Spring is just around the corner and traditionally, it’s the season during which many homes for sale hit the market. If you’re thinking about selling your home within the next few years, it’s a good idea to start paying some attention to your HVAC system.
A heating and cooling system is one of the most influential home features buyers look at, so you’ll want to focus on your HVAC system a bit before that “for sale” sign goes up in the yard.
Update Your Thermostat
If homebuyers check anything in a house that has to do with the HVAC system, it’s going to usually be the thermostat. If an HVAC system is brand new but a homebuyer sees an old thermostat, it might signal to them that the system needs to be replaced, even if it doesn’t.
Even if your system is a bit older, you should know that many older HVAC systems can support a new, modern thermostat with no problem. Today’s thermostats offer excellent control over heating and cooling systems, and they’re considered an excellent quality-of-life upgrade that will catch the attention of home buyers.
It’s recommended that you choose a programmable thermostat or even a smart thermostat. These are designed to function with most HVAC system types and brands, and many homebuyers these days consider smart thermostats an attractive feature of homes. Nest and Ecobee are two popular brands that our experts at A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. frequently install, along with others.
Get an HVAC Tune-Up
Any time a homeowner plans on selling their home, they should aim to put their best foot – and house – forward. Regular HVAC maintenance is always recommended anyway, and it’s especially beneficial if you’re going to be putting your house on the market. There is no better time to make sure it’s running at its best with a tune-up by a Bay Area HVAC professional.
Getting a professional tune-up is an excellent way to present a smoothly running system to buyers. You’ll also be doing yourself a favor by creating a clean, healthy, and comfortable environment for yourself for the duration of time during which you continue to own the home.
Should You Replace Your HVAC System Before You Sell?
If you’re planning on selling within the next five years or so, you might be debating replacing your HVAC system now. Is it a good idea to do so? The answer heavily depends on exactly when you’re planning on putting the house on the market.
If you’re looking to sell within the next year, you really aren’t going to get much personal benefit out of replacing the system. It’s a common fear of sellers that a buyer will ask for a lower price if they notice an old HVAC system. However, if your system is in good shape and has been properly maintained, this may not happen.
If the sale will be further into the future, that may change things a bit. If your current system is going to lower the value of your home in the next five years or so, it may be a good idea to replace it. The cost to replace that system is only going to increase as time goes by, so the case for replacing your system if you’re not moving for a few years yet is a stronger one.
Keep HVAC Best Practices in Mind when Selling Your Home
If you’re considering selling your home, either now or in a few years, contact A-1 Heating & Air, Inc. to get an HVAC tune-up and maintenance check-up. Our experts provide award-winning service to customers throughout the entire Bay Area, including Napa, Solano, Vallejo, Vacaville, and Fairfield.
