Will an HVAC System Upgrade Increase my Property Value?
It’s important to choose wisely when upgrading your home’s HVAC system to get the most value out of your investment.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future then it’s important to plan renovation projects that will maximize the value of your home. Buyers can be repelled by an old or broken HVAC system, so investing in the right equipment can make your home attractive on the market. Let’s take a look at some factors that will affect whether a new heating and cooling system is a worthy investment.
Should I upgrade my HVAC system?
An HVAC upgrade isn’t always necessary, especially if your system is still operating properly. However if your system is old and in declining condition then this will impact the value of your home. With new technology and innovation in heating and cooling equipment over the last decade, new HVAC systems perform at a higher level and with increased efficiency compared to old equipment. Knowing whether an HVAC upgrade is worth it for you is the first step in choosing a new system.
Firstly, does your current system run just fine? If the answer is yes, then you can most likely pass on upgrading your HVAC system. Is your system over 15 years old? If so, then it would require a replacement of ductwork which may be a significant cost.
Choosing the right HVAC system
If your goal when upgrading your HVAC system is to maximize the value of your home then you’d be interested to know what adds the most value. There’s a lot of options to choose from on the market for heating and cooling systems, but we can help you narrow down the choices by focusing on the characteristics that really matter.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is probably the most important factor when choosing an HVAC system. The more energy efficient a system is, the more money it saves the homeowner and the more value it adds to your home. Furnace efficiency is measured by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. A high efficiency furnace has an AFUE rating of 90% or higher, with the most efficient furnaces having a rating of 98.5% AFUE. Air conditioner efficiency is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. High efficiency air conditioners start at 16 SEER and can have ratings as high as 23 SEER.
Choose green
The market has seen a great trend towards green, environmentally conscious equipment in recent years. This is something that buyers may look for when looking at properties so it’d be in your best interest to choose an environmentally friendly HVAC system. Choosing green equipment can win you points with a potential buyer.
Choose the right size
Bigger is not better when it comes to HVAC systems. Neither is too small. For an HVAC system to run smoothly in your home it’s crucial that it is the appropriate size. The size of the new HVAC system you need totally depends on the square footage of your home. If the system is too small it won’t be able to maintain the desired temperature in your home. If it’s too big it will waste energy by frequently turning off and on which overworks the system and shortens its lifespan.
Save space
Smaller is better when it comes to HVAC equipment. Floor space is precious in your home so its ideal if you can minimize the amount of space the HVAC system takes up in your home. HVAC equipment has gotten smaller over the years so a new system will surely take up less space than your old one. Modern HVAC systems are also more aesthetically pleasing which will definitely appeal to the eye of the potential buyer.
Can I replace parts instead of replacing the whole system?
Upgrading your entire HVAC system can be an expensive project. If you feel like it makes more sense for you to replace certain parts of your HVAC system instead of the whole thing then you can certainly take that option. Here are some factors you should consider before taking this option:
Rule of thumb
Multiply the cost of your repair by the age of your HVAC system. If the number is larger than 5,000 then it would be cheaper to replace the system than repair.
Age of the system
If your HVAC unit is older than 20 years then it’ll probably be hard to sell. At this point, upgrading to a new system is your best option for attracting buyers. It might be a costly upgrade but it will add value to your home on the market.
Your location
If you live in an area that does not require air conditioning then you can likely get away with replacing only the necessary parts of the system. However, if this isn’t the case and you require air conditioning then upgrading the whole system would be a sound choice.
The importance of professional installation
Getting the most value out of your investment in a new HVAC unit relies on having it professionally installed. The way the system performs and its lifespan depends on whether it was installed properly. Improper and unprofessional installation can lead to inefficiency and a number of complications down the line. Only hire a licensed and trained technician to install your HVAC system. This is in your best interest because the warranty on your system can be voided if problems arise and it was unprofessionally installed. Choosing a licensed technician with years of experience is your best choice when upgrading your HVAC system.
If you’re making renovations to your home before selling the property, we hope that this article informed you on how a new HVAC system could be a worthy investment. If you have any further questions regarding upgrading your heating and cooling system don’t hesitate to contact us today. And if you’re looking to upgrade your home’s HVAC system then our team of licensed and trained specialists can help you find the equipment that’s right for your home. We provide efficient and quick HVAC replacement done by our team of licensed and experienced technicians. We offer a variety of HVAC rental, purchasing, and financing options tailored to suit your needs. Give us a call at 1-855-998-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.