If there’s one thing that can be said about Denver’s weather, it’s that things can change in the blink of an eye. Heat and air conditioning are both necessities, and when it comes to luxury homes, people expect newer systems that can easily keep up with changing conditions. Here’s what you need to know about HVAC system upgrades if you are thinking of selling your Denver-area home.
Why Not Lower the Price?
There are some realtors out there who will tell you that HVAC systems matter very little when it comes to selling a home as long as they work and provide comfort to the living space. However, when it comes to luxury homes, HVAC system upgrades can make or break a sale. Although a potential buyer could always adjust his or her bid downward in order to reflect the cost of replacing a system that is obviously beyond its mechanical life, this presents a hassle to that buyer, and it could cause you to lose an opportunity to sell your home.
How Old Is Your System?
The number one reason to consider HVAC system upgrades is the actual age of your unit. For the most part, the average mechanical lifetime for these systems is between 10 and 20 years, depending on the system itself and how it has been maintained. For example, if your HVAC unit is 10 years old but has never really been maintained, you may want to consider replacing it. On the other hand, if your unit is 15 years old, has had regular maintenance, and works just like new, replacement may not be necessary.
What’s the SEER Rating?
In today’s day and age, people are incredibly concerned about energy efficiency. Not only does it save them money on their overall heating and cooling costs, but it also reduces their energy use. The SEER rating for your HVAC system is a standardized measurement of its performance, and it could be a number anywhere between 8 and 23. In general, the higher the number, the more efficient the system. If your unit’s SEER rating is less than 13, you might want to consider HVAC system upgrades. Four out of five HVAC units sold in 2015 and the first half of 2016 have ratings of 13 or higher.
Has It Needed Frequent Repairs?
Finally, if you are considering HVAC system upgrades before selling your Denver luxury home, be sure to think about the number of repairs it has needed throughout the years. If your unit is a decade old and has never needed a single major repair due to excellent maintenance, replacement may not be necessary. On the other hand, if your unit is a decade old and you’ve already replaced a major component, you may want to consider upgrading the entire system.
Although HVAC system upgrades are not always necessary before you sell your luxury home, there are some cases in which it can make a lot of difference. Even if it does not significantly improve your home’s overall value (and it certainly can in some cases), it can help