The HVAC industry reached a revenue of 94 billion US dollars last year. This means now is the time to upgrade your HVAC system if you want your home's property value to stand out from the rest.
Whether selling your home or you recently became a new homeowner, you're probably ready to take on a few renovation projects. Have you considered putting your HVAC system at the top of the project list?
Adding wallpaper might sound more fun, but upgrading your HVAC system is the best way to boost property value. It also boosts the comfort and air quality of your home.
When was the last time you got HVAC help? Is buying a new HVAC unit worth the cost? Read on to learn more about buying an HVAC system and how it can add value to your home.
Table of Contents
- Is a New HVAC System Worth It?
- When to Replace Your HVAC System
- How Much of Your Unit Should You Replace?
- How Much Does an HVAC System Cost?
- Does A New HVAC System Increase Home Value?
- Tips on Choosing an HVAC System That Boosts Your Home's Value
- Popular FAQs
- Need a New HVAC System Neat St.Louis? Try Crystal Heating and Cooling
- Know Your HVAC
Is a New HVAC System Worth It?
One HVAC market report found that 34% of homeowners use electric heat. Using a system with low efficiency means both you and future buyers will pay a lot in monthly bills.
So is the investment worth it? You don't want to throw money away right before you move. If investing in a new system makes a sale happen, it will be worth it in the end.
Consider your current system's efficiency and cost. You want to have an HVAC system that runs above 80% efficiency. If your current model runs at a low-efficiency rate, then a new replacement will lower monthly costs.
With a new HVAC unit, homeowners may cut their electric bills by 20%. This type of home improvement will make your home's market value skyrocket.
Are you ready to think about installing a new HVAC system? Here are some important things to consider before you decide to buy.
What's Your Local Weather Like?
If you live in an area where air conditioning isn't needed, then you won't see real value in an HVAC update. Consider what the seasonal temperature is like in your area to determine if the cost of a new AC unit or furnace will be worth it in the long run.
Does Your Ductwork Need To Be Replaced?
Ducts are the passages used in HVAC systems to deliver and remove air. If these are in bad shape, then replacing your heating and cooling units won't be enough.
You'll be looking at spending thousands of dollars to replace bad ductwork if your HVAC unit is more than 15 years old. This makes the renovation a bigger risk and a longer project. If your HVAC system is old but in good shape, it might be smarter to do small repairs instead of a big replacement.
What Condition Is Your Current HVAC System In?
Heating and cooling units endure regular wear and tear after years of use. Dust and grime build up inside the machinery and pipes, and minor damages need to be fixed.
At the very least, HVAC systems need to be serviced annually. If you had yours serviced every new year or with every new season, then it's likely in good shape.
You can hire a professional to check the state of your current HVAC system to help you decide what updates to make. If it's needing constant repairs or shows a lot of damage, you may want to consider replacing it.
When to Replace Your HVAC System
HVAC systems can last anywhere between 10- 20 years if they are maintained well. Most homeowners choose to replace their systems at the 10-15 year mark for a more efficient model.
An HVAC system will wear down after years of working hard to heat, cool, ventilate, and filter the air. If you're wondering whether it's time for a replacement, there are obvious signs that you can look for.
Constant repairs are a major sign that your HVAC unit is about to bite the dust. When systems get to a certain worn-down state, it's no longer worth paying extra money for repairs that won't help long-term.
If any of your units have dangerous issues, then it's definitely time for a replacement. Units with major problems can mean compromise the safety of your family. For example, a furnace that can't properly burn its fuel can leak carbon monoxide into the air.
Another major sign is high electric bills. Older units have to work harder and use more energy to do their job, which costs you money.
Remember, buyers, want to find a house that's safe and energy-efficient. If they know your home has a bad HVAC system, they'll offer less or look elsewhere.
How Much of Your Unit Should You Replace?
If you're working with a tight budget, then a completely new HVAC system may not be an option for you. Don't cut corners by learning how to install central air conditioning yourself or by buying a small unit. This form of cost-cutting can lead to more problems.
Instead, consider hiring an HVAC company to retrofit your system. Performing a retrofit to replace parts of your unit can boost its efficiency and save you money.
Retrofitting involves installing newer parts to a system. This ensures that an AC unit or heating unit can keep working without a complete replacement. This is a money-saving solution for homeowners who want to get more life out of their current system.
Remember that retrofitting will only benefit heating and cooling units if they're still in decent shape. If your units are ancient or in very poor condition, then your best option is an entire replacement.
Use the $5,000 rule to decide whether retrofitting parts or replacing an entire unit is the best option. Multiply the age of your unit by the repair cost. If the number is $5,000 or more, then your best option is a full upgrade.
Wondering if your home cooling system needs some replacements? Here are three signs that you need a new air conditioner.
How Much Does an HVAC System Cost?
Dealing with a new HVAC system cost can seem intimidatingly expensive, but the prices of a new system vary considerably. The cost can change according to location – if you are very remote, the price and installation will set you back far more than if you were staying somewhere with higher competition to drive down prices.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest variable in price is the quality of the product, and how many advanced features it has. A new HVAC system can cost you anywhere between a few thousand dollars to well over ten thousand. Low-end, basic models will be cheaper short-term, often costing between $2000 and $5000, but are unlikely to be as economical when longevity is taken into account. If you spend less upfront, you may end up spending more later on repairs and a potential replacement, as the durability of a cheaper HVAC unit may be poor.
The best air conditioner brands will have models at three different price points; all reliable, but some superior to others. More advanced, premium units will usually cost between $10,000 and $20,000, and offer advanced filtration, ultra-quiet running, and superior energy efficiency.
