If your current air conditioner is getting up there in age, you may be thinking about getting a replacement. The timing of your replacement service can significantly impact the price of your system and your scheduling availability.
Below, we’ll discuss why the end of summer is the ideal time of year for an air conditioner replacement and the numerous benefits that come with it.
Why End of Summer Makes Sense
There’s no doubt that trying to replace your air conditioner during the winter doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Shutting down your heating system so the technicians can work during the coldest time of year isn’t a great idea. One reason to avoid the spring and summer is that both seasons bring a high demand for air conditioning services, making scheduling very difficult.
In fact, there are many practical reasons to consider AC replacement at the end of summer. We’ll detail a few more below.
Off-Season Discounts
One of the biggest reasons fall makes a perfect time to do an air conditioner replacement is that most HVAC companies are typically in their slow season of the year. They are likely more willing to offer promotions and discounts to encourage sales. Many companies will offer discounts to clear out the previous summer’s inventory to make space for the next year’s inventory.
Flexible Appointment Scheduling
Installing a new air conditioning system typically takes several hours to a full day to complete. To ensure that you have flexible appointment scheduling capabilities, it makes sense to schedule a replacement during the off-season for the HVAC industry. This leads to faster appointment times and allows you to choose a replacement on a day that works best for your unique schedule, rather than having to work around what’s available.
No Worrying Over Winter
It can seem like there’s nothing worse than that feeling of worrying about having to do something for months on end. You don’t want to end the summer season knowing that you need a new air conditioner before the next season and then wait until the following spring to consider making an appointment.
Instead, scheduling a replacement in the fall will help check that item off your list and ease any wintertime worries you would have about replacing your air conditioner for the upcoming year.
Avoid Price Spikes
Following the natural laws of supply and demand, air conditioner prices tend to increase just before and during the summer season when there is a very high demand for new installations. For this reason, you should never consider an AC replacement during the summer unless you have no other options. Instead, opting for a late summer replacement will ensure the prices are at their lowest point of the year.
Top Signs You Need AC Replacement
As with any system in your home, it’s important to understand the signs that indicate it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. This will allow you to schedule a replacement at a time that’s most convenient for you, rather than being blindsided by a complete system failure and unexpectedly incurring the cost of a new replacement. Below, we’ll reveal some of the key signs that indicate your air conditioner is likely due for replacement in the near future.
Over 15 Years Old
Most central air conditioning systems are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, while heat pumps and ductless mini-split units typically last around 10 to 15 years. If your existing air conditioner is 15 years or older, it’s best to start thinking about a replacement.
Expired Warranty
All new air conditioning systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the replacement of defective components at no additional cost to you. Most of these warranties last for between 8 and 10 years. If your warranty is currently expired, you’ll be stuck paying out of pocket for any unexpected repair bills that crop up. It’s best to consider getting a new system that comes with a brand-new warranty, providing you with peace of mind.
Frequent Breakdowns
It’s common for the components inside your air conditioner to wear out over time. Towards the end of your air conditioner’s lifespan, you can expect it to require more frequent repair services. If you’re constantly calling multiple times a year to repair your unit, it’s best to think about a replacement. Additionally, if any repair will cost you one-half or more of the total cost of a new air conditioner, it’s most cost-effective to upgrade.
Outdated Refrigerant
Over the past few decades, air conditioning systems have used different types of refrigerants. Unfortunately, not all of these refrigerants are safe for the environment, and the government has enacted a ban on certain refrigerants, such as R-22 and R-410A.
If your existing air conditioning system uses one of these outdated refrigerants, it’s not only environmentally unfriendly, but paying to recharge your system’s refrigerant will become increasingly expensive as supplies dwindle.
Benefits of Upgrading Your AC Unit
Getting a new air conditioning system for your home is a big decision. New units are very costly for most average homeowners. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should upgrade your outdated air conditioner, we’ll share with you some of the many benefits it can provide below.
Lower Energy Bills
One of the biggest benefits of getting a new AC unit for your home is that you can lower your summertime cooling bills. Units produced today are significantly more efficient than those manufactured just 10 years ago. When your AC unit is able to operate more efficiently, it translates to lower energy usage and lower energy bills for you.
New Warranty Coverage
When you purchase a new air conditioning system that gets installed by a certified cooling services technician, it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. This can give you peace of mind that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for any potential problems your system may have in the future.
Tax Credits and Local Rebates
One great advantage of getting a new AC unit is that it can potentially make you eligible to receive local rebates and a tax credit from the federal government. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allows some homeowners who purchase a qualifying air conditioning system to claim up to $3,200 in the form of a tax credit on their federal income tax returns.
Even better, most local utility companies will provide you with a credit on your energy bill when you show them proof of your new system purchase. These credits and rebates can help you recoup some of the upfront costs associated with upgrading your outdated air conditioner.
Reliable AC Replacement Service
Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators offers reliable AC replacement service for the Bountiful, UT area. We can also assist with all your AC repair and maintenance needs.
Call the friendly office staff at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators today to book your next replacement system consultation.
