Is your air conditioner failing to provide comfort like it used to? Is it driving up the energy bill despite maintenance and repairs? It could be time for replacement—especially if it’s over 10 years old.
If you noticed these problems back in the summer, it doesn’t mean you have to wait for summer again just to have your suspicions confirmed. You can schedule a replacement during the off-season and save yourself tons of trouble. Here’s how:
Give Yourself More Time to Research AC Options
When it comes time to replace your air conditioner, maybe you haven’t put much thought into what kind of system you’d like. Sure, you have things like installation costs and monthly operational costs in mind, but there are other things to consider, too. Replacing your AC several months before you intend to use it gives you plenty of time to do more research on what kind of AC will be best.
- Efficiency rating: A high SEER rating means better efficiency, but it also means a more expensive unit. You may decide it’s worth it to set aside time to put the money together for one of these high-efficiency units.
- Researching tax credits: Some high-efficiency air conditioners may be able to qualify for tax credits. You won’t be able to do that research if you want until the middle of summer to replace a broken AC.
- Considering a different kind of AC: Ductless heat pumps, normal heat pumps, evaporative coolers… There are many options out there other than the typical central AC system. Now’s the time to consider if your current AC is truly the best fit for your home.
You Won’t Suffer in the Heat While Waiting for an Appointment
If you’re not planning your AC’s replacement in advance, then you might be the type who is only considering replacement when you have no other choice—when it’s broken and can’t be used anymore!
The thing is, every HVAC contractor in Whittier will have a full list of customers to service before they can make it to your home. You’ll be suffering in the heat for a few days before they can make it to your home, and even then, it might make for a hasty installation if you’re only choosing whichever AC sounds good at the time.
When scheduling that replacement during the off-season, the contractor will most likely have a full list of customers needing heating services… but that won’t matter much since you won’t be in need of cooling.
It’s Less Trouble With a Maintenance Plan
Now, many homeowners probably don’t have anything against having their replacement done early. The problem is that they might think it’s too early to bother, so they put it off. But before they realize it, summer is back and they still haven’t scheduled any replacement.
The best way to get around that is by signing up with a maintenance program. Scheduled maintenance will ensure that you’re getting your system checked on regularly, and during that time, your contractor will be able to tell you if it’s getting to be time for replacement. Just recognizing the need is half of the work already done—after that, you just need to discuss your options for replacement and make the call.