Purchasing a new HVAC unit for your Salem, OR area household is not a decision that should be taken lightly. A brand-new HVAC system is a major investment, and selecting a unit that’s a good fit for your home will make a huge difference in the long run. Which HVAC system to purchase isn’t the only important choice to make, though. You’ll also want to make sure you’re choosing the right time to have your new unit installed. Although many homeowners don’t realize it, picking a good time to invest in an HVAC system can be beneficial in several ways for you and your family. So, how can you know when it’s the perfect time to pull the trigger on this major household upgrade?
Deciding When to Replace Your Old System
If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system, you’ll want to determine whether doing so is actually necessary. Obviously, your HVAC unit won’t remain effective forever, but there’s not much reason to spend money on a replacement if it still has several productive years left. So, before you start shopping for brand-new systems, it’s always prudent to evaluate the condition of the one you’re currently using.
On average, HVAC systems will last for around 10 to 15 years before they start to decline significantly. However, this timeframe can vary depending on a number of factors, including the way the unit is cared for, the size of the house, and the frequency of usage. Once you pass the 15-year mark, though, it’s usually wise to start planning for its replacement. That said, there are exceptions to every rule, and another option is to wait until your current HVAC unit starts showing noticeable signs of deterioration. That way, you’ll know you’re getting as much out of the system as possible before dishing out money for a new one. In most cases, you’ll start to observe some or all of the following occurrences when your HVAC system is ready to be replaced.
- Worsening airflow
- Hot and cold spots around the house
- System needing frequent repairs
- Energy bills steadily rising
- System making loud noises
If you notice that one or more of these issues are popping up, you can always schedule an appointment with our team at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing. Someone from our expert team will be more than happy to inspect your system and help you decide whether or not it needs to be replaced. If it turns out that the unit has a few good years left, we’ll let you know, and you can use that extra time to set some money aside and start planning for your next HVAC system.
Other Potential Reasons to Replace Your HVAC System
Even if your current HVAC system is still running smoothly, there may be other reasons that you’d want to invest in a brand-new unit. The most common of these reasons is the desire to upgrade to a higher-efficiency system. If you’ve had your current HVAC unit for several years, then there are almost certainly more advanced systems available now than there were when you last purchased one. So, even if your heating and cooling systems are working fine, you may want to invest in modern, high-efficiency appliances to start saving money on monthly energy costs. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that these newer units also tend to be more effective and less likely to break down.
Sometimes, a household furnace may have a couple of good years left, yet the air conditioner is not working. This can be a bit of a predicament because it’s typically more cost-effective to purchase your heating and cooling systems at the same time. So, even if it’s only your AC unit or furnace that actually needs to be replaced, you may opt to upgrade your entire system.
There’s also the possibility that your HVAC system requires a huge repair that you’d rather not pay for. For example, if you’ve had your current unit for 10 years and it requires a $2,000 repair, it may be a more prudent choice to simply put that money toward a replacement system. If you expect the aging HVAC unit to wear out in the next few years anyway, it probably doesn’t make financial sense to invest a bunch of money into it.
Choosing the Right Season
If possible, it can be quite beneficial to plan your HVAC system replacement a few months or a year in advance. That way, you can be deliberate about the time of year that you choose to purchase your new unit. While there isn’t necessarily a wrong answer when deciding when to replace your HVAC system, there are undoubtedly a couple of seasons that offer more benefits than the others. Ideally, your main goal should be avoiding the peak seasons when buying a new HVAC system. For one, that means you’ll want to avoid the summer. When the weather is at its hottest in the Salem area, lots of people will be shopping for cooling systems. As a result, there may be fewer options available to you as dealers attempt to meet the extreme demand. And due to that demand, prices for new systems may be significantly higher than they’ll be during milder seasons. For very similar reasons, you should also avoid shopping for your new HVAC unit during the winter, as that’s when many Salem residents will be in the market for furnaces and other heating systems.
By process of elimination, that leaves the spring and fall as the best times of year to purchase a new HVAC system. Typically, the temperatures are mild during these seasons, which can be beneficial for several reasons. For one, having a new HVAC unit installed may mean that you’ll have to go without a heating and cooling system for up to a few days. That will be much easier to deal with if it isn’t too hot or cold outside. However, you probably won’t have to wait too long. HVAC companies generally aren’t as busy during the spring and fall, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get the installation process handled quickly.
Another benefit of purchasing your HVAC system during the milder seasons is that HVAC dealers may be offering promotions and discounts. Since the demand for heating and cooling systems isn’t nearly as high during spring and fall, many companies will have extra inventory that they’re looking to move. That means you may be able to take advantage of special promotions and incentives, such as financing and rebate opportunities. New HVAC systems aren’t cheap, and any way that you can find to save some money will feel like a major victory.
Since 1989, we at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing have been proudly serving the greater Salem area. Our friendly team offers a variety of top-notch services, including heating, cooling, indoor air quality, new construction, and fireplace services. We offer up-front pricing and an honest, straightforward approach as well as a variety of promotions and deals that can help you save money. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, just give us a call!
