Australian weather can be undoubtedly severe during summers so an air conditioning system is suggested in order to keep the indoor temperatures balanced and comfortable. Quality air conditioning systems can be quite expensive, but you can save some money on installation. According to Oneflare Insights, the cost of installing split system air conditioning in peak seasons is $150-250 on average.  It is cheaper to have them installed in off-seasons, especially when it comes to whole-house systems, it will be more cost effective if you choose the contractor and the appliances carefully.

Don’t wait for summer to come along before you purchase an air conditioner

Most homeowners don’t think of installing air conditioners until the summer heat is beating down on them and they have no other choice if they want to be comfortable. Contractors and air conditioning manufacturers rely on the fact that customers will make last minute purchase and request installation during peak season. That’s one of the reasons why the cost of installing air conditioning systems is generally higher during or just before summer.

Here are some reasons why you should consider getting your current air conditioner replaced or installing a new one before summer:

1. Off-season is the best time

The best time of the year to buy air conditioner is off-seasons, as companies tend to offer steep discounts in the hopes of increasing sales. The demand during the cooler months is quite low and manufacturers always want to maintain a flow of profit as much as they can. That makes them more inclined to reduce the price and take a profit cut.

The seller will also be more inclined to take a profit cut because they need to keep their business afloat.

2. Installation projects take time

Many people underestimate how long it takes to install a complete air conditioning system. Here are some facts to consider:

• While a simple window AC can be installed in 2 to 3 hours, other air conditioning systems may take longer.
• Split air conditioning systems can be replaced or installed in 5 to 6 hours, though some installations will take longer if you need two indoor units or need to install special wiring.
• Larger projects such as ducted installation takes several days of planning and work. Such projects also involve a number of vendors or contractors because installing the ductwork requires different skills compared to installing the wiring.

If you start the installation process early, you won’t have to deal with the long installation period during the peak of summer and endure several hours of heat. The installers will also be more comfortable and work more efficiently if they’re not forced to deal with the heat.

3. Negotiating the price

Like the manufacturers and sellers, air conditioning installation professionals also need to keep their business afloat during the off-season. They’re the most severely hit by seasonal slowdown because many contractors focus solely on air conditioning installation and it’s their bread and butter. Here’s how you can utilise this opportunity to save some money:

• Research – Find your ideal contractor by looking at local ratings and reviews. Just because you want to save some money doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the price. Browse through the websites and business listings of all local contractors carefully and create a list of potentials.
• Ask for quotes – Once you have a list of good contractors, explain your requirements to them and ask for quote for the installation process. When you know how much they intend to charge, you can take the opportunity to negotiate a good price.

You won’t have the opportunity to negotiate during on-season because the contractor’s schedule will already be quite full and they won’t feel the need to compromise on the fees.

4. Time for research

 If you decide to install an air conditioning system during the winter, you will have more time on your hands to be really thorough with your research. Here are some options you need to explore:

• Window air conditioner – The window air conditioner is the most affordable and requires the least amount of time and effort to install. However, it has a higher cost of ownership; you’ll have to deal with higher energy bills and shorter lifespan.
• Split systems – Split systems are more energy efficient and relatively easy to install as well. They can cool two different rooms at once so you don’t need to purchase an additional condenser unit.
• Central air conditioning – This is very popular as it keeps the entire property cool and comfortable. However, it’s the most expensive and requires a lot of effort and time to install.

Most importantly, the location matters. Price varies depending the complexity of the projects. Before making the purchase, consult with an air conditioning specialist about the location and installation.

It’s a good idea to research all types of AC systems available in the market and look for energy ratings capacity, and other such factors.

As a result of seasonality factors, it’s better to purchase and install an air conditioning system well in advance so you don’t have to deal with additional expense and problems related to summer installation.