Purchasing a new HVAC system requires careful thought and planning since a homeowner wants to purchase a reliable and efficient model. Finding the best model and the right price could take some effort, but a deliberate process could be worth it if the result leads to getting the best HVAC system available. Part of the process involves purchasing and requesting the system’s installation at the appropriate time of the year. So, anyone in the market for a new HVAC system should conduct a little consumer research to determine the best time of the year to buy a new unit.
The HVAC’s Age and End Date
If an HVAC system breaks down and cannot be repaired, a homeowner might have to request a new system immediately. For example, a homeowner dealing with a broken down HVAC system that doesn’t work during the frigid winter months won’t likely be able to wait until spring arrives to go shopping. The immediate emergency necessitates an equally rapid search for a new furnace. However, such a situation may be avoidable when the homeowner knows the furnace’s remaining expected life span.
Homeowners may conduct research based on the name-brand, make, serial number, and other information related to the specific HVAC unit to determine the model’s average life expectancy. An HVAC system will generally last around 10 to 15 years, although some models could last longer. Be aware that other factors could decrease an HVAC unit’s life span. If the unit has to work hard to deal with extreme weather common to a particular area, it may last fewer years. The same could be true when the model does not receive routine maintenance.
Ultimately, having an idea about when the model is nearing the end of its life could help a homeowner better plan when to replace it. Replacing the model before it dies would certainly be in the homeowner’s best interests.
Performing Replacements During the Mild Weather Months
The milder months of the year could be the right times to replace an HVAC system. That means homeowners may find the fall and the spring are the right months to have the installation work performed.
Replacing an HVAC system during the height in the summer or winter might not be advisable. Many HVAC companies could have hectic schedules during the hot summer and cold winter months, as HVAC systems may suffer from maintenance issues that require emergency service. So, installing a new model could take longer than expected because of limited technician availability.
And besides, why continue to use an older, less efficient HVAC system during the months when it will be possibly constant use? The older unit could drive up energy bills because it lacks efficiency. Why not replace the model earlier and let the money saved from the utility bills go towards purchasing a new unit?
Norcross residents could call our team when they feel it is time to select and install a new HVAC unit. The technicians at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing are also available to help with maintenance and repair requests.
An Efficient Approach to Shopping for a New HVAC System
While installing an HVAC system at the end of the fall or winter season might be acceptable, waiting until that time to shop for one could be problematic. Waiting until one season’s end might mean the job does not start until the following season. Other installation jobs could already be on the company’s schedule. So, anyone interested in installing a new HVAC unit for the summer may shop for one in March. Similarly, anyone wishing to install one before winter could commence their consumer search in September.
Benefits of Early Shopping
The average homeowner might need to become more familiar with the top name-brand HVAC units. Shopping early gives the buyer time to read consumer reports and customer reviews of various models. The research could assist the homeowner in making a more informed selection. Of course, the shopper may ask an HVAC company’s representative questions. When not rushed to install a new unit, the shopper can be more deliberative with their approach. Here at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we stand behind all the Carrier products that we sell.
Taking the appropriate time to purchase a new model may prevent costly errors. One of the biggest mistakes anyone purchasing an HVAC system could make involves purchasing a unit that is not the right size for the home. Homeowners who buy a unit that’s too small for the house may discover their energy bills are higher than expected, the result of the undersized system working too hard to handle its job. The added strain may cause a unit to suffer a decreased life span, speeding up the next replacement far ahead of schedule. Rushing to buy an HVAC system could cause such a mishap.
Also, HVAC manufacturers know people like to save money and get deals. So, a company could offer discounts or rebates on specific units. Shopping early for an HVAC system could help a homeowner find deals and discounts they may otherwise miss if they waited until the last minute to purchase.
The Estimate Process
When purchasing a new HVAC unit, a company representative will typically come to the prospective customer’s home to take measurements and perform other steps to determine the best model for the property. The representative would also write an estimate for the work that may be good for a set number of days. For example, the estimate may be good for 30 days.
If the homeowner agrees to the estimate’s price, they may make a downpayment and finance the remaining purchase amount. Others may pay in full. Regardless, the HVAC representative could schedule a specific date and time for the installation. Performing these steps in advance could help maximize the installation schedule’s flexibility.
A Word About Peak Season Shopping
Shopping around for a new HVAC unit during the peak summer or winter months won’t be too late if you plan to install the unit next year. Shopping around and researching models could have its upside. Of course, the homeowner should have confidence that replacing the model next year won’t be too late. Routine inspection and maintenance visits could give the homeowner insights into whether the HVAC will last another 12 months.
Extending the Unit’s Life
Regular maintenance might extend an HVAC unit’s life longer than some expect. Routine cleanings and filter changes could have an impressive effect. Delaying repairs on malfunctioning units might prove unwise, so keeping your eyes and ears open for any sign of trouble is helpful. Are energy bills higher than average? Does the unit cycle on and off more frequently than it should? Such things could indicate a problem requiring attention.
Be aware that an occasional repair may be unavoidable. Calling an HVAC technician to the house for one repair after another might suggest installing a new unit might be the best move.
Since its founding in 1989, Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has provided heating and cooling services to Norcross locals. Ask about our other services, such as plumbing work, indoor air quality visits, and smart thermostat installations. We won a 2018 Angi’s List Super Service Award, which tells a lot. We sell Carrier products but service all brands. Contact Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for more information about our products.
