According to the US Department of Energy, the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 15 to 20 years. If you are a homeowner, This means you will need to get an air conditioning replacement eventually. Units that are getting old, need constant repairs, or have damage that’s beyond repair indicates that it is getting to be that time for a replacement.
Getting your air conditioner replaced is not like going to the store to pick up a new toaster. It’s an expense that needs to be planned for to make it easier on your budget. You also don’t want to have the air conditioning break down in the middle of the summer. You could end up living in a sauna for a few days until the air conditioning replacement can be scheduled if your current one stops working suddenly.
For these reasons, it’s best to replace your air conditioner during the off-season. But you need to know when your air conditioner is getting to that point of needing to be replaced.
Signs you need an Air Conditioning replacement
There are signs that indicate you are ready to head down the path of replacing your air conditioner. For example, an AC unit that’s 10 years old or more will increasingly become less energy efficient. You could save between 20 to 40 percent of your energy costs to cool your home by getting a new unit.
Recurring problems such as dust leakages and noises could be signs that your unit needs to be replaced. An air conditioner that needs constant repair can get expensive very quickly. Depending on what is wrong, you could be spending anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 between repair and service costs.
You may also notice some inconsistencies with cooling or humidity.
All of these performance issues are evidence that your air conditioner will need to be replaced soon. Timing your air conditioning replacement during the off season is best for your comfort and budget.
HVAC off season
The off season for air conditioning replacement is during the times when the weather is usually on the mild side, when there are no temperature extremes of either too hot or too cold.
This is because, during winter and summer months, air conditioning and heating contractors are usually very busy. They are working to replace, install, and maintain the units for many homes at one time. You may end up having to wait a few weeks before a contractor can even go out to inspect your air conditioner to determine if it needs to be replaced. You also need to factor in the time required for ordering the unit and scheduling the replacement.
As you might have guessed, during these times the price of a unit replacement increases because the demand for replacement is higher.
Waiting for the fall or spring will get you a better deal on your unit. Since contractors aren’t as busy during these times, they will be more willing to lower their rates. Manufacturers and retailers also lower the prices for their units to entice buyers. Another benefit is that you can get the work scheduled more quickly since contractors are more likely to have teams available.
Consider your options
The most important part of this process is determining who will be doing all the work for you. Of course, you want to get a good deal on replacing your air conditioning unit. But remember that you also can’t afford to skimp on hiring an experienced professional who can install and maintain your investment properly. Unlike other home services such as getting your home painted, the quality of the work isn’t as apparent immediately.
Doing your research and asking all of the right questions is critical to buying an air conditioner and choosing the right provider. But it doesn’t mean that you have to become an expert.
Here are some things that you should know before talking to a contractor. This knowledge will help to build confidence that the contractor you choose is the right one, and you can give them a better idea of what you want:
- Find out the best size for a new air conditioning unit for your home.
- Research the brands that you are considering.
- Find out how much air conditioning installations cost.
- Determine if there are any special features you want to get with a new unit.
- Consider whether you have someone in your household who has a compromised immune system or asthma, and if certain features of an air conditioner can help their condition.
Opportunity for saving
Whether you’re buying an air conditioner during the off- season or not, you should always try to negotiate a better price. If you don’t consider yourself a good negotiator, consider these four tips about how to have a successful negotiation:
- Both sides win during a successful negotiation. Treat the other party fairly and they will do the same.
- Use honesty to your advantage. Trust comes from honesty and that’s what good negotiations are based on.
- Don’t think of negotiation as a form of confrontation.
- Remember that everything is negotiable.
The greatest power in negotiations is the leverage you have. The person that has the most leverage is also the one who can walk away with the best deal. That’s why an air conditioning replacement during the off season is ideal. You have the most leverage in this scenario.
Here’s how to use your leverage best, even if it’s not the offseason:
- Let them know you’re taking multiple bids and would like their best price.
- Always ask them if that’s the best they can do.
- Don’t sign on-the-spot until you’re sure they’re the right contractor for you
If a contractor reduces their price significantly, be cautious about using them. That could be a sign that they were overcharging you from the beginning.
Schedule a consultation for an Air Conditioning replacement
Are you ready to talk to an expert about getting a new air conditioning unit? Our professionals at Presidential Heating and Air are here to address your needs. Schedule a consultation today.