For many people the decision to invest in a heat pump takes place around the end of summer. 

September is the peak sales period for heat pumps and most heat pump sales occur between August and December in many countries (southern countries being an exception). This is the time of the year that many home and business owners are reminded of the impending heating costs of winter. But is this the best time that someone should buy a heat pump?

Buying a heat pump during peak season

There is a reasonable logic to buying a heat pump before winter arrives. It makes sense that you don’t wait until winter when a heat pump installation may be too late. As a result, you won’t be the only one buying a heat pump during this time and in some cases you can expect delays in the availability of installation services.

The off-season discount myth

There is a misconception that buying a heat pump during the off-peak season can cost less. While installer availability is certainly greater the units are not discounted. Certain installers may offer a small discount in installation fees but this isn’t often the case either. The only real advantage to getting a heat pump during the off-season is that it is slightly more likely that an installation can take place when you want it to.

Getting a heat pump installed during winter

Although it is certainly not the most practical of times to get a heat pump installed it is something that does happen. The greatest issue faced is the disruption in heating caused during the installation itself but that can be minimized in most cases. If your existing heating system needs replacing during winter then there is indeed no time like the present. Scheduling a heat pump installation during the winter may seem like a low-peak time but it actually isn’t. Heating installers are often busy during the winter with all kinds of heating systems that need replacement or repair. Unless they focus on heat pumps in particular you may have to schedule an installation at their convenience.

Spring-time installations

Spring is actually a pretty good time for buying and installing a heat pump that is often overlooked by many. The merits of an installation during spring are that there is typically no need for heating or cooling at the time so disruption is minimal. Installer scheduling is also more flexible and without the feeling of urgency you can plan the installation as you see fit. Another great advantage of installing a reversible heat pump in spring is that you will be able to use it for cooling during summer.

Timing your heat pump purchase for maximum value

Considering that a heat pump can generate savings through heating and cooling throughout most of the year, the actual best time to purchase a heat pump is the present. That is because the sooner you start saving money from bills by using a heat pump, the greater the value of these savings will eventually be.

So whatever time of year it is, the best timing for savings on a heat pump installation is the present – so long as you can schedule it with minimal disruption!