I have a 30 year old unit that is still plugging along just fine but I'm considering replacement at some point and want to plan ahead. What is typically the best time of year to get this done?

I live in a highrise in the DC metro area, if that matters. Not in a rush, so if the arrival of summer jacks up prices significantly I'm inclined to wait. I just don't have a clue what the best time of year is. I'd imagine in BR now is probably the worst time, but DC may be different since we do have some semblance of winter.

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Posted by jmarto1

Houma, LA/ Las Vegas, NV

Member since Mar 2008

33971 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 8:35 pm to foshizzle

I'd imagine that basic supply and demand would kick in and make this one of the most expensive times of the year. I would say do it in the beginning of Spring or Fall.

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Posted by Spankum

Miss-sippi

Member since Jan 2007

56041 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 8:38 pm to foshizzle

you want to do it in either fall or spring...extremes in temperatures in either direction cause a rush of service work for HVAC folks and costs go up accordingly...

if you are ready to change out now, my recommendation would be to go ahead and strike up the deal with the stipulation that the hvac guys give you their best price in exchange for them installing the unit whenever they desire....basically, give them a six month or so window to work with...

This post was edited on 5/13/14 at 8:46 pm

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Posted by Napoleon

Kenna

Member since Dec 2007

69106 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 8:41 pm to foshizzle

cheapest time to get HVAC repair is late October to early March.

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Posted by foshizzle

Washington DC metro

Member since Mar 2008

40599 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 8:46 pm to Napoleon

quote:
cheapest time to get HVAC repair is late October to early March.

I understand that's the case back in BR, I just don't know if that's true in DC. I suspect it is somewhat, just am not sure.

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Posted by foshizzle

Washington DC metro

Member since Mar 2008

40599 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 8:49 pm to Spankum

quote:
strike up the deal with the stipulation that the hvac guys give you their best price in exchange for them installing the unit whenever they desire....basically, give them a six month or so window to work with...

That's an interesting idea. I already know who I want to do the job but they don't know this, so it could work out.

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Posted by Spankum

Miss-sippi

Member since Jan 2007

56041 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 9:02 pm to foshizzle

quote:
I already know who I want to do the job but they don't know this, so it could work out.

just be sure to agree beforehand on when the payment will take place and also put some time constraints on it...if you pay up front or put no time constraints on it, it may never get done...

you may do something like prepay for the materials and let them store the materials until they are ready to install...just get agreement on the final cost up front...

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Posted by foshizzle

Washington DC metro

Member since Mar 2008

40599 posts

Posted on 5/13/14 at 9:45 pm to Spankum

Yep, solid advice. The outfit I have in mind has a very good reputation and I've dealt with them before, this has all the makings of a mutually beneficial arrangement.

It could save me some cash and smooth out their cash flow. Now if only I had large potential commercial business to offer. Sadly, I don't, so I may have to just suck it up until November. Not a major sacrifice though.

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