Have you been in that sticky situation where you’re in desperate need of an air conditioner only to realise that prices have risen exorbitantly? 

There’s no fun in being cornered to make an expensive purchase but is there a way to know when it’s best to buy an air conditioner? 

The answer is yes.

There are few things that can impact the price of air conditioning units like seasonality and supply and demand. Let’s take a look at these factors in detail so you’ll no longer fall victim to an ill-timed AC purchase.

Off-Peak Seasons

Autumn And Spring

In most states in Australia, the off-peak seasons for air conditioners are during autumn and spring. This is when there is generally a low demand for air conditioners hence the reduction in price. 

Think of it this way: the best time to buy an air conditioning unit is before you actually need it!

Lower Demand = Lower Prices 

As the temperature starts to rise, everyone will start thinking about what they need most – an air conditioner. But because most people are thinking of the same thing, suppliers are able to ride on this higher demand by charging higher prices. 

You’re better off buying an air conditioning unit when there’s lower demand, in autumn or spring, so that you’re not competing with the rest of the crowd and paying higher prices. 

Quicker, Better And Cost-Effective Installs

Getting your air conditioning unit ahead of when you actually need it gives you the freedom of choosing when you’d like to install it.

Autumn and spring are the quietest seasons for air conditioning installations, making it easier for you to book an appointment with a quality technician. 

When You Notice Signs Of Your Existing Cooling/Heating System Breaking Down

Average Age Of ACs

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Whether you have a split system, an evaporative cooler or a centralised ducted AC, they each have their own lifespans. Most systems last anywhere between 10 – 20 years. The good news is that most warranties would cover repairs and replacements of up to 10 years.

If your system is approaching the end of its lifetime, it’s time to start considering a replacement. 

Lookout For Signs Of Malfunction/Age

Is your older unit not cooling or heating as effectively as before? Perhaps you’ve noticed more frequent breakdowns recently and the cost of repairs are getting more expensive.

These are all telltale signs of an air conditioning unit being past its prime. If you’ve experienced issues with multiple parts of the AC, such as the compressor, evaporator and condenser, it might be time to get a replacement.

You’ll find that once an air conditioner hits the 12 year mark, repairs become less cost effective which is why a replacement would be your most economical solution. 

Give Yourself The Best Chance To Get An AC At The Right Price 

The best time to get an air conditioning unit is when you don’t urgently need one. This way, you’ll have the time to do your research and compare prices and brands to really pick something that’s right for you.

Take the time to learn what information you require to make the best decision when it comes to choosing the right air conditioning unit for your home. You could also ask yourself these questions for starters:

• How much power do I require?

• What are the upfront and running costs of an air conditioning unit?

• What brand is best suited for me?

To get you started, we’ve covered some key things to think of before picking out your air conditioning unit. 

Other Money Saving Tips

Choose The Right Size AC For Your Needs

Picking an air conditioner that is too powerful for your space can lead to overcooling or overheating, which isn’t ideal. 

But picking an air conditioner that isn’t powerful enough for your space may cause your electricity bills to rise as you try to compensate for the lack in power. 

First you’ll need to know how to settle on the right size for an AC. Here are some factors to consider:

• Area

• Current insulation available

• Climate (extreme weather)

• Orientation (where your house is facing)

Check out our article on choosing the right size AC for your home to learn more.

Get Quotes And Compare Prices

Shop around for multiple brands and compare their prices and benefits. Not having to rush to get your air conditioner would give you the luxury of time to gather all this information and make an informed decision.

Get an estimated quotation on the ideal split system air conditioner for your home. 

Ensure Regular Servicing And Maintenance

The best tip we can give you to get the most out of your air conditioning unit is to treat it with care. That means regular servicing and maintenance, which should be once every year or twice a year if you use your AC for both cooling and heating.

Final Words

If there’s just one thing you take away from this article, don’t wait until the last minute to purchase an air conditioner. When you’re desperate to get your hands on an AC, you may be forced to make some expensive decisions. 

Start your search early so that you can properly understand what you need and how much it’ll cost. This way, you’ll be bound to save more on your air conditioning costs. 

If you’re looking to get an air conditioning unit installed, book an appointment with Gaschill and we’ll sort you out.