How to Increase the Value of Your Home with HVAC Upgrades

Even if you don’t currently plan to sell your home, it’s always a good idea to evaluate its value and what you can do to increase it. Real estate experts always recommend making at least a few minor changes and updates before listing a home. Still, it’s important to carefully consider any planned upgrades, as not all projects pay off in the end. With that in mind, let’s take a look at upgrading your HVAC system and how it affects the value of your home.

Comparing HVAC Upgrades to Other Home Improvements

HVAC upgrades usually always pay off and offer a much higher return on investment compared to other home improvement projects. Installing a new dishwasher or stove or renovating your bathroom are not necessarily bad ideas and should help increase the value of your home. The only problem with these types of upgrades is that the value they add usually doesn’t cover the total cost of the project.

Research has shown that bathroom or kitchen renovations typically increase the value of a home by around 60% of the project cost. On the other hand, upgrading to a new furnace or air conditioner will usually add at least the cost of the new unit, if not more, to the value of your home. Heating and air conditioning tend to be the biggest energy costs, and prospective buyers are usually willing to spend a lot more knowing the HVAC system is working well and won’t incur high cooling and heating bills.

This is especially true if your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or you are upgrading to a much more energy efficient unit. If so, you could add thousands of dollars to the value of your home. The fact that the new device comes with a guarantee also makes your home attractive. Potential buyers will also be pleased to see their energy bills go down and the new unit will make the home more energy efficient.

However, there are times when it doesn’t make sense to upgrade your HVAC system. For example, if your devices are only a few years old and still under warranty, you probably won’t get much use out of them. Even if you decide to upgrade to a device with a much higher energy efficiency rating, the overall increase in equity will likely be minimal.

HVAC Upgrades That Can Increase Home Equity and Appeal

While it’s not always a good idea to replace your furnace or air conditioner before selling a home, there are other HVAC upgrades that usually always pay off. One of those areas is your HVAC ductwork. If your ducts aren’t completely sealed or are leaking air, it’s definitely something you should take care of. Pipe recapping is a relatively simple and inexpensive project that can pay off hugely by reducing waste and making your home more energy efficient.

Ducts generally have a maximum lifespan of around 25 years. Ducts tend to deteriorate with age, and leaks usually become more common. If your plumbing is more than 15-20 years old or has significant damage, you should definitely consider replacing it when considering selling your home. Otherwise, this problem could potentially reduce the value of your home by thousands of dollars since the new owners should have the plumbing replaced within a few years.

Another thing to think about is your thermostat. While installing a Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat may seem like a relatively minor upgrade, it can still be very cost effective. Not only will this improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, but the comfort it provides will also make your home significantly more attractive to potential buyers.

Another upgrade that can make a world of difference is installing an HVAC zone control system. This type of system uses metal panels or flaps within the plumbing to divide your home into smaller areas. Each zone can be independently controlled via its own thermostat, eliminating the need to heat or cool the whole house at once. This can lead to a huge improvement in indoor comfort and energy efficiency, while helping to eliminate cold and hot spot issues in different parts of the building.

FAQs about whether HVAC upgrades will increase the value of your home:

Q: Will HVAC upgrades increase the value of my home?

A: HVAC upgrades can increase the value of your home, but the amount of the increase will depend on the type of upgrade, the cost of the upgrade, and the overall condition of your home. In general, upgrades that make your home more energy efficient and comfortable will have the biggest impact on value.

Q: What are some examples of HVAC upgrades that can increase the value of my home?

A: Some examples of HVAC upgrades that can increase the value of your home include:

• Installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system. This is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home. A new, high-efficiency system can save you money on energy bills, which can make your home more attractive to buyers.
• Adding a whole-house air conditioning system. If your home does not have central air conditioning, adding it can be a major selling point. This is especially true in warm climates.
• Replacing an old, inefficient air conditioner or furnace. If your HVAC system is old and inefficient, replacing it with a new one can increase the value of your home.
• Installing a zoned HVAC system. A zoned HVAC system allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home, which can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Q: How much can I expect my HVAC upgrades to increase the value of my home?

A: The amount of value that your HVAC upgrades will add to your home will depend on the type of upgrade, the cost of the upgrade, and the overall condition of your home. In general, you can expect to recoup about 50% of the cost of your HVAC upgrades when you sell your home.

Q: What are some things to keep in mind when considering HVAC upgrades?

A: There are a few things to keep in mind when considering HVAC upgrades:

• The cost of the upgrade. HVAC upgrades can be expensive, so it is important to factor in the cost when making your decision.
• The efficiency of the upgrade. The more efficient the upgrade, the more money you will save on energy bills. This can make your home more attractive to buyers and can help you recoup the cost of the upgrade more quickly.
• The condition of your home. If your home is in good condition, HVAC upgrades are more likely to increase its value. However, if your home is in need of repairs, HVAC upgrades may not be worth the investment.

Princeton’s HVAC Experts

If you’re considering replacing your old HVAC unit or making any other upgrades, you can count on the team at AC & Heating Experts Princeton. Our NATE-certified technicians specialize in HVAC installation, and we carry a range of new units from top brands. We can also help with any HVAC repairs or maintenance needs, and our team specializes in duct cleaning and indoor air quality services as well. For more information on our HVAC services, give us a call today.