In a few months, you will sweat all day in your own home as the sun beats down on your roof. In order to avoid this, it is time to start thinking about getting an air conditioner for your home. There are many factors that go into the decision of when you should buy a new air conditioner and this article has everything you need to know about when is the best time of year for buying one.
First of all, if your budget can accommodate an air conditioner purchase now, then that’s probably a good idea. The cost of electricity shot up in recent years and while there are other ways to beat the heat (ie opening windows), it’s much easier on your wallet and comfort level if you just go out and buy one now. If not, wait a few months until energy prices drop back down again or until the weather starts getting cooler again in the fall so that you can get a discount.
Second, the time to buy is not during the middle of a heat wave – even if you really really need to get an AC, it’s best to wait for the weather to cool off again before making your purchase. This way, you can get a discount on an air conditioner. Manufacturers and vendors usually start offering big discounts in September or October when they want to clear out their stock in preparation for winter before prices go up again.
Of course, if you go this route, you’ll have to stay cool for a little longer. If you’re currently suffering from the heat, your best bet is to try to get an AC unit as soon as possible. However, if the weather has already cooled down and it’s not going to reach uncomfortable levels again anytime soon and you can afford it now or in the near future, then it’s probably worth waiting for all of those great discounts that should be coming in a few months.
Third, make sure that there isn’t any other maintenance needed on your current air conditioner before buying a new model. If you’re not sure if your current unit needs maintenance or if you need to replace it soon, ask your local repair shop for their opinion. They can also be very helpful in recommending a model that will fit your budget and needs best.
Fourth, don’t just choose the biggest and most expensive model that you can find. This is one place where buying experience matters. Professionals will know exactly what will suit your specific needs (and local weather patterns) best. If you don’t have any experience in this area, at least take a look online or ask friends what they recommend before making your purchase.
Finally, if you do decide to buy a new air conditioner, do some research beforehand so that you know what is currently out there in the market and how much each type of unit costs before going shopping for one. This way, you’ll be able to figure out exactly what your needs are and what will work for you most.
Conclusion
The best time to buy a new air conditioner is not during the middle of a heat wave, unless the price of electricity has dropped significantly and you can afford the unit. The best option if this is not the case is to wait until September or October so that you can get big discounts. If you need an air conditioner right away, ask around for recommendations and shop in person or via retailers with good return policies.
