When Is The Right Time to Upgrade Your HVAC System?
If you’ve thought about a new HVAC system for your Greenville, North Carolina, home, you might be wondering when is the best time. Depending on your circumstances, different times of the year might yield the best options and savings for upgrading your HVAC system.
Shoulder Months
Shoulder months, which include early fall and late spring, tend to be your HVAC contractors slower periods. During the summer and winter, your contractor is busy fixing air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. During the shoulder months, the load is lightened, and it’s more of a down season. When you upgrade your system during the shoulder months, you have more time to work with your HVAC contractor finding the perfect system for your house. You’re also not in a rush to pick something quick because your house is exceptionally hot or cold.
Right Before The Season
Right before summer hits is usually a smart choice for upgrading your air conditioner. If you try to push an aging system through the summer, you may see higher utility bills and risk paying for emergency maintenance should your system break down. It’s a good idea to start shopping for a new system before the season starts, and ideally have it installed as well. You won’t have to worry about emergency service during the hot summer with your new air conditioner, and you will benefit from an efficient system all summer long.
Right After The Season
If you’re shopping for a new air conditioner, waiting until after summer could save you money. Many times dealers will have end of the season specials on air conditioners with their extra inventory. You could also get factory rebates on these systems as well, although it’s not guaranteed. If your system is still in good shape and running efficiently, it’s probably worth waiting. If your system is pulling a lot of extra energy, it may be in your best interest to replace it sooner than later.
When Your HVAC System Breaks Down
People put off replacing their HVAC system because it’s such a big investment. There are probably many other renovations you would rather do with the cost of a new HVAC system. With that mindset, it’s tempting to push your HVAC system until it’s completely dead. You will technically get the most out of your HVAC system if you push it to its limit, but it’s not usually financially smart.
If your system dies suddenly, then you’re forced to pick out a new system and get it installed quickly. You don’t have much time to shop around and compare prices and quotes. You also will pay higher utility bills while your HVAC system is sputtering along when you could be getting tax credits and energy savings with a new system.
While It’s Still Working
Regardless of the time of year, it might seem counterintuitive to replace a working HVAC system. There are actually a few smart reasons to consider doing it anyway. If you’re about to sell your home, replacing your system with an energy-efficient system could help to sell your home faster with a return on your investment. Buyers love energy-efficient upgrades and will appreciate the energy savings in their new home.
If your system works well but is aging, you’re wasting money on your utility bills and probably have spotty heating and cooling. You’re paying more per month for inefficient heating or cooling than you would if you just replaced your system. Also, when your system is still working, you can take your time and consider different options.
A traditional HVAC system might have been the best choice when it was installed ten years ago, but there have been many innovations in recent years. Instead of a traditional system, your contractor might recommend a ductless system or a heat pump. When your system is still working, you have time to analyze the best and most efficient options for your home instead of rushing into a decision out of necessity.
If you’re considering a new HVAC system, we are the people to call. Contact J and J Mechanical 888-716-0052 to speak to an experienced professional today.
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