Are you considering selling your home in the near future? Contemplating some maintenance projects to get ready for the sale?
A lot of homeowners focus on visual items – upgrading the kitchen painting the walls, installing new floors. And while a fresh new perspective can make your home shine, it’s also important to note that buyers often look below the surface to determine where the real value is. If one of the major systems in your home needs a complete overhaul, it can cause a potential buyer to say “no way.”
Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive systems in your home. It also controls the majority of your monthly utility expenses. If you are considering HVAC upgrades to make it more efficient, even minor changes can give you the edge.
Do you know where you stand?
How old is your system?
The first question to ask yourself is: how old is my system? Anything over 10 years old isn’t as efficient as possible, and maybe costing you money in the form of energy savings. While furnaces may have a longer lifespan than air conditioners, it’s important to look at your HVAC system as a complete system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are all vital to how well your home heats and cools throughout the year. Advances in technology mean that newer systems offer far more energy savings and cost less to run. Homes with an EnergyStar rated HVAC system have seen as much as 7 percent or more uptick in home sale prices. And if you decide not to sell, you’ll still save money over the next few years in utility bill savings.
How can you improve on a system a few years old?
If you replaced your current heating and cooling system in the last few years, now may not be the time to upgrade. But you can still improve the efficiency of your system. When was the last time you brought an HVAC technician for regular maintenance? At a minimum, have a contractor come in at the start of each season to ensure your equipment is running well. You should also periodically have an energy audit, to ensure your ventilation system is working at its best. While people understand heating and cooling systems wear down eventually, many forget your ductwork is a part of that system. The ducts should be cleaned and maintained regularly too to ensure a well working system all throughout the year.
Are there small HVAC upgrades that will help?
When was the last time you purchased a new thermostat? You might be surprised at the technology. Today’s thermostats move beyond programmable, allowing you to control the comfort level of your house through smart technology. You can even download reports and other features to ensure your system is working well.
Not sure what your best step is? We’re here to help. Contact us today for an energy audit. We can show you where to make improvements, to help you get the most from your HVAC system, whether you’re moving in the near future or not. You might even qualify for a state energy rebate offer.