When the heating and air conditioning system reaches the end of its lifespan, it’s time to plan for a new one. You may also want to replace your HVAC unit under other circumstances. Let’s take a look at the best time to have a new HVAC system installed. That way you can optimize your comfort and save money.
Major HVAC Unit Component Failure
Most of the time, heating and air conditioning systems operate effectively without any issues. However, several problems can cause an early failure. Skipping an annual tune-up, operating the system with a dirty filter and age-related wear and tear on key parts. Other unforeseen circumstances, such as a brownout, power surge, lightning strike, or flood could damage your air system.
After thoroughly inspecting your HVAC unit, one of our technicians may recommend replacing it instead of repairing it. A replacement may be a better choice if the unit is close to its expected lifespan and needs considerable repairs. A major component failure might greatly shorten the life of your AC, to the point where having a new HVAC system installed may make sense.
System Is Still Under Warranty
Many HVAC unit manufacturers offer generous warranty periods. The terms of each warranty differ. Many contracts say that if parts break, the maker will replace the whole system and pay for installation. If your HVAC unit is warrantied, this is a good time to replace the equipment instead of repairing it.
Home Remodeling or Addition
Many people convert an attic, storage room or basement into a living area. You’ll need an HVAC system with enough capacity to effectively heat and cool the new space. Your current system might not have enough capacity, which will result in poor climate control and excessively high utility bills.
Using an under-powered HVAC system causes extra wear and tear. This means that the system could fail several years before its expected lifespan. Upgrading to a higher capacity HVAC system after a home remodeling project or addition ensures your comfort. It will also save you money on your monthly utility bills.
Planned Air Conditioner Replacement
When your air conditioner is 12 years old or older, this is the time to start planning an air conditioner replacement. The best time of the year for an air conditioner installation is mid-September to late November. This is the off-season, and installers will have more availability. There will also be a bigger selection of air conditioners available during the off-season.
Another good time for an air conditioner installation is early spring. In March, Sacramento weather is mild. This means that HVAC technicians will have time in their schedules to install a new central cooling system in your home.
Planned Furnace Replacement
It’s also a good idea to plan your furnace replacement for the off-season. In Sacramento, this is from April through September. You’re unlikely to need your furnace during these warm months of the year.
Technicians will have more openings in their schedules. You’ll also have access to a full range of in-stock furnaces at a variety of price points. Furnace manufacturers release their new offerings in early fall. You could get a great deal on a brand-new model from the previous model year.
Planned Heat Pump Replacement
Unlike a central air conditioner or a furnace, a heat pump is in use almost the whole year. These convenient HVAC systems feature a reversing valve. They are able to heat your home in the wintertime and cool it in the summertime. If your heat pump is 12 years old or older, this is a good time to start planning its replacement.
The best months of the year to replace your Sacramento heat pump are March and October. These months feature mild weather, so you’re less likely to need heating or cooling. The mild weather also means that technicians have more availability in their schedules to do installations.
Poor Temperature or Humidity Control
Some Sacramento homeowners work from home. You’ll notice a faulty AC even more if you’re stuck at home all day. An AC system that can’t maintain your temperature and humidity standards is an AC that should be replaced.
You can get a better deal on a new system during the off-season. However, you may not want to sacrifice your comfort for a good deal.
Before Selling Your Home
If you plan to list your home for sale, consider replacing your old HVAC system. You may need to use a new system to help bring up the value of your home. Replacing an old, inefficient or broken HVAC unit shows buyers that you’ve taken good care of your property. The buyers won’t have to immediately deal with an expensive installation right after buying the home.
Change in Family Circumstances
Perhaps you’ve been using a combination of fans and a window air conditioner to stay cool in the summertime. Maybe in the winter season, you’ve used space heaters to stay warm. A change in your family or household circumstances might necessitate the installation of a new HVAC unit.
When you have a new HVAC system installed, the modern climate and humidity control can be extremely helpful.
At Gallagher’s Plumbing, Heating and Air, it would be our pleasure to help with all of your Air Conditioning needs.
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