Why Fall Is the Best Time to Replace Your HVAC System

Fall has finally arrived, and this season brings homeowners in the tri-state area of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania new ways to enjoy themselves. From watching football with friends to looking forward to holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, fall is a wonderful time of year.

Though you may not want to think about the freezing winter temperatures that are only a few months away, fall is the best time to evaluate your home HVAC system and decide whether a replacement or upgrade is right for you. Here are our top seven reasons why.

1. Fall tends to be a slower season for HVAC companies.

Because summer and winter are when HVAC systems are running nearly all the time, the most reputable HVAC contractors tend to be much busier during those months. That means if your HVAC system breaks down, you may have to wait some time before your trusted HVAC company can get to you.

Once the weather cools off, on the other hand, HVAC companies usually don’t have as many emergency calls to field. That means it’s generally easier for them to work with your schedule to evaluate your HVAC needs. You may find they have more availability to discuss updating your HVAC at a time that’s convenient for you.

2. You typically won’t run your HVAC system as much in the fall.

If you get your HVAC replaced in the fall, you can enjoy naturally mild temperatures during the installation process. If you wait until your system breaks down, you’ll risk having to get it replaced during a season when the temperatures are more extreme, leaving you lacking air conditioning or heat during times of the year when you need it most.

3. You can prevent costly breakdowns.

If your HVAC unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’re walking a fine line. Heating and cooling are more likely to experience failures in the summer or winter, when your HVAC system is working its hardest. An older system on the verge of a breakdown might make it through the fall or spring, when the weather is generally moderate, then go out right when you need it most, whether that’s during a blizzard in January or the muggiest day of August. Replacing it proactively in the fall will help ensure your comfort year-round.

4. It gives you more time to weigh your options.

If your heater stops working on a day with freezing temperatures, your gut instinct may be to hire the first HVAC contractor who says they can fit you in. You’ll probably also be more willing to accept the quote they give you for any system they recommend, just so you can be warm and comfortable again. Having to make these kinds of spur-of-the-moment decisions can lead to you paying more up front, or getting a system that is incorrectly sized for the needs of your home and having to spend even more money to have it reinstalled later.

In contrast, planning for a preventive HVAC replacement in the fall gives you more time to make the best decisions for your family and your household budget. If you haven’t put yourself in the position of needing to replace your heating and cooling urgently, you can take your time thoroughly researching and vetting HVAC contractors and getting multiple quotes, including calculation of your home’s specific temperature requirements.

You can also look into the many different HVAC options currently available, such as high-efficiency systems and energy-saving add-ons like programmable smart thermostats. In addition, you can consider improving your indoor air quality with things like humidifiers and air scrubbers.

5. You can save yourself money.

Because fall is often a slower season for HVAC contractors and manufacturers, you may be eligible for specific discounts or rebates that aren’t available in the peak months. Planning to replace your system, instead of waiting until it breaks down, gives you more time to make sure you can afford the new unit you’re getting. For example, many people don’t budget for a full-scale replacement of their HVAC. Getting ahead of the game will give you time to research and apply for low-interest financing options, if necessary, that can help you afford your new system without breaking the bank.

6. You can avoid surprise heating costs.

Heading into the winter months with a heat pump, boiler or furnace that’s on the verge of failing is a significant gamble. If your heater can’t keep up with your family’s comfort anymore, it may begin running much less efficiently. As a result, you could end up with an unexpected spike in your utility bills. That’s not the kind of surprise anybody wants to get, especially not leading up to the holiday season.

7. You and your family can enjoy a happier, more energy-efficient new year.

As your HVAC system becomes old and outdated, it starts working harder to keep your home comfortable, which can cause energy waste. By replacing your system in the fall, right before you will use it full-time in winter, you can benefit from increased energy efficiency and save more on your electricity bill as we head into 2020.

Today’s new HVAC systems are much more energy-efficient than systems installed a decade ago or more. When you install a new system today, it will almost certainly use significantly less energy than your old system, all while keeping you more comfortable. Getting your system replaced in the fall means you can start the new year right – saving energy and money while keeping your home at the perfect temperature for yourself and your family all year long. It’s a win-win!

Contact Maichle’s for Your Fall HVAC Replacement

If you’re considering replacing your HVAC unit this fall and wondering if it’s the right choice for you, our technicians at Maichle’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make the best call. We have been installing and servicing HVAC systems for homeowners throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland since 1984, and we offer up-front price quotes backed by our unsurpassed customer guarantees. Contact us to learn more!