Very often, the off-season runs from late September to mid-November and from early March to mid-May, making it the ideal time to replace the air conditioning system in your home or business. The HVAC business in most areas of the country, and especially here in North Carolina, is very seasonal. Business activity follows the general pattern indicated by the weather conditions. The best times to replace your HVAC system are spring and early fall, when business is at its slowest.
During this time, manufacturers offer special offers to help sell more products, and heating and air conditioning contractors are more aggressive with their pricing to help keep money flowing and staff busy. If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a unit that has an ENERGY STAR label. Properly installed, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. In general, the off-season is the best time to make replacements. This usually includes the fall and spring months, before extreme heat or cold temperatures arrive.
Contractors are almost always the busiest during summer and winter, so there may be a delay in providing service during those two seasons. Those are also the most expensive months to replace systems, as that's when the industry is booming. In good weather, when business slows down, contractors are often more available and are generally more willing to lower prices and offer discounts. The difference in price between buying at the best times and at the worst times can be between 10 and 15%. Replacing the HVAC in the fall or spring is also often less uncomfortable for occupants of the house because of the mild temperatures. You'll have time to research and apply for financing, such as a home equity line of credit, which will help you pay for your new system while paying the lowest possible interest rate.
Waiting for the system to fail before replacing it almost guarantees that you'll end up without heating or cooling at the worst possible time. In The Triangle, Greensboro, and Winston Salem, the best times to shop are usually January, February, March, September, October, and December. If possible, it's always best to try to schedule your HVAC system replacement in advance so you don't get caught off guard with a broken system. On the contrary, proactively replacing your HVAC system in the fall gives you time to make the best decisions for your home and your pocket. Proactively replacing your air conditioning system during the fall instead of waiting for it to break down is the best thing you can do for your home and your pocket for several reasons. Because summer and winter are the months when HVAC systems work the hardest, the best and most reputable HVAC contractors tend to be very busy during those months repairing and replacing all systems that have broken down due to stress. AC & Heating Connect is an expert source for homeowners, contractors and facility managers looking for timely and accurate information on HVAC to enable them to make informed decisions. Some telltale signs indicate that it's time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment or improving the performance of the entire system.
If you have a boiler, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR certified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new standard model. Replacing your system in fall means you can start the new year off right, saving energy and money while keeping your home comfortable for you and your family all year long.
