How Much Does A New HVAC System Add To The Value Of A House

When a homeowner makes an investment or improvement to their home, value added is a common consideration. Being able to recoup the cost of an investment is important, especially if you expect to sell your home in the near future. One such investment is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The exact return on investment will vary, but you can expect a new HVAC system to increase the value of your home by about 6%. This number is a combination of efficiency and system quality. Let’s explore how to make a decision on this investment.

Why You Might Need a New HVAC System

There are several factors to consider when deciding on this investment. Here are some common considerations.

The Age of Your HVAC System

The general guideline for HVAC system replacement is about every 10-15 years. A well-maintained system may last longer. If your system is over 10 years old, you should consider a replacement or plan for needing one soon.

You Need Repairs Frequently

You might not know how long your HVAC system has been in your home, but you’ll definitely know if it needs maintenance. If you feel like you’re always calling for repairs, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Renovations or Additions

HVAC systems are specified to handle the demands of the house based on square footage. If you’ve made some changes to your home that add to the livable square footage, you may choose to replace your system or add auxiliary components to it. This includes additions or finishing parts of your home for living space like attics, garages, or basements.

Major Landscaping Changes

Mature trees around your home can impact your outdoor temperatures. Because of this, they have the potential to reduce your cooling and heating needs by about 30%. If you’ve recently lost or removed mature trees around your home, you may notice that your HVAC system is having to work harder than it did before.

Understanding Your HVAC Options

Houston is known for its heat, but the winters can still get cold. This climate can make several options a good fit for your home depending on individual circumstances.

Adding a Ductless Mini-Split

A ductless mini-split is an air conditioning and heating unit that may be installed in almost any room of your house on an interior wall. This may be a good option for additions in places with poor insulation like an attic. This kind of system also solves the problem of garage conversions.

Garages lack ductwork, so they don’t connect to the central air. Even if your garage is more of a workshop than a living space, the option of climate control can help you make the most of your workspace or crafting area.

The addition of a ductless mini-split can also help you to zone your climate controls. If you prefer to keep a master bedroom cooler at night for better sleep, you can achieve this with a ductless mini-split without having to cool the entire house. This can certainly come in handy in the Houston heat. Ductless mini-splits are also scalable with the ability to have several in one home.

Ductless mini-splits are designed to be energy efficient. So they can help your existing system without adding to energy costs. And they can last for about 20 years before needing replacement. All of these benefits could add thousands in additional value for your home.

Heating and Cooling Split Systems

Heating and cooling split systems are the most common and are immediately recognizable from the separate outdoor unit and indoor unit. These units are considered central air and provide cool air from the outdoor unit and warm air from the indoor unit. These systems work well in any size home and in most climates.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps provide heating and cooling by moving heat from one area to another. In the summer, they will move the heat away from your home. In the winter, they will pull heat into your home. These units are also considered central air. They are energy-efficient systems and are well-suited for smaller homes and climates that seldom dip below 40℉.

The Value of Replacing Your HVAC System

A new HVAC system provides more than just added monetary value. If you plan on selling your home, including a faulty HVAC system in the details might discourage buyers. Being able to move into a home with the knowledge that the HVAC system will be reliable for the next decade is a plus. Value is not just monetary, however. It can also come in more intangible ways. Here are some examples of other, non-monetary values that an efficient, reliable HVAC system can provide.

Comfort

The immediate payoff for replacing an HVAC system is increased comfort. It will keep the temperature of the house consistently cool or warm, depending on the thermostat. A new HVAC system will also help with reducing humidity. It’s easy to take air for granted when the HVAC system is working, but a house that is too hot or too cold affects everyone’s comfort.

Health

Temperature extremes can significantly impact health, but so can the general quality of the air. Indoor allergens and pollution such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, pathogens, chemicals from cleaning products and cooking, and particulates from fabrics and building materials can cause several health problems. Air that is properly circulated and filtered can make a big difference in health outcomes, especially for people who have existing health conditions.

Energy Costs and Environmental Considerations

Replacing your system could reduce your heating and cooling costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Newer systems benefit from technological upgrades like higher efficiency motors. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. Models from 10-15 years ago typically have a SEER rating of 8-10. Current energy standards dictate that systems must now have a minimum SEER rating of 13. The precise amount you save will vary from month to month, but it is estimated that an energy cost savings of about 20% is typical.

Tax Rebates

Tax Rebates are available from the federal government through 2032 for specific HVAC replacements and upgrades. Work with your tax provider and local professional to see what units qualify and how much you are eligible to receive. Additionally, local power companies often offer rebates when you upgrade your HVAC unit to a more efficient model. Check with your local utility to see if any current rebates apply.

Your HVAC System Replacement

[Company_name] also offers repair services, indoor air quality improvements, HVAC maintenance plans, temperature zoning upgrades, commercial HVAC work, and emergency HVAC repairs to Houston and the surrounding area. Our skilled technicians can help you with indoor air quality services as well, including air purifiers and dehumidifiers. Contact us to ask questions or schedule a home visit.