Did you just tough out another summer with an air conditioner that's too old or weak to keep your home cool? Air conditioning often feels like a luxury, right up until you need to spend any amount of time without it. Heatwaves or unusually humid conditions can make living with poor air conditioning a challenge at the best of times.
On the other hand, it's easy to forget about all that suffering as the temperatures start to wind down, but that doesn't mean you should ignore the need to replace your AC. Here are three reasons why fall can be an excellent time to replace your home's aging air conditioning system.
1. Off-Season Discounts
HVAC contractors are sometimes less busy in the fall and spring. Since these seasons usually mean more temperature weather, fewer people need to resolve heating or cooling system issues. As a result, you can sometimes score reasonable prices for equipment or even installation costs. If you're taking this approach, it's a good idea to plan your install before the fall weather starts to turn cold.
Remember that not all HVAC contractors will offer off-season discounts, but it never hurts to ask. Your installer may also be able to point you to other rebates or discounts available from AC system manufacturers or even the government.
2. More Flexibility
Fall heatwaves aren't exactly common, so there's less pressure to replace your AC system as the temperatures fall. If it's inconvenient for you to have installers at your home, fall provides the opportunity to choose an install date without rushing to get your new system in right away. Since contractors are less busy, they'll usually have more scheduling flexibility, as well.
This added flexibility can also work in your favor if you're getting an off-season discount. Your contractor may have specific dates where they typically have a low workload, and they may offer you deals if you can make these dates work with your schedule. If your goal is to save money, always ask for any special offers that may be available.
3. More Stock
It's no secret that people rush out to buy air conditioners when the hot weather arrives. Higher demand means less available stock, so you can find yourself waiting longer for equipment in the summer or even making choices based on availability. On the other hand, you won't usually face this problem in the fall, allowing you to choose the perfect air conditioning system without compromises.
Ultimately, there's no wrong time to replace an old or aging air conditioning system. However, by taking care of this job in the fall, you can often get the air conditioner you want for less money so that you'll be ready to enjoy cool indoor air when next summer arrives. Talk to an AC installation contractor to get started.