When is the Best Time to Buy an Air Conditioner (2024)

FAQs

When is the Best Time to Buy an Air Conditioner? ›

Fall and spring are the best times to purchase a new HVAC system. Otherwise, you'll deal with the peak season rush during the winter—when homeowners need their furnaces repaired, and the summer—when homeowners need their air conditioning units repaired and replaced.

Purchasing an AC the winter will result in a 4-5 month wait period. You should also never get air conditioning just after the summer ends. However, if you wish to get an AC in the off-season, it's a good idea to get an air conditioner two months before summer, in March or April.

Air conditioning units are cheapest during the cold months just before the manufacturers release their new models. At that time, you can get the best discounts because retailers want to make room for the new ones. However, winter is a terrible time to install any kind of AC that needs a professional.

Mid Spring

Like fall - there's less competition among the AC companies during this season. You are more likely to get your unit replaced quickly and avoid the waitlist of summer when extreme heat causes frequent AC companies to get backed-up.

The ideal 'Thermostat Setting'

ASHRAE suggests an optimal comfort temperature between 23.5°C (74.3°F) and 25.5°C (78°F) during summers. Setting the thermostat to 24°C (75.2°F) balances comfort and energy efficiency. Using ceiling fans in conjunction with ACs further enhances comfort while conserving energy.

The short answer is yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day. But this does not mean that you should leave it on full blast, keeping your home so cold that you need a sweater or jacket to be comfortable.

If you're trying to cool a single room, a window unit is cheaper than a central air system. However, if you're trying to cool an entire building, running multiple window units at the same time is inefficient and more expensive than a central air conditioning system.

However consumers must consider the power efficiency, longevity of the compressor and room size before going for the cheapest options. During the peak season, which continues from April to September, there may be many tempting offers to push sales but consumers are likely to find cheaper products in the winters.

Unlike furnaces, air conditioners are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year, which shortens their life expectancy. Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years.

What is the best AC temperature to sleep in summer? ›

Recommended AC Temperature for Sleeping

The Sleep Foundation says 65° is the best temperature for sleeping. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer or cooler room, that's okay, too. The recommended range is 60–68°, so there is some wiggle room.

Several HVAC manufacturers have officially declared upcoming price hikes for 2024, garnering attention as a new wave of increases takes effect. There is a noticeable industry-wide trend of manufacturers elevating the prices of equipment, parts, and supplies.

The average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 10-15 years. Central air conditioner lifespan is one of the more important factors to consider when planning to invest in a replacement unit. If your unit is close to ten years old or older, you may want to consider replacing it instead of repairing it.

The average central AC unit cost is $5,900, with most homeowners spending somewhere between $3,600 and $8,200 to have an HVAC professional install a central AC unit. Central AC installation costs will be higher if your home does not have pre-existing ductwork.

Best Air Conditioner Brands of 2024

Here are the best air conditioning brands according to our rating methodology: Lennox: Most Energy Efficient. Carrier: Best Overall AC Units. York: Most Experience.

Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives. Manufacturer promotions: Less demand for installations leads to some pretty compelling incentives from equipment manufacturers.

Electricity is more expensive from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., especially in the summertime. That's because there's a greater demand for power. During this time, more people are in their homes, running the air conditioner or using appliances and electronic devices.

Manufacturers offer incentives during the spring and fall “shoulder seasons,” so for AC, either of these is usually the best time to make your purchase.