can get free upgrades, such as a smart thermostat. Also remember that, if it's more expensive and more efficient, it can pay off in the long term with your utility bills if you plan to stay in the house for the next few years. Air conditioning is a seasonal product whose prices fluctuate according to market demand and supply, and air conditioner prices are low during winters due to lower demand. If you're replacing your air conditioning system, winter is the best time to do so because you get the best deals and promotions from companies. During winter and summer, the price of air conditioning systems skyrockets.

If you want to get a good deal for your air conditioning system, shop during the fall and spring. The key to getting a good deal is to work in the opposite direction of the market. Most buyers don't know this and will pay more just to install their air conditioning system in time for winter. With a drop in demand for replacement and repair of both furnaces and air conditioners, contractors are more available to install units. Yes, you want a new air conditioning system, but the air conditioning company also wants a sale and will be more likely to reduce the price when sales are slow. However, if you replace it during the off-season, when temperatures are more tolerable, you'll get by just fine without air conditioning for a few days.

If you work with an HVAC professional to install the air conditioner, ask about the available options and make sure you get several quotes. This ensures that, in the event of a problem with the product or installation, you can return the product and receive a refund or request the replacement of parts at no additional cost. Larger HVAC companies may also be able to transfer manufacturer savings during these colder months, benefiting companies looking to maintain semi-stable profits throughout the year. A well-functioning air conditioning system is more energy efficient, will lower your electricity bill, and make life for the whole family more comfortable. Once you decide it's the best time to replace your HVAC system, it's important to make sure you do it in an off-season period.

However, replacing your HVAC system during peak season could result in higher replacement costs, slower response times from contractors, and greater inconvenience. It makes sense to kill two birds with one stone and install a new air conditioning system at once instead of experiencing more interruptions at an installation later on. Winter and summer are when homes use their HVAC systems most often and when HVAC companies are busiest selling new units, performing maintenance tasks and carrying out repairs. If you're looking to replace a central air conditioner in a home with existing ducts, it's best to take advantage of off-season purchases. Just as it's not worth spending money on constant repairs of an old car, it's also not worth continuously repairing an old faulty air conditioning system.

When buying a newly built home, you can choose everything from scratch including a new climate system that fits your home's needs. Air conditioning companies in Lakeland Florida allow you to get professional help replacing your AC system. For example, you might enjoy an extended outage in Florida and California giving you more time to replace your HVAC while in Northeast states like New York or Massachusetts you might have more time replacing your HVAC in late spring.