Is your home’s HVAC or furnace getting old? Maybe it’s on its last legs and has a few months left, but you know you’ll have to replace it in the near future. When is the best time to have that done?
You may have heard that fall is the best time to get a new heater, HVAC, or furnace repaired, replaced, or installed. Is it true? Let’s look at the facts.
Seasonal Comparison for Heater Replacements
First, let’s think about the other three seasons. Winter is almost certainly the worst time to get a heater replaced, because it’s difficult to get an appointment. Heaters are used more in winter than in any other time of year for obvious reasons, which means they tend to break down more often than in other seasons.
Heaters themselves are very rarely used in the summer months, of course, but they’re usually one component of a home’s HVAC system. Since that includes air conditioning (which is essential in summer, especially in places that experience a lot of heat, like Florida), it’s also going to be a busy time for HVAC repair companies.
Spring is the second-best choice, because it’s also part of the shoulder season (i.e., the times of year that see peak HVAC usage). However, spring is also the preferred time to get air conditioning maintenance, inspections, and repairs completed before summer begins. You also won’t really need it for five or six months, which means that fall gives you more time to make room in your budget.
Now that we’ve eliminated the other three seasons, let’s look at some of the benefits and advantages that scheduling heater repairs and replacements in the fall can provide.
More Scheduling Opportunities
One of the biggest reasons why fall is the perfect time for a new furnace is that it’s much easier to get an appointment at a time that works for you. If you wait until winter after your furnace has failed, you might not get an immediate opening for a replacement. You’ll be contending with everyone else and sleeping under multiple blankets until an HVAC company can fit you into their schedule.
Instead, you can get it replaced in the fall before it breaks down completely, and get the appointment that works for you. You won’t be 85th in line for emergency repairs two weeks before Christmas and have to rearrange your schedule. You’ll be able to choose the time that works best for you.
Lower Installation Costs and Lower Monthly Bills
Another effect of fall being the “off-season” for HVAC repair companies is that they often run specials during these months that can save money. Manufacturers similarly offer discounts because it’s the off-season for them, too. It’s like buying a heavy winter jacket in July at half price because there’s not a huge market for wool in the summer. Everyone’s buying expensive shorts, so you save money by buying out of season.
A newer furnace is also likely to be much more energy efficient than one that was purchased nine or ten years ago. This means you’ll get to enjoy a few extra months of lower energy bills before they increase in the winter. You’ll also see lower energy bills in winter, too.
How Do I Know If I Need My Furnace Replaced?
Now that we’ve established that fall is the best month to get a new furnace, let’s quickly run down a few major signs that it’s time to get a replacement.
- Your home isn’t being heated properly: This is the most obvious. If the furnace isn’t doing its job, you’ll be better off with a new unit
- It’s getting older: furnaces usually last between 15 and 20 years if they’ve received proper maintenance. If it’s getting up there in years, it might be replacement time
- Strange sounds: If the furnace is making weird noises or sounds, like creaking or hissing, it might be time for a new one
- Increased energy bills: If your bills have been spiking recently, this is often a sign that the furnace has a mechanical issue and needs a replacement
- Cracks, rust, or corrosion: These are often signs that a furnace is leaking or is about to start leaking, which can be dangerous
- Soot is building up on the outside: This is perhaps the most important sign, as it might indicate an issue with the way your furnace is using fuel and can lead to the device leaking carbon monoxide
If you aren’t sure, call a certified HVAC technician and request an inspection.
Replace Your Furnace This Fall (Or Any Time of Year!) With One Hour Daytona
Furnace replacements in the fall months are less expensive, reduce your energy bills, allow you flexibility in scheduling and budgeting, and allow you to make sure everything’s running smoothly before winter hits. Keep those blankets in the closet and have a comfortable winter with a new furnace.
One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating provides the Daytona, Florida, area with high-quality furnace replacements, inspections, repairs, and more. If you live near Daytona and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re ready for winter, schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts, and we’ll make sure your furnace is in good working order before it gets too cold.
We value our customers’ time, which is why we guarantee that our technicians are never late. We don’t tell our customers that we’ll “be there when we get to you.” At One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, we’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime. Don’t wait around for the other guys to show up when they feel like it; set up your furnace replacement or repairs with One Hour Daytona today!
