As warm summer sunshine has now made way for cooler, fresher fall air, your AC unit is probably the last thing on your mind, for the remainder of 2025 at least. If, however, you were toying with the idea of replacing your home’s air conditioning unit during a sweltering summer heatwave, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
Upgrading or replacing your home’s AC unit during the fall makes perfect sense from a financial perspective, plus it means you’re prepared for next year and all that the summer can throw at you.
When it comes to AC replacement, a lot of people are under the impression that it is a huge job and will cost a fortune to replace your old unit and upgrade. The truth of the matter is that AC replacement is now a very simple and straightforward process, and there are some amazing deals out there to be enjoyed.
If you are thinking of investing in a new AC unit, here’s a look at when to upgrade and what to look for.
When to Upgrade Your Home’s AC System
One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to AC replacement, is acting impulsively and not planning ahead.
When it’s cold, grey, wet, and wintery outside, thoughts of running your AC unit are probably the last thing on your mind. As we’re now into fall, summer may feel like a lifetime away, but as you know all too well, it’ll be here before you know it, which is why you should act now.
Too many people out there will wait until they’re in a sweltering summer heatwave before they decide to replace and upgrade their home’s AC units, and the AC salesmen out there are rubbing their hands together in joy. During the summer, when demand for air conditioning is at its highest, the prices of AC units skyrockets, as do the labor costs. It all boils down to supply and demand, and if people are desperate enough, they’re going to take the financial hit and pay more.
During the colder months of the year, however, demand wanes and you find that the cost of AC units and systems drops sharply. There are also plenty of deals to be had. AC installers and fitters will also have much more availability which means that you’ll likely spend less on labor as well.
Basically, what we’re trying to say is that it is likely to be far cheaper and more convenient to upgrade and replace your home’s AC units out of season, during the colder fall and winter months.
What to Look for When Upgrading Your Home’s AC
Now that we know the ideal time to replace your air conditioning, it’s time for us to take a look at what to look for when upgrading.
Thanks to the advancements in modern technology, as well as the possible effects of climate change, air conditioning units and systems are not only in higher demand at the moment, but they’re also far more advanced than they used to be. This means that finding your ideal replacement can be tricky.
To help make life easier, here are a few tips on what to look for when upgrading your home’s AC.
The Condition of Your Current Unit
Before you decide to upgrade or replace your AC at home, it’s worth taking the time to assess the condition of your current unit.
First and foremost, when assessing the condition of your current unit, take a look at how efficient it is. Ask yourself why you’re thinking of upgrading in the first place? If the unit is struggling to keep your home cool and comfortable during periods of warm weather, you’ve probably got your answer.
How long does the unit take to cool your home, how much is it costing you to run, does it constantly require maintenance, and does it run quietly and discreetly? If you’re unhappy with any of the above, chances are it’s time to upgrade.
Energy Efficiency
If you have opted to replace your old and dated AC unit, when buying a new one, it’s always recommended that you look at its energy efficiency rating.
To help keep energy costs down, and do your part for the environment at the same time, look for a unit that is as energy efficient as possible. Most modern AC units nowadays are designed with energy efficiency in mind and come with SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios) ratings to highlight how efficient they are. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is.
When choosing an AC replacement, look for a unit with the highest SEER rating you can find. This means it will likely be more efficient and reliable, plus it will be cheaper to run as well.
Advanced Features
Another thing to be on the lookout for when choosing a replacement for your home’s air conditioner is its features.
Whereas AC units decades ago basically had two features – on and off, the units today are very different. Nowadays you can find units and systems that you can control from your phone via apps. They also feature smart thermostats which you can customize based upon your own personal preferences.
The more features your AC unit has, the more control you will have over it and how it operates.
Reliable Units and Installers
Reliability is another crucial factor to consider when it comes to AC replacement.
When you purchase a new AC unit, you want one that you can trust and rely upon. The last thing you want during a summer heatwave, when temperatures outdoors are unbearable, is for your AC to suddenly decide to stop working. Trust us, you try sleeping when the ambient temperature in your bedroom is in the high 70s and you’ll understand how important a reliable AC unit is.
When choosing an AC installation company, make sure you choose a company with a professional reputation and plenty of positive reviews and feedback.
Heating Capabilities
Another thing to look for when buying a replacement AC unit is one which has heating capabilities.
During the colder months of the year, these wall-mounted units will blow warm air into the room and provide heat and warmth. They’re also very efficient and economical as well, so you can heat your home for less. Talk about value for money!
