There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience.
Herbert Franklin
A common HVAC question is when is the best time to install an air conditioner or furnace? Well, the answer to this question is that it depends. There are a variety of factors that every homeowner should consider in order to come up with the right plan. Here are some of them.
1. Replacement Before Failure
Aim to replace your furnace or air conditioner before it fails. If your unit is literally on the brink of failure, now is the time for a replacement. If you wait, the amount of time between failure and replacement will be longer. Remember, you'll need to research units and schedule a repair, which can take some time. If the technician has told you the unit can fail at any time, get ahead of the problem so that you can start the process beforehand.
2. Reduced Efficiency
Typically, it's a good idea to replace your unit just before the season when you will use it most, especially if its efficiency has declined. If the unit has malfunctions that have impacted its efficiency, it's going to cost more to heat or cool your home since efficiency and energy usage go hand-in-hand. For this reason, if you're having an issue with the furnace, install a new unit in the summer, and install your new air conditioner in the winter.
3. Repair Needs
Sometimes people assume that it's cheaper to perform repairs than it is to replace a unit. However, this scenario is rarely the case. Take a look at the number of repairs that you have made to your unit recently. If you've made several, now is the time to replace the unit, as performing repairs is only putting off the inevitable. It makes more sense financially to install your new unit now rather than paying for short-lived repairs.
4. Local Climate
Consider the local climate. The more extreme the climate, the more important it is to install your new unit in the off season. For example, for someone who lives in Colorado, a mid-winter furnace installation makes little sense, as the homeowner might experience a period of discomfort while the unit is being installed given the intense cold. The same would be true for a homeowner who plans to install an air conditioner in the middle of the summer.
Make sure you include the industry experience of an HVAC technician in the decision-making process. A technician can take into account your specific needs to determine what's best for your HVAC installation services.