When Is the Best Time for Air Conditioner Replacement?

Many homeowners put their air conditioning replacement on the back burner once summer ends. But it’s important to think ahead, rather than wait until you’re stuck without cool air during a heat wave.

Replacing your HVAC system can save you money. And you can take advantage of spring and fall shoulder seasons when manufacturers offer incentives.

Spring

It’s easy to know when it’s time for a new air conditioner: your old one is constantly breaking down, you’re spending more money on repairs and electricity bills, or the system is reaching the end of its lifespan. The best times to replace your HVAC are spring and fall, before extreme heat or cold hits. During these “shoulder seasons,” HVAC contractors aren’t as busy, so they’re able to offer lower prices and quicker installation. Additionally, manufacturers may offer extra discounts or rebates for purchases made during these times.

Many homeowners choose to put off AC replacement until their equipment breaks down in mid-summer, but that can be a bad decision for your home and wallet. Replacing your system in the fall allows you to take your time to research contractors and products and consider additional upgrades like energy-saving technology or air quality improvements. Then, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable summer next year.

Summer

Many people end up replacing their air conditioning systems after they break down on a hot summer day. Proactively purchasing a new AC in the fall rather than waiting for it to break down can save you thousands of dollars.

HVAC companies are busy in the spring and summer, which means they may be unable to schedule replacement services at your convenience. Choosing to replace your system in the fall or winter gives you the freedom to choose an appointment time that works for your schedule.

HVAC manufacturers often offer specials in the fall and winter, so you can save on your new AC. Additionally, many people choose to install a new furnace with their air conditioner at the same time, which can further reduce the overall cost of your HVAC upgrade. Bundling your furnace and air conditioning replacement together can also speed up installation time and ensure your system is compatible and efficient. This can be a big benefit if you are doing extensive home renovations.

Fall

As the summer heat fades and the season changes, HVAC contractors are less busy with air conditioner repairs and maintenance and are more willing to offer discounts for system replacement. In fact, many manufacturers offer rebates and sales for certain models during the fall through spring.

If you wait until your old, unreliable air conditioner breaks down during the hot summer months, it is likely to fail again just when you need it most – whether it’s during a winter storm in January or the dog days of August. Proactively replacing it during the fall will avoid that risk.

Fall also provides more time to budget your system purchase and install and to explore energy-saving upgrades such as air cleaners, whole-house dehumidifiers, and programmable smart thermostats. And, because installation is more likely to go smoothly without the discomfort of a heat wave during the process, you can enjoy your new air conditioning before the summer temperatures begin rising again.

Winter

It is a fact of life that air conditioners do not last forever. Eventually, they will stop working completely or at least begin to break down more frequently and require more expensive repairs. Rather than trying to squeeze another year out of your current system, you should consider replacing it as soon as possible.

A proactive replacement during the spring or fall is a much better choice than waiting for your AC to break down in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Contractors are less busy at these times, and you won’t have to go without cooling while the new system is installed.

Additionally, manufacturers often offer rebates and sales on new HVAC systems during the off-season. Purchasing your new AC during this time will help you get the best deal. This can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Ultimately, there is no perfect time to replace your air conditioner, but the earlier you do it, the more savings you will realize.