Sometimes, finding ways to cut back on certain expenses is a smart budget move. However, when it comes to HVAC systems, making financially smart decisions takes a lot of consideration. So, buying a second-hand AC unit might sound risky for some but perfectly reasonable for others. Interestingly, it can be both, since there are several advantages and disadvantages we might want to consider before deciding that buying a second-hand AC unit is the right move for us.
Advantages of Buying a Second-Hand AC Unit
One of the major advantages of buying a second-hand AC unit is that it can help us save a significant amount of money. We know that brand new units tend to be costly, even before including installation costs. Thus, purchasing used units makes sense when we are under a tight budget or when we simply want to save some cash.
Another advantage is that we can find a wide variety of units available, and contact owners before actually making the purchase. Whether it is on online adds, the newspaper, or social media, there are many options available out there.
Disadvantages of Buying a Second-Hand AC Unit
On the other hand, there are several disadvantages of buying a second-hand AC unit we might come across. First of all, we might purchase a unit with little to no warranty duration. This means that any repair cost would have to come from our own pocket.
Another disadvantage is that used AC units might be more difficult to install since the state and condition of the unit could be tricky to tell. Also, certain installers might refuse to work with second-hand units, as homeowners could blame them if the unit doesn’t work after the installation.
Lastly, second-hand units might be up for sale because they are outdated units, so we should pay a lot of attention to make and model of the unit we buy. This could give us more problems in the future since replacement parts could be more difficult to find.
Is Buying a Second Hand-Unit Worth It?
Even when it might seem like there are more disadvantages that come from getting a second-hand AC unit, this might actually be a smart decision. As long as we pay a lot of attention to the unit we get, we should be fine. Finding a reliable seller can be tricky, and take more time than expected, but it can help us buy a unit that is working properly. However, we recommend considering the investment of a new unit if we are going to install it in our home. After all, this is something that our loved ones will enjoy, too.