While a new HVAC system is undoubtedly a big investment in your home, it has its own financial rewards. Not only does it make your house a more pleasant living environment, but a new HVAC system could also help you save on your energy bill. Almost half of the average annual energy bill for a family home, which is around $2,060, is a cost attributed to heating and cooling your home. A new HVAC system would have a superior energy efficiency – particularly if it is a high-end model, like Carrier’s Infinity series – and would save you money by using less electricity.
Does A New HVAC System Increase Home Value?
Can a new HVAC system increase home value? Simply put, the answer is yes – but that is not without a few factors to consider.
First is your location; unbearably hot and humid summers create a greater demand for an effective HVAC system, and would have a more significant impact on your home’s value. The second is the age and quality of your current HVAC system. It may not be the first thing a prospective buyer will look for, but if absent or malfunctioning, a poor HVAC system could devalue your property.
So does a new HVAC system add value? Yes, but it will be far more valuable if your current system is in a state of disrepair or if you live somewhere with a warm climate. A more advanced system is sure to impress potential buyers, and could be the difference in choosing between your own home and another.
Tips on Choosing an HVAC System That Boosts Your Home's Value
If you've decided that replacing your entire HVAC system is the best answer for your home, then you should know what to look for while shopping. Here are some tips on choosing the HVAC system that will boost your home's value the most.
1. Choose a System with High Energy-Efficiency Ratings
Buyers today want to find a home that's energy-efficient. This is because it cuts down their bills and makes living easier. While you shop for a new HVAC unit, learn about the FTC's Energy Guide labels for home appliances. Installing a highly efficient unit in your home will boost its market value.
2. Choose the Right Size
Don't try to cut costs by buying a system that's the wrong size. Heating and cooling units that are too small for homes will work harder to reach the right temperature. Units that are too big will cost you money that you didn't need to spend.
Talk to an HVAC professional about the best size you need for your home's square footage. Choosing the perfect size will be cost-efficient.
3. Consider Location
The location of your home is an important factor when choosing the best HVAC system. What is the temperature like in your area? The US Department of Energy advises homeowners in colder climates to invest in high-efficiency units.
Another factor to consider is the setup of your home. If you're opting for a gas boiler and don't want to buy propane, are you located near a source of natural gas? Do you have a place outside your home to install a second unit for a split system?
4. Consider Adding a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an essential part of split cooling or heating systems that increase efficiency. A heat pump supplies heating in the Winter and cooling in the Summer instead of traditional systems with a furnace and AC unit. Adding a heat pump to your system may increase its value.
Popular FAQs
What Does New HVAC Mean?
With so many acronyms and meaningless letters, it can be hard for people unfamiliar with the terminology used in the heating and cooling industry to know what any of it means. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; it encompasses the entire system, not just the air conditioning unit, and can include furnaces, ductwork, and heat pumps.
A new HVAC system is simply new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Does New HVAC Increase Home Value?
We often receive the query, ‘does new HVAC add value to home’, and though there are a few factors to consider, the answer is that yes, generally it does.
It can increase your home’s value by up to 10%. The increase will be greatest in properties with old HVAC systems that are almost obsolete, and houses in warm, humid areas. If a prospective buyer arrives at your home, they may not notice a shiny new unit, but they will likely note the absence of one, or be put off by the sight of an older unit that will soon need to be repaired or replaced.
How Much Does a New AC Unit Increase Home Value?
It is estimated that a new AC unit can increase your home’s value by up to 10%. As is the case for the entire HVAC system, this will depend on a few factors, like location (the value will be greater in warmer, humid climates).
A new air conditioning unit typically increases the value of a home from anywhere between 2.5% and 10%. Whichever is the case for your home, a new AC unit will increase its value by either a small amount or a considerable one. One of the biggest factors in purchasing a new AC unit is to avoid detracting from the value of your property with a faulty, broken, or old unit in its place.
Need a New HVAC System Near St. Louis? Try Crystal Heating and Cooling.
If you’re looking to make an investment in your home by purchasing a new HVAC system, you will want to ensure you do so through a trusted dealer. Crystal Heating & Cooling has been serving residential and commercial customers in the St. Louis area since 1965 and is a firmly trusted part of the local community.
Crystal Heating & Cooling is a factory-authorized Carrier dealer; we believe fully in the quality of both the products we sell and the service we offer. With over 50 years to perfect our service, we have established that customers are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to support our customers through every step of their buying journey – from tentative consideration before purchase to any repairs needed years after.
We ensure any emergencies are handled swiftly and efficiently, even if the repairs are needed outside of normal business hours. With the help of nearly 40 repair trucks on the ground and the best NATE-certified technicians behind the wheel, we can offer same-day service to homes and businesses.
We know that a new HVAC system is a big investment and that you will want to ensure you make the right choice. We offer free in-home estimates to give you peace of mind and allow you to make an informed decision without making any financial commitments. If you’re in the St. Louis area and in need of repairs, a new unit, or are simply interested in new possibilities for your home, arrange a discussion with the highly-qualified team at Crystal Heating & Cooling today.
Know Your HVAC
The cost of a new HVAC system may be high, but the long-term benefits are worth it. You do not only increase property value but providing comfortable temperatures and cleaner air.
Consider retrofitting parts of your system before going all-in with a complete overhaul. Depending on your budget, there are different options available to boost value and efficiency.
Here's a homeowner tip: Remember to keep all HVAC service records. This will help you in the future because it gives buyers an accurate picture of your system's health.
Is it time to upgrade your HVAC system and boost your home's value? Schedule a service call today to find the best option for your home.
