The weather in Hinesville, GA, means that most residents need an efficient HVAC system to stay comfortable through the year. During the summer, the temperatures reach 90 degrees, and the thunderstorms cause high humidity. In the winter, the temperatures drop to freezing.
Therefore, it’s hard to get by without an efficient heating and cooling system. However, HVAC systems are significant investments. Most people buying them will want to get favorable deals to lower costs. That’s why we hear questions like, “What is the best time of the year to buy HVAC systems for cheap?” Are you in this situation?
Georgia Air Cooling and Heating, the leading HVAC company in Hinesville, GA, has all the answers for you in this post.
The Best Time to Purchase HVAC Systems in Hinesville, GA
The best time to purchase HVAC systems in Hinesville, GA, includes the following:
During the Off-Season
The off-season in HVAC terminology refers to the spring and fall seasons. These periods of the year are neither the hottest nor the coldest. Manufacturers and retailers often report a slowdown in sales during these periods as fewer people are urgently buying air conditioners, furnaces, or heat pumps during these windows.
Therefore, the off-season is a great time to change your HVAC system or buy a new one if you want to land a bargain before the temperatures start to rise or dip.
You’re also likely to get the most energy-efficient systems during this window as well because manufacturers tend to launch new products just before the peak season.
So, you’re better off shopping for a new furnace during the fall and a new air conditioner during the spring if you want to save money on upfront costs and over the long term by purchasing an energy-efficient unit.
End of the Year
The end of the year is a great time to hunt for HVAC deals and discounts for a specific reason. Manufacturers and retailers offer discounts to clear out their inventory and make room for newer models and the latest in HVAC technology. This leads to attractive deals for people looking to buy new systems around this window.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday combine to make up the busiest shopping weekends of the year across the country. The story is the same even here in Hinesville, GA. You can buy your ideal HVAC system this weekend at a discount.
Retailers offer discounts during this window for various reasons, including driving the sales of slow-moving brands and products, making room for new inventory, or just increasing foot traffic within their premises. The discounts can come in different forms, including “early bird” and “flash” sales.
For the former, the retailers sell HVAC equipment at a discount to buyers who pay early in the day. For the latter, the retailers offer discounted prices on select HVAC equipment throughout the day. This sales tactic works because it tugs at people’s fear of mission out, and the customers get the HVAC equipment they need.
How Much Money Can You Save?
If you’re asking, “What is the best time of the year to buy HVAC systems for cheap?” you now know it’s usually within the off-season. But how much money can you realistically expect to save during these windows?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell, as the numbers fluctuate from year to year. However, you can expect to save between 5 and 25% on new HVAC systems depending on the situation. You’ll feel the impact of the discounts more on higher-end HVAC equipment, where a 20% discount could amount to more than $2,000 in savings.
Will You Always Get Discounts on HVAC Systems During the Off-season in Hinesville, GA?
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get any discounts on your HVAC system during the off-season or even during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Manufacturers and retailers are in business to make profits.
Therefore, retailers will offer discounts (during the season or off-season) only if it makes financial sense for them to do so. It’s not a good idea to walk up to a retailer in the spring or fall expecting to pay less than the standard rate for an air conditioner or a furnace system.
However, if you are prepared to pay the full price, you might be pleasantly surprised.
How to Increase Your Chances of Saving Money on Your New HVAC System
You can save money on your HVAC system purchase by doing the following:
Be Proactive About Your Purchase
It’s rarely a good idea to wait until your HVAC system has completely failed before you start your hunt for a replacement. You’re instantly in a weak bargaining position if your furnace dies in the middle of Hinesville’s winter or the AC breaks down in the peak of summer.
Watch for signs that your HVAC has come to the end of its lifespan, or listen to the advice of an experienced HVAC technician on whether you should replace the unit or not. Some of the top signs include:
- Frequent repairs. If your HVAC system is breaking down more frequently, it’s generally more cost-effective to replace it.
- Inefficient heating or cooling. Is your HVAC system struggling to keep you comfortable even at the lowest or highest settings? It’s your cue to step up to a more powerful unit.
- Noisy operation. Old HVAC units exhibit signs of wear and tear in different ways, and rattling or clanging sounds is one of them. Sometimes, these sounds are an easy fix after replacing a few components. However, if the noise continues after the changes, your unit may need replacing.
- Costly damage. Most experienced HVAC contractors will advise against paying for costly repairs such as fixing the compressor. In many cases, it’s always more cost-effective to consider switching to a new system.
- Higher energy bills. Are you spending far more than you should on energy due to your heating or cooling equipment? It’s time to choose a new unit with a higher energy-efficiency rating.
Shop Around
If you’re likely most people, then you’ll talk to an HVAC technician about replacing the HVAC equipment first instead of hopping off to a retailer to buy one yourself. The technician will provide an estimate that will cover both the unit and their labor. Don’t settle for that first quote.
Get estimates from as many reputable HVAC companies in the local area as you can. That way, you can compare prices or choose systems that are better value for your budget.
Don’t forget to inform each contractor that you’re getting quotes from other companies. This might incentivize them to offer you a more favorable deal.
Highlight Existing Components
If you have a new thermostat or newly installed ductwork, don’t forget to mention it to the contractor. This can significantly lower the total cost of installing your new HVAC system and free up more money for you to spend on the perfect HVAC system.
Look for Financing Deals
Many people worrying about the cheapest season for HVAC buying often do so because they are looking to pay upfront for the HVAC equipment. The purchase may be less daunting if you can secure financing for the equipment.
Most HVAC installers will offer financing options, but you can also check with more conventional lenders for more favorable terms.
If you choose to finance your HVAC equipment, be sure to carefully evaluate the repayment terms to ensure you won’t have spent too much on the HVAC system upon expiration of the finance deal.
Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Rebates
The federal government offers tax credits for energy-efficient HVAC systems. Homeowners in Hinesville, GA, get 30% of the installation costs back in tax credits for installing Energy Star-rated furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
For air conditioners and heat pumps, the maximum tax credit is capped at $600. For qualified heat pumps, the cap is $2,000.
Utility companies in the area also offer rebates for energy-efficient units. Combining these tax rebates can significantly lower your outlay on the new HVAC system—even if not immediately.
Buy a Refurbished System
A pre-owned HVAC system might not sound like a good idea, but there are bargains to be had in that market segment. Reputable companies sell refurbished systems at a significant discount.
These units often come with generous warranties, so you can get the HVAC system you need and save money without worrying about the potential cost of complete system failure shortly after installing the unit.
Trust Georgia Air in Hinesville, GA, for Affordable Deals On Your New HVAC System
We hope our post on “What is the best time of the year to buy HVAC systems for cheap?” has been educating. Are you looking for a local HVAC company you can trust for an affordable, energy-efficient system that checks all the right boxes for your property?
Call the Georgia Air team in Hinesville, GA, today at (912) 513-3361 to schedule a consultation. We can recommend the optimal HVAC purchase period and balance the HVAC system effectively post-installation.