Can a New AC Unit Really Boost Your Home’s Value?

Many people ask, “Can a new AC unit really boost your home’s value?” The good news is that it can, as long as it’s high quality, used efficiently, and installed properly. It can be an appealing selling point when you put your house on the market, and you get to enjoy using it in the meantime. There are many reasons why a new AC unit can make a positive impact on your home’s value.

How AC Affects Home Comfort

A properly working AC is crucial for comfortably getting through the hot temperatures, especially if you have certain health conditions that can be affected by the heat or are particularly heat-sensitive. There’s also nothing like stepping into a cool, air-conditioned environment after being outside in the summer heat. Your AC should keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature that allows you to forget how hot it is outdoors.

Energy Efficiency: A Major Selling Point

A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) rating can be a great indicator of the energy efficiency of your AC system. The minimum rating depends on where you live in the United States. For example, the minimum in the southeast region is 14.3. The higher the number is, the better.

Homebuyers want to get the most for their money, including from a home’s AC system. A new, energy-efficient unit with a high SEER2 rating can be a major selling point as it could help them have lower monthly utility bills.

New vs. Old: What Buyers Notice During Showings

When prospective homebuyers see a worn-down, on-its-last-legs AC unit, they envision money coming out of their own pockets to replace it sooner rather than later. It can also indicate that they’ll likely need to make other upgrades if they decide to buy the home. However, a new AC model can be a sign that the property is well-maintained and worth their investment.

Does It Matter Where You Live? (Spoiler: Yes!)

A modern AC unit may not be as major of a selling point in some states as it is in others. Data provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows the percentages of housing units in different states in 2020 that had air conditioning equipment. As you can imagine, Alaska came in with the lowest amount. However, other states like Florida, Delaware, and Iowa showed percentages in the high 90s. These stats show that the appeal of installing a new AC unit to prospective homebuyers can vary significantly depending on the region and local climate.

When an AC Upgrade Makes the Most Sense

Many homeowners wonder when the best time is to upgrade their HVAC system. That answer could be subjective, but some situations include:

• You want to increase your home’s value
• You’re planning to sell your house soon
• Your cooling bills have dramatically increased
• The HVAC system is at least 15 years old
• It’s no longer properly cooling your house

Learn signs your AC needs to be replaced.

Other Benefits Beyond Home Value

Installing a new AC unit offers many other benefits beyond increasing home value. The best perk is undoubtedly that you can be more comfortable throughout the hottest months of the year. You also won’t have to worry about your current unit suddenly breaking down right in the middle of a heat wave, requiring you to get an immediate AC replacement.

Additionally, new AC units are typically highly energy-efficient, which can be great if you want lower utility bills while decreasing your carbon footprint. Some even allow for smart home integration, so you can control their settings while you’re home or on the go from your smartphone. Upgraded filtration capability is another much-beloved benefit, especially for allergy sufferers.

Final Verdict: Is a New AC Unit Worth It?

There are many pros to installing a new AC unit, but homeowners should also be aware of the cons. For example, there’s the initial investment, and you’ll have to set aside time for the HVAC technicians to work at your house. Depending on how old your current HVAC system is, including the ductwork, additional tasks may need to be done during the AC installation process for everything to work properly. Once the new AC unit is put in, you’ll have to learn how to operate it correctly. However, many homeowners find that the pros of installing a modern AC unit far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to the improved comfort level.

Talk to a Local HVAC Pro Before You Decide

Whether or not you should install a new HVAC unit can be a big decision, but it’s not one you have to make on your own. Scheduling a consultation with a local HVAC expert lets you get professional insight and ask questions about the cost, pros and cons, and process. Booking an appointment today can allow you to get all the information you need before making a final decision.