The purchase price for new air-conditioning units usually drops during cooler weather, which means you can save money when you plan to buy during fall or early winter.
In Florida, the best time to buy a new unit will depend on where you live in the state. You should be aware of the 50/50 rule for replacing an old unit. The rule refers to the cost of repairs that shouldn’t cost more than half the price of a new unit. If you live in Largo, AC repair for centralized systems will make more sense when you only need to spend less than $800.
Money-Saving Tips
The months between November and March can be the best time to consider replacing your current air conditioner. The weather during these months is generally cooler than the rest of the year. Avoid buying a new unit in the summer, as prices tend to be more expensive because of the higher demand. HVAC contractors are also busier than usual, so they will likely charge higher rates for installation service.
Some contractors may not give in to a request for discounted quotes, and they may charge a flat fee per hour even if they complete the installation faster than the minimum rate. For this reason, you need to ask for repair or replacement quotes from at least three different professionals to know the most reasonable price.
Cost of Repairs
Most homeowners in Largo spend $432 on air-conditioning service. If it’s a window-type unit, you can expect to pay around $90. The best way to avoid costly repairs requires you to schedule inspections at least twice every year. Hire a professional before the start of summer to avoid an upsurge in contractual rates.
Schedule another inspection for your air conditioner by the start of fall to make sure it’s ready during winter. If you haven’t used the unit for more than 10 years, it’s more practical to repair it as long as the price doesn’t exceed the cost of a new unit. Most systems only last for up to 12 years, although routine care and maintenance can extend their service life.
Installation Price
If you really prefer to replace your air-conditioning unit, the size of your chosen system will determine the cost of installation. For instance, a central cooling system may cost around $3,000 on average for the unit and cost of labor. A contractor may take 6.6 hours to set up the new unit, which will be $355 of the average installation cost.
Window-type models are significantly cheaper, as the labor cost for centralized systems will be enough to cover the expenses for a window unit installation. You can even install one for just $150, although it may be just enough to cool a small room that’s less than 100 square feet.
Homeowners should hire a licensed and insured HVAC contractor for their protection. No matter where you are in Florida, the cost of repairs shouldn’t be more than half the price of a new unit. Otherwise, it will be more practical to purchase a new air-conditioning unit.
