Ideally, the best time to install an HVAC unit is when you don’t need it to maintain your comfort. In most places, this would be between early March to the middle of May or late September to the middle of November. Not only are these times when you can be comfortable in your home without the heating or cooling system, but these months are also when HVAC professionals like those at Element Air LLC are not as busy.
Many people, however, wait until the heating or cooling season is in full swing to have their HVAC units repaired, maintained, or installed. If you have your HVAC installed when it’s not needed, you might be able to wrangle lower installation costs and have the job done more quickly, as HVAC teams are more likely to be available. You might even get a discount on the HVAC equipment itself from the manufacturer simply because of the slow period. This is good news for your budget.
Too many homeowners wait until their HVAC system dies before they replace it. Since the system is most likely to die when it is under the most stress, such as on the hottest or coldest day of the year, this puts the homeowner in a bind. Because they need a new system right away, they don’t have time to shop around and do research. This makes them vulnerable to all manner of scams and subterfuges. Even a contractor who is ethical is going to charge more for an entire system that has to be installed on an emergency basis.
About HVAC Costs
Installing an entire HVAC system can be a little pricey. A bargain basement system might go for $700, but reputable contractors report that the lowest cost for a good HVAC system starts at $5,000 and can go up to as much as $10,000. That doesn’t include the cost of labor, and the cost goes up depending on the square footage of your home.
Getting a new HVAC unit installed during the off-season also has the advantage of allowing you to take your time and find the best deals. You will have time to consult with our HVAC specialists to find the system that is just right for your home. We are sometimes surprised to learn that some of our customers have been living with an HVAC system that’s either too large or too small for their house.
Also, when it comes to HVAC equipment, many manufacturers offer rebates during the off-season, and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask about our HVAC specials at Element Air LLC. You might also be eligible for a tax credit for a new HVAC system. Ask our professionals about this.
Types of HVAC Systems
There are several types of HVAC systems to choose from. They include:
- Boiler and air conditioner
- Furnace and split air conditioner
- Heat pump
- Electrical furnace/Air conditioner
- Ductless Mini Split
A boiler is usually installed in a basement and sends hot water or steam through pipes and up into radiators in the rooms. It is often paired with some type of air conditioning system, whether central, room unit, or ductless.
The furnace and split air conditioning system have an outdoor compressor and condenser attached by a line set to an indoor evaporator coil and air handler. There can be more than one air handler in this system, so you have the option of customizing the temperature in different rooms. This is very much like the ductless mini-split system, where an outdoor condenser is attached to as many as five air handlers.
A heat pump can be thought of as a reverse air conditioner. It’s usually found outside and heats air during the cool season and warms it during the heating season. The air handler is found inside the house and distributes the air through a blower.
Winters in Louisville are fairly mild, so an electrical furnace and air conditioner system might be just right for your home. Electricity costs more than gas or oil, but the upside is that electricity is more environmentally friendly. This system requires ductwork to move hot or cool air up into registers in the rooms.
Providing Reliable HVAC Installations
Picking the right time of year to install a new HVAC system can save you the hassle of sky-high costs and slapdash work by contractors who find themselves with too many HVAC systems to install. If you need more information about HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals at Element Air LLC. We also offer heating and cooling repairs and maintenance services.
