When's the cheapest time of year to buy a new furnace or AC?

Knowing when HVAC companies are typically most eager for business can make it easier to avoid overpaying. Kunlathida Petchuen/Getty Images The cost of replacing a furnace or central air conditioning system has climbed steadily over the past few years, leaving many homeowners caught off guard when their aging equipment finally gives out. Between today's higher equipment prices, labor shortages and rising energy costs, what was once a manageable home upgrade can now turn into a major financial decision. And for homeowners already juggling elevated utility bills and other household expenses in this inflationary environment, the timing of that purchase matters more than usual. HVAC manufacturers and installers must also navigate shifting demand patterns, which adds to the issues. For example, demand spikes during periods of extreme temperatures can quickly drive up installation wait times and reduce negotiating power for buyers, while slower stretches on contractors' calendars often create opportunities for discounts, rebates and more flexible financing offers. That uneven pricing landscape means two homeowners purchasing nearly identical systems at different points in the year could end up paying dramatically different prices. Still, many buyers don't start researching a new furnace or AC system until their current one is already failing. By that point, urgency tends to replace strategy. …