A home that’s past its prime and hasn’t undergone the necessary restoration is automatically subject to lower property value. It’s just not worth as much when it’s not energy efficient. After all, utility bills are one of the biggest strains on a homeowner’s monthly budget.

If you’re looking to sell your home, don’t jump right into décor fixes until you’ve assessed basic home utilities. Heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the average homeowner’s utility bills. When it comes to home renovations, it’s better to work from the inside out: Ensure the stability of your most basic utility systems first, and then focus on the aesthetics.

Out With The Old

An HVAC system is considered “old” if it’s ten years or older. Appraisers will note if the system is more than 13 years old. If the potential buyers know they have to eventually replace the unit, especially within a few years, they’re likely to come back with a much lower offer.

Note: It’s a good idea for sellers to keep all HVAC service records. These give your appraiser and potential buyers an accurate depiction of the system’s repair history.

In With The New

If your HVAC system is more than ten years old, you might want to think about investing in a replacement before putting your home on the market. But don’t just swap out your unit for another standard one. Choose a higher-quality, energy-efficient model to assist with lowering energy costs and increasing property value.

A new HVAC system might be a costly initial investment, but the long-term benefits are profitable. By laying the necessary groundwork for your home renovations, you reap the benefits of higher property value and more committed buyers. When prospects see that you’ve put adequate time into upkeep and repair, they are more likely to trust the reliability of the home – and you as a seller.

Make sure you’ve made the appropriate upgrades to your HVAC unit before focusing on things like light fixtures and wallpaper. While your home should be aesthetically pleasing, it first needs a sturdy leg to stand on. If your HVAC is properly updated and the energy costs are under control, these benefits are much more pleasing to the buyer than a fresh coat of paint.

Ready to upgrade your HVAC unit and improve property value? Contact the On Time Experts! Your very own Comfort Consultant is standing by to help keep your family comfortable year-round.

Meet the Author
Randy Kelley
Randy Kelley

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