Regardless of financial considerations, the best time to buy a heat pump is when you are ready! That is, when you have found or received enough information about this type of device to make an informed decision.
Consulting heating/air conditioning experts before buying a heat pump is more relevant than looking for “incredible deals”. To make your heat pump a worthwhile investment, you need to make a knowledgeable purchase. The quality of the product and its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) are criteria that must prevail.
As a consumer, when should you buy a heat pump?
You need real comfort at home, which is understandable. You need something reliable and efficient in terms of air conditioning and heating. However, you also need to manage your budget rationally.
Therefore, it makes complete sense that you get your money’s worth with your future heat pump. From a situational perspective, it is preferable to buy an air conditioning-focused system early in the spring (March – April). Manufacturer discounts are usually offered, there are more models available, and the lead time before installation is shorter. Conversely, if you are looking for a large central system for heating your home, consider starting your purchasing process at the end of summer. It might also be beneficial to plan a year in advance, with an agreement and a down payment.
That said, an interesting avenue to alleviate the cost of purchasing a good heat pump is through subsidies. In Quebec, several programs exist that offer financial assistance. Examples include Rénoclimat, Novoclimat, Efficient Heat Pumps, or the Canadian Grant for Greener Homes. Eligibility criteria have been defined which you will need to know, including the application submission periods. This could determine the timing of your heat pump purchase.
Changing at the Right Time
Things can vary if you are replacing your heat pump with a new one. The best time then depends on additional factors: the expiration date of the warranty, if the device is more than 10 years old, its energy efficiency, the frequency of needed repairs, etc.
