Although it may seem like a good time to purchase an air conditioner as the temperature is rising, this is not the right time. Air conditioning sales in the off-season are a great way to save money on services and products for your house. It costs on average $5650 to install and purchase a central air conditioner.
- Low: $3,800
- Average: $5,650
- High: More than $10,000 for complex ductwork systems
Air conditioning costs can also be affected by the type and size of the unit, the area that must be cooled, and the current ductwork system. There are also less costly options, such as mini-splits, window units, and swamp coolers that can cool your home.
What is the best time to sell an air conditioner?
For central air conditioning sales that need to be installed by an HVAC professional it is best to call between fall and spring. Even though you might think winter is the best because of the low competition, this is not true. HVAC technicians are often busy during winter, which can lead to a longer wait time and higher cost than in the fall or spring.
HVAC technicians are more likely to install central air conditioning units quickly if they work against the market demand. They might also be more likely to offer a deal or sale. These cooler months may see larger HVAC companies pass on savings to their customers, which can be beneficial for companies looking to keep semi-stable earnings throughout.
While you don’t need to hire a professional to install a different type of air conditioner unit such as a swamp cooler or window unit, they are typically cheaper during the cool months. Air conditioners are available in new models, just like cars. Distributors will clear out previous year’s models in the off-season to make way for newer versions. This can be great news for those looking to buy air conditioners.
What is the best type of air conditioner for you?
There are many air conditioning systems available, and each one is better for certain homes than the others. You can also choose from window units or smart central air conditioners. The best time to purchase an air conditioner is also determined by the type of air conditioner you choose.
Central Air Conditioners
These units, also known as ducted systems or ductless air conditioning, can be very expensive to retrofit in homes that don’t have ductwork. When you’re building your home, it is the best time to purchase and install central air conditioning. You can save money by shopping off-season if you need to replace your central air conditioner in an existing home. Central air conditioning costs $5650 on average.
Window air conditioners
Window air conditioners, which are the cheapest option, are great for cooling one room at time. These units can be purchased from any window and do not require professional installation. Window air conditioners are usually at their best when you shop in the off-season and during holiday sales. It costs $300 on average to install a window conditioner in one room. DIY installation can save you money.
Ductless Mini Split
Mini-split air conditioners can be mounted to the wall, are compact, and do not require ductwork. They are a popular choice for anyone looking to add air conditioning to their home. Mini-split units are very easy to install, even though they only cool the area in which they are installed. To cool a house, a mini-split ductless system costs $3,000.
Swamp Cooler
Swamp coolers work best in hot and dry climates. They are an effective option for air conditioners as they can humidify and cool the air. They can also be noisy and unattractive. It costs $2,500 on average to install a swamp cooler in order to cool a house.
There are many air conditioning options. Prices vary depending on efficiency, cooling capacity, and other factors. Ask your HVAC contractor about all the options available and get multiple quotes.
When are other good times to buy an AC unit?
The best case scenario is to anticipate when you will need an air conditioner, and buy one when the price is right. Not when it suddenly stops working in July. Although central air conditioners are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, efficiency will decrease over time. To get the best bargains, do your research before your unit expires.
Consider buying an air conditioner when you’re:
- You can bundle your heating system and replace it in your home.
- Renovating or building your home
- You may be seeing warning signs on your current unit that it might need to be replaced soon
What are other ways to save money when buying an air conditioner unit?
You can save money by buying an air conditioner in the off-season, when you don’t need it. You can ensure that you get a great deal by getting multiple quotes from HVAC pros and looking around for the right unit for you.
Other than asking for the lowest price, there are other ways to save money when buying an air conditioner. You can ask about tax credits or rebates for high-efficiency models as well as whether you qualify for any upgrades like a smart thermostat. If you intend to live in your home for many years, it may be worth paying more for a more efficient unit.
