At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we get this question a lot! When is the best time to replace an air conditioning unit? Most people realize that the end of spring and the start of summer is not the ideal time to replace air conditioning in Jacksonville, Florida. Unlike some other parts of the country where the weather is mild during the summer, in Florida, the weather is hot. Air conditioning feels essential. It is during this time that AC repair and replacement get busy.
However, winter is also not an ideal time to replace your AC because that too is a busy season for HVAC technicians. The beginning of winter is when homeowners turn on their furnaces for the first time and discover issues. They then must schedule repairs or replacements of the furnace.
For homeowners, there are three times to consider if you need new air conditioning in Jacksonville.
1 – When your AC Unit Breaks
As we said, in Florida, air conditioning feels essential. If your AC unit breaks and is beyond repair, it is time to purchase a new unit regardless of the time of the year. In fact, in Florida, the AC unit may see more regular use than the furnace. You don’t want to suffer through a hot summer with no AC in an attempt to save a little cash on the replacement cost.
However, if you want to avoid the costly expense of replacing your AC during the summer, consider being proactive. Don’t wait until your system totally crashes before you buy a new one. In fact, a well-maintained HVAC system has a life expectancy of around 15 years. If your unit is older than that, you may want to plan for a replacement.
The key is to take good care of your HVAC unit from the start to extend the life of your unit and lower repair costs. You can do this by regularly changing the air filter, scheduling preventative maintenance, and properly monitoring your unit’s performance. If you do these things, you won’t be caught off guard by a broken air conditioning unit in the middle of summer.
2 – During the Off Season
For the last few years, the housing market has been booming. This means that home service professionals across the board have been busy. However, for HVAC professionals, there are times during the year that are slower than others. While some people claim that winter is the perfect time to purchase a new air conditioning unit, winter is actually a busy time for HVAC companies. While we may not be installing a ton of AC units in the winter, we are busy servicing, repairing, and installing new furnaces.
To avoid the busy season for HVAC companies, plan to replace your system during off-seasons. These are usually the end of summer or winter that head into the more moderate seasons of spring and fall. In fact, if you know you need a new AC you can contact your HVAC company to see when they recommend the best time for an installation. Being proactive allows you time to plan instead of dealing with an emergency.
3 – When You Replace Your Furnace
Here is a little secret, it will cost you more to replace your AC unit separate from your furnace. If you plan to replace your entire HVAC system at once, you will save money on installation. Plus, you may find a lower price as a package deal versus purchasing the two units separately.
Also, when you replace the entire system at once, it is less inconvenient for you. If your unit is older than 15 years, it’s likely that both systems need replacing anyway. Today’s HVAC units offer better energy efficiency that can help you save money on monthly energy costs. They also work better to regulate the temperature in your home.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, it’s smart to replace your entire system instead of just your AC unit. It will likely help your home sell more quickly and reduce your expenditures during the home inspection and selling process.
What to Look for in a New AC Unit
If you need to purchase a new air conditioning unit, here are a few things to consider.
- Quality Brand – Research the different AC brands and read online reviews. Your local HVAC company, like J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, is also a great resource for brand recommendations.
- Type of AC Unit – Different homes are designed for different AC units. Especially with older homes that didn’t originally have central AC, it can be costly to install. A split ductless system may be a better alternative.
- Size – AC units are available in different sizes based on the size and needs of your specific home. Allow your HVAC technician to guide you in the correct unit for your home.
- Energy Efficiency – AC units have become more energy efficient in recent years and current technology continues to improve air conditioning efficiency. Consider more than just the base cost of the unit. Also, look at the long-term monthly savings you will receive from a more energy-efficient unit.
Invest in a Quality AC Unit
It’s tempting to try and find what seems like the “best” deal when replacing an air conditioning unit. However, you want to work with a trusted and qualified HVAC company when replacing your AC unit or HVAC system. Buy from a trusted brand that has a good warranty and reputation. Also, have a reliable HVAC company with solid reviews install your unit. In the long run, a quality unit installed properly will save you money. Don’t skimp on the foundational systems in your home.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we have over 40 years of experience providing excellent service to our customers. We install furnaces, ductwork, HVAC systems, and air conditioning in Jacksonville, Florida. Contact us today to replace your AC unit.
