If you are planning on selling your home within the next five years, it is advisable to be careful about the types of remodeling projects you take on. With an imminent sale in the near future, it is important to recoup as much of the cost for renovations as possible.
Still, there may be things you must take care of to even interest buyers. So, how can you determine which HVAC renovations are worth the money?
Is a New HVAC System Worth the Cost?
Most real estate experts agree that buyers expect the HVAC system in any home they consider to be working and well maintained. While you can only expect tor recoup 35-50% of the initial cost of a new system in your sales price, replacing an older system could help to grab buyer interest – and that could be worth the entire sale!
The key to determining whether or not a new system is worth the price is to determine if it is needed. An old outdated system may detract buyers. While they may not even notice that the system in place is new, they will definitely notice if it is worn or broken. If you’re asking yourself, “how much does central air add to my home value?”, here are some other things to consider:
- Does your area warrant air conditioning? If your home is located in an area where air conditioning is not necessary, you probably won’t see any real value in adding it.
- Will your ductwork need to be replaced or figured? If the current HVAC system is more than 15 years old, there is a good chance that replacing it is going to require new ductwork too – and that can be an expense you never recoup.
- Is your system in good working order? If so, a new one may not be necessary to make a sale.
Tips for Choosing a New HVAC System that Increases Your Home’s Value
Maybe you have decided that a new HVAC system is necessary to sell your house. Now it is your job to find a system that offers the most value. Here are a few things to look at when buying one:
- Energy Efficiency
The more the new homeowners can save on heating and cooling costs, the more value they will place on the system. - Go Green
If you live in an area where green is in, then, by all means, use this to your advantage. It can be a great marketing tool. - Go Small
Today’s modern HVAC systems use less space than ever before. By opting for a smaller unit you have the opportunity to open up space in your basement, which can add significant value to your home. - Add a Heat Pump
This can making the system more efficient, thus increasing its value. - Choosing the Right Size Unit
Always be careful to choose the right size system to accommodate the home’s square footage. Too small and the system will struggle to maintain the right temperature. Too big and you’ll be wasting money on both equipment and energy.
Should I Replace the Entire Unit or Just Certain Parts?
With so many other projects vying for your attention – and your wallet – when it comes time to sell your house, you may be wondering if it is okay to save a few bucks by replacing only certain parts on your HVAC unit, rather than replace the whole thing. The answer to those questions depends on several factors:
- The age of the unit
If your unit is more than 20 years old, fixing it may not be enough to grab buyer’s attention. Although replacement cost may be higher, it will likely be easier to sell your home with a newer unit. - The location
How often do you use your heating and air conditioning unit? If you live in a mild climate where it is only utilized a few times a year, then you can likely get away with replacing individual parts. But, if you live in a region where the new homeowners will count on a good wor - king system, then you may want to consider installing a new one.
- Use the $5,000 rule
One way to figure out if your system can be fixed, or need not be replaced, is to take the age of the unit and multiply it by the projected repair cost. If the sum totals $5,000 or more, then it is best to replace the entire unit.
Why Proper Installation is Important
When installing a new HVAC system, be sure to hire a qualified professional to handle the job. Not only will you be assured that it will run properly for the new homeowners, but many warranties are contingent on professional installation. In the event you install it yourself and the warranty becomes void, you could be responsible for repair costs after the sale.
To find out more about recouping the cost of a new HVAC system when you sell your home call the professionals at The Cooling Company for a free consultation.
