Save More & Stress Less With an Off-Season Replacement

There’s a reason the early bird catches the worm. By the same token, there’s a reason it’s cheaper to replace your AC during the off-season. The demand is down, which means the price is, too.

If you already know your air conditioner is on its last legs, now is the best time of year to replace it. Now that temperatures have dropped, you don’t need to run your AC often, if at all. The last thing you want to do is wait until the hottest summer days when the cost and stress to replace your equipment will be at an annual high.

Here’s what else you should know when it comes to AC replacement in Jacksonville, FL, during the off-season!

Time Is On Your Side

When you’re forced to replace your air conditioner in the middle of summer, you’re naturally in more of a rush. By upgrading now, you can take more time to shop around and ensure your new system is truly right for you. You can also be more particular when it comes to choosing an installer. The installation is the most important moment of a system’s life and directly impacts your long-term comfort. If your AC is around 10 years old, you’ll want to replace it sooner rather than later.

Look for companies that employ North American Technician Excellence (NATE)-certified technicians, have positive online reviews and are fully licensed, insured, and certified to perform the installation work.

Don’t Base Everything Solely on Price

Just like every other industry, you get what you pay for when it comes to AC installation. Too often, homeowners choose the company that provides the lowest quote. What they don’t realize is that down the line, they’re more likely to encounter problems that raise the final price. For example, the company might surprise the customer with hidden fees after providing the initial quote. Or the company might not have the proper licensing to perform the agreed-upon work, leaving the customer vulnerable to expenses and liabilities if the equipment isn’t installed properly.

An honest company won’t be the cheapest, but there’s a reason for that. Be wary of technicians who provide quotes without asking questions about your home or performing the necessary measurements. Taking measurements ensures your new system will be the proper size for your home.

Compare Efficiency Ratings and Other Key Features

Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, new energy efficiency requirements from the Department of Energy (DOE) will be enforced. The efficiency of air conditioners is measured using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This number tells you how efficient or inefficient the unit is (for a more in-depth explanation of SEER and why it matters, check out this recent blog post).

Prior to these new changes, residential air conditioners in Florida needed to be 14 SEER or higher. Starting on Jan. 1, the new standards will require a SEER of 15 or higher in Florida. Be sure to keep this number in mind as you’re shopping for a new air conditioner. While units with a higher SEER cost more upfront, they cost less to operate over time. Since you will have more time to explore options during the off-season, consider other features, such as variable-speed blowers, which can help your system operate even more efficiently and quietly. HVAC zoning is another way to lower your energy costs, eliminate hot and cold spots throughout your home and bring an end to temperature wars within your family.

Beat the Rush With Buehler

Don’t find yourself scheduling emergency AC repair in the middle of summer, only to learn you have to replace the AC altogether. By getting ahead of the game, you can save money and have peace of mind that your new air conditioner is the best possible fit for you and your family.

To request a free estimate for your Jacksonville home, you can service directly by calling the HVAC Pros at Buehler Air Conditioning today!

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