In most of the country, winter is when you turn off the air conditioner for many months, making it prime time for HVAC maintenance. Additionally, winter is likely the cheapest time of year to service your HVAC, making it an even better choice. Once you switch on the air conditioning for the summerthe lines are getting longer, and the prices are getting higher.

Below, we explain why winter is the cheapest time of year for HVAC tune-ups and talk to HVAC pros about what they should check in the winter to save their customers summer headaches.

Why Winter Is the Cheapest Time of Year for an AC Tune-Up

Due to the seasonal nature of the HVAC business, HVAC companies are at their busiest for about seven months of the year, and the other five months are considered off-season.

Once you have yours the air conditioner comes out in the middle of summer, you know how difficult (and expensive) it is to serve it quickly. This is because you are one of the hundreds to thousands of customers who call HVAC companies for help in their time of need.

Kevin Strandberg, Owner of BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, says this is why his company encourages proactive care of your AC system during the winter, when schedules are flexible and fewer emergency calls occur.

“Once furnaces are running regularly, most homeowners don’t think about tune-ups unless there’s a problem,” Strandberg says. “That makes winter a great opportunity (for) added maintenance value. The end result is simple: homeowners generally see lower prices and better availability.”

What the Winter Pros Check Out (to Save You Summer Headaches)

To prevent urgent summer AC breakdowns, Strandberg says winter is an ideal time for HVAC technicians to complete the following HVAC service tasks:

• Check the refrigerant level and lines
• Check electrical components such as capacitors and wiring
• Clean and evaluate the coils
• Make sure the external condenser is free of damage or air flow restrictions
• Check ductwork and airflow
• Clear condensate drain lines
• Verify the accuracy of the thermostat

If any of these components fail or are suspected of failing, it’s best to get them out early, before you need to air condition your home.

Kevin Goude, Owner of First Choice Heating & Air, says he and other pros use a checklist for tune-ups, but most of the things they check are related to safety rather than comfort.

He recommends talking about issues “like checking why certain rooms never heat up, why the heat cycles constantly on and off, or why the air feels so dry,” he says, that might not fall on a standard HVAC tune-up checklist.

“That’s something worth talking about, especially if the system is older,” he said.

Strandberg says you’re likely to get more personal attention and advice from an HVAC pro during the off-season.

Why Winter Is the Cheapest Time to Install AC

Additionally, if your system needs to be replaced, some HVAC companies offer off-season inventory discounts to bring in some revenue.

“AC and full HVAC installations are typically 10 to 20% cheaper in February through April than in June through August,” says Goude. “For heating systems only, installations are usually 10 to 15% cheaper in September and October than in December and January.”

No matter what time of year you choose to replace your HVAC system, Strandberg says saving money comes down to planning.

“Homeowners who replace a system on their own timeline, rather than during an emergency, almost always get better options, better prices, and a better overall experience,” he explains. “Winter gives homeowners an opportunity, especially if their system is aging or showing signs of decline.”