Depending on normal weather patterns, the best time to buy an air conditioner is in the Spring (March and April) and the best time to install a new furnace is in the fall (September and October).
The best time of year to buy a furnace is typically during the late summer or early fall. peak winter demand has passed, and there are often great deals to be found as stores make room for new models.
Fall or spring are the best times to buy air conditioners—you could save 10% to 15% on a new unit. Consider installing a new AC system when renovating your home or altering its interior layout. A new central air conditioner costs $3,500 to $7,500 to install.
The ideal time to purchase an air conditioner is during the off season, such as winter or early spring, when discounts and offers are at their peak. Planning your purchase during these times ensures great savings and a wider selection of models.
Bigger units for larger homes typically have higher prices. You can typically expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a new furnace and AC system in your home. Units with higher efficiency may have a higher initial cost but can result in significant savings on energy bills over time.
Making Your Heating and Cooling System Installation Decision
Once again, you can expect to save between $2,000 and $5,000 on total installation costs by bundling both your furnace and air conditioner together.
Remember, the average HVAC system lifespan is 10 to 25 years—based on your climate and what type of heating and cooling system you have.
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.
Ductless/Mini-Split systems.
They use an air compressor located outdoors to pull hot air in and blow out dry cool air. NOTE: A conduit hose connects the outdoor compressor to the indoor evaporator and air handling unit. Ductless units are considered the most energy-efficient air conditioning systems on the market.
Yes, AC units sometimes go on sale in winter. During the winter season, demand for air conditioning units tends to decrease significantly, as people are more focused on heating their homes. As a result, many retailers and manufacturers offer discounts and promotions to encourage sales and clear out their inventory.
It costs an average of $5,955 to install a new AC, but prices commonly range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type. A pro can provide an accurate quote based on your needs. The key to beating the heat this summer is running a good AC.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Winter and Early Spring are King
According to most experts, we're just now entering the best time of the year to purchase a new air conditioner. The colder months, especially winter and early spring, are generally considered to be the most prudent times to go shopping for a new air conditioner.
While the spring and early summer often bring sales on furnaces, the period between late summer and early fall is typically marked by special discounts and bundled deals on furnace-air conditioner combos.
In some instances, LIHEAP might help pay for an air conditioner, though Johnston cautioned that this particular benefit is fairly restricted. Each state administers their federally-funded LIHEAP grants separately. To learn more about what assistance is available where you live, contact your local LIHEAP office.
Wrapping It Up: Your Cool Guide to Air Conditioning Costs
Here's what you need to remember: Cost Varies by Type: Window units ($300 – $1,000), Portable units ($400 – $1,200), Split systems ($600 – $2,500), Ducted systems ($5,000 – $15,000+), Multi-split systems ($2,500 – $7,000).
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. I would suggest you to always buy models from the same year. If you are buying online, all year long, you may always find a product online at a discounted price.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.
A general cost estimate of running a reverse cycle split system air conditioner to warm a room is between $11 to almost $500 per year. This is dependent on the size and location of the room, and how energy efficient your air conditioner is.
On average, you can only expect about 15 years of reliable service from a central AC system. And that's only if you maintain your system well. So, if your home has an AC that's 20 years old or older, it's likely living on borrowed time. Here are all the reasons to replace your home's 20-year-old air conditioner.