Everywhere you look these days, you’ll see signs of inflation. From skyrocketing gas prices to higher price tags for new vehicles and rising food prices at the grocery store, it has affected all areas of the economy. Let’s take a look at what’s going on in the HVAC industry today that could influence your decision to buy your HVAC now versus later.
Rising A/C Prices and New HFC Regulations
As we head into the warmest seasons of the year, let’s look at what’s happening with air conditioning units across the country. First, as we mentioned in a previous blog, you can expect to see lingering effects of a nationwide A/C unit shortage.
Second, air conditioner manufacturers have already announced price increases for 2022. Although this doesn’t come as a shock since everything else is going up as well, the rate by which prices are rising does come as a bit of a surprise – increases are ranging anywhere from 3% up to 20%.
Third, EPA regulations announced in 2021 for the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) begin to take effect in 2022. HFCs are man-made chemicals used in a variety of products, including air conditioners. While they were once considered more environmentally friendly than their ozone-depleting predecessors, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), they have now been shown to be major contributors to climate change.
So, where does all of this leave you? Well, the good news is that if you choose to buy your HVAC now, you’re likely to get an air conditioner that’s more eco-friendly than the system you bought 10+ years ago. The bad news is that you may have to wait longer to get it installed and you’ll certainly pay more for it than you did the last time you got a new system.
If you truly need a new system, though, we recommend that you buy your HVAC now to avoid further price increases. In addition, if you wait until your unit actually stops working, you may be left without A/C altogether until your new one arrives.
Should You Buy Your HVAC Now or Simply Repair It?
So, how do you know if you really need to buy your HVAC now or if a simple repair will do the trick? Ah, that’s the age old question of repair vs. replace. On the one hand, you hate to think of the cost of a new air conditioner. Depending on factors like its type, size, efficiency level, and whether or not you need new ductwork or want extras included, the cost to replace your A/C system could be anywhere from $3,500 to $11,000 or more.
On the other hand, you could pay to repair your existing system and possibly get a few more months or years out of it. But, what if the repairs are only a temporary solution and the system breaks down again only a little while later? Is repairing it simply a waste of money?
These are all valid questions to ask and important things to consider. In general, we recommend that you replace the system if it poses a safety issue, is older than 10 years, and has required repairs more than twice in the last year. If your system is less than 10 years old, the repairs needed are relatively inexpensive, or if you’re planning to move soon, we recommend going the repair route.
What If You Don’t Need a New HVAC System?
If logic and your HVAC professional both point to keeping the system you already have, then it’s important to stay current on maintenance. Our years of experience in the HVAC industry have shown that the better you maintain your HVAC system, the better it will perform and the longer it will last.
That’s exactly why we offer our customers an HVAC maintenance plan. Regular tune-ups, priority scheduling, repair discounts and more are all included. So, you get expert HVAC repairs and maintenance at an affordable price and without all the worry!
Repair or Buy Your HVAC Now with the Best HVAC Team in the East Valley
Regardless of whether you want to buy your new HVAC now or simply want to maintain the system you already have, Team AIR-zona can help. We have over two decades of experience in the HVAC industry and we’re committed to providing you with the highest level of HVAC service you can get in the Phoenix area.
Simply contact us today and our HVAC technicians will be at your service!
