The Best Time of the Year to Purchase a New Furnace or AC System

When the weather changes and the temperature rises or drops, it reminds us how vital our HVAC systems are. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling) systems help control the temperature within our homes and provide the comfort we need during these harsher seasons. But there will come a time when you find yourself needing a brand new system.

When this happens, the number one question that will come to mind is, who do I go to, and more importantly, when is the best time to buy a furnace or air conditioner? Our experts at Flame have the answers to that very question.

The Importance of Supply and Demand of HVAC Systems 

Impact of Weather and Region

One of the biggest things to look for when deciding on a new HVAC purchase is looking at where you live. Local climate can vary for each person. If you live in a southern region with very hot summers, you will see higher demand for new HVAC systems in those months.

The higher demand can even lead service providers to offer special discounts during the off-peak months to be proactive and replace your system before demand increases.

If you, for example, live in the south, try to aim for the cooler in between seasons as you avoid the traffic for a new system and, typically, higher prices. Being proactive grants you peace of mind and eliminates the stress of wondering if you’ll have AC or heating during the hot/cold times of the year.

Is There a Right Time of Year To Purchase HVAC? 

People are usually in need of a new HVAC system during the seasons with extreme temperature highs and lows, meaning Summer and Winter. The higher demand may cause you to be unable to get a system in time to combat the temperature changes.

To avoid this, the best time to buy an air conditioner or furnace is during the Spring (AC) or Autumn (Furnace). These times see lower demand for replacements, allowing you to get a professional installation for your air conditioner or furnace from Flame.

Benefits of Buying a Furnace or AC During Off-Season

Cost Savings

Buying and replacing an HVAC system can be an expensive venture, but customers have opportunities to lower that price tag. Companies/Service providers often offer seasonal promotions and discounts for those seeking a new system. The best times to seek out these promotions are the months leading up to summer and the period between the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn. 

Reduced Wait Times

During the busier summer and winter periods, customers may have to wait longer to purchase and install their HVAC systems. Therefore, the best time to replace the HVAC system would be during the off-season, when waiting periods are reduced.

Better Scheduling 

When you schedule with a professional HVAC dealer, such as Flame, during the seasons before summer or winter, it allows for flexible scheduling as the traffic to get a system is much lower in the hot/cold parts of the year.

Prep for Upcoming Season/Extreme Weather

Contacting a professional for a new furnace or air conditioner during the off-season gives you enough leeway to not worry about the temperatures during the upcoming seasons. Having systems like your heating system ready to go before temperatures drop puts you at less risk of them failing in the middle of the brutal seasons.

Increased System Availability

The busier periods during the hotter/colder months can make the availability of systems more sparse for some HVAC dealers as traffic for replacements increases due to more people trying to fight the temperature change. So for example, if you need a new heat pump or boiler before the winter, searching around Autumn would be the best time.

Time to Make a Decision

The off-season allows for more leeway in decision-making. You don’t have to worry currently about any extreme weather to combat. This gives you more time to research and is the best time to buy a furnace or air conditioner.

Factors to Consider When Deciding When To Get a New HVAC System 

• Emergencies – Sometimes, breakdowns can happen abruptly. In such cases, it is better to seek assistance from professionals immediately to replace your heating and cooling systems.
• System advancements – HVAC tech is constantly evolving as new models get released, with enhancements such as improved performance, new refrigerants, and new mechanics. Sure, a new system is nice, however, it will also come with a higher price tag. Understanding the system advancements vs. cost and your needs is a crucial step. 
• Older model incentives – Service providers, like Flame, will sometimes offer incentives on ordering older HVAC models. This provides customers with a broader range of available models to have installed rather than having to wait for the newer stuff.

Other Good Times to Buy HVAC Systems 

There are other ideal times to buy a new HVAC system, such as:

• Advantageous AC/Furnace promotions
• Building/Renovating your home
• HVAC warning signs

Common signs to look for that will indicate that you may need to replace your existing unit are:

• AC unit is blowing hot air or there is no airflow 
• Thermostat showing inaccuracies or has ceased functioning
• Loud noises from the unit

In any of these cases, it’s always best to have an HVAC professional come out to assess the situation so that you can be sure you’re making the right choice.

The Cost of New HVAC Systems

Prices for a new HVAC system can differ. This is due to the complexity of the system as it contains many different pieces to complete it. A flat price for a unit ranges from high to low, along with additional costs involving the installation process. Do not worry as there are ways to save some money on your purchase.

A good way of saving some money for a new system is looking out for specials or package deals that won’t hurt your wallet. Finding cheaper lower-quality brands will cut the cost down but that can lead to the unit breaking down a lot faster. You can also find brands that use the same components as high-quality competitors but offer a better price. It is smart to shop enough a bit.

How Flame Can Help You Choose the Right HVAC System

Wondering, “When do I replace my HVAC system?” The answer comes down to timing an installation before you truly need to use it. The best time to buy an HVAC system comes down to being prepared to fight harsher temperatures, as when seasons come and the temperature is bad, more and more people will need a new system. You do not want to get caught in the customer traffic.

Our HVAC specialists at Flame will be able to help you through each step of the process to get you the right system based on your needs. We make it a priority that your system is in place and doing its job to your satisfaction. Flame’s team of experts is ready to help you prepare for those brutal summers and chilling winters.