If your HVAC machine is on the older side, you might be starting to think about a new system. However, it’s not necessarily a good idea to buy a new air conditioner the second your old system turns 10. Since an AC is such a major appliance, it’s a good idea to approach your purchase more thoughtfully. Timing your purchase carefully can help you save big or get a better installation. However, there’s no single time that works perfectly for everyone. The right time to get a new AC will depend on your goals.
The Best Time for Getting Great Deals
Of course, for most people, the big question is, “When are air conditioners the cheapest?” Just like other types of technology, air conditioners tend to follow a cycle. On average, most air conditioners are at their cheapest in the early months of spring. You can occasionally find impressive sales around Black Friday or Presidents’ Day, but unless you’re working with a company known for blowout holiday sales, you’re probably better off shopping in early spring.
There are a few reasons for these savings. First of all, fewer people purchase air conditioners then, so manufacturers offer great deals to try and generate a few extra sales. Furthermore, most new AC models are released at the beginning of the year. Therefore, companies will start to offer deals on slightly older models when they need to clear out inventory for the new products.
Another benefit of shopping in early spring is that your AC probably isn’t broken. Most air conditioner failures happen in early summer when people are running their machines nonstop. Trying to purchase an AC right after your unit breaks puts you in a tough position where you’re likely to choose the model you can get the quickest. When you buy in spring, there’s less of a rush. You can take your time, shopping around for great deals. You can compare the costs of different equipment and get installation estimates from multiple HVAC companies.
The Most Convenient Time for AC Installations
Big savings are nice, but that’s not the only consideration for purchasing a new HVAC system. Many people also want to pick a time that’s convenient for them. An air conditioning installation is a major undertaking. It can take between four to eight hours and include multiple technicians coming and going throughout your home. During the installation, you will also need to be without air conditioning for at least a few hours.
To keep this from being an inconvenience, you need to time your installation carefully. First of all, you’ll want to pick a time when you won’t get overheated while your HVAC system is turned off. Ideally, this means you should get an installation in late fall, winter, or early spring. Keep in mind that many AC units also contain a heater, so you should skip a winter installation if you are picking a multi-use unit.
Next, you’ll need to select a time when your favorite HVAC company isn’t busy.
Choosing to install your system during the off-season allows for better scheduling options. Since HVAC technicians are less busy, they’re more likely to have free appointments during the time that works for you. In spring and fall, HVAC companies aren’t very busy, so they might even be able to spare multiple technicians for your job. This can speed up the process and ensure your system gets installed as promptly as possible.
The Right Time for Cutting Utility Bills
Timing your air conditioning system wisely can do more than make your life easier and save you money on a big purchase. It can also save you money in the long run. If you’re replacing an older system, your AC efficiency is something else to keep in mind.
Most models that are between 10 to 15 years old are quite inefficient. They can use almost double the energy of newer systems. Though you might be tempted to keep your old system until it breaks down, this can end up costing you money. Modern AC units are often so efficient that they use less energy and save you hundreds of dollars over the course of their lifespan. Picking a more efficient system can also be an eco-friendly choice.
To take advantage of these savings, it is a good idea to install your new AC before the cooling season starts instead of after it is over. Since your system will run almost non-stop during summer, you should make sure it’s as efficient as possible by the time summer starts. Therefore, you should aim to install your system at least by April or May.
The Ideal Time for Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises
Did you know that the majority of broken air conditioning systems happen in summer? After several months of disuse, a person may turn on their air conditioner and suddenly realize that their system isn’t properly cooling the air. Many older systems also break down at the end of summer after hours of cooling have overtaxed their mechanisms.
When this happens, you are often left scrambling to find a replacement while the whole household sweats. If you want to avoid this sort of issue, it is a good idea to go ahead and get a new air conditioning system before your old one breaks down. Ideally, this means shopping in spring. However, getting a system in fall or winter also helps to prevent surprise breakdowns. How can you tell whether your AC is likely to break down in the upcoming summer? This is usually dependent on age. Once your system is over 10 years old, it might start to struggle. Once you’ve noticed a few minor issues like reduced cooling power or strange noises, it might be time to start planning a replacement.
When you replace your system before summer, you can ensure it’s in optimal condition for the main cooling system. You get to avoid all the stress of needing emergency repairs, and you don’t have to wait for an HVAC company to be free while they’re busy dealing with other repairs. Having the foresight to replace your system ahead of time helps you ensure that your home will be nice and cool during the hottest months of the year.
As you can see, it’s generally best to get a new AC in the spring, but winter and fall also come with some benefits. The right time really just depends on the age of your air conditioner and your own specific needs. If you would like more assistance with picking out a new air conditioner, BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair is happy to help. In addition to our AC installs, we offer a variety of other services to people in the Las Vegas region. Our team can assist with installing, repairing, and maintaining all sorts of heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
