One of the primary concerns for homeowners in Moreno Valley, CA, is how to increase their home’s equity. While many people consider various home improvement projects, HVAC upgrades will improve both equity and lower energy bills. Here are seven HVAC upgrades to consider to improve your home’s value this year:
Improve Your Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of keeping your home heated and cooled properly. The National Association of Realtors reports that an upgrade in insulation usually results in a return on investment of 95% to 116%. With an average cost of under $2,000, this is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for your wallet.
In addition to realizing an improvement in your home value, you’ll also see a reduction in your energy costs. Your home can lose 25% of its heat through a poorly insulated attic in the fall and winter. That is a substantial difference in your heating costs.
Upgrade Old Systems
The average furnace has a service life of 15 to 20 years, with an air conditioner lasting 10 to 15 years. As your system ages, it loses efficiency, driving up your operating costs. The older the system, the higher your annual repair costs tend to be as well.
Many potential buyers love to see newer systems in homes they’re considering. It signals to them one less expense they will have to undertake right away.
Replace Your Ducts
Another common source of heat loss is through your system’s ductwork. The average duct system lasts about 25 years. However, it’ll begin to degrade in performance after about 15 years.
As a rule of thumb, you should consider replacing your ducts when you replace an old HVAC system. Replacing your system without replacing your ducts will negate some efficiency improvements.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Energy-efficiency technology is constantly evolving, with appliances getting new standards all the time. Consider all of your appliances, including your furnace, AC system and water heater.
If your furnace or air conditioner is nearing the end of its service life, you should consider energy-efficient replacements. According to the EPA, homes with high-efficiency HVAC appliances sell for 5% to 8% more than those without.
You may consider switching your traditional system to a geothermal option. Other popular upgrades include home automation zoning and ductless mini-split systems.
Consider Your Indoor Air Quality
Air quality is directly related to your HVAC system and is a major consideration for upgrades. Asthma and allergies seem to be constantly increasing. As such, if you suffer from either of these, such upgrades will be extremely attractive.
You can easily improve your air quality with a few improvements to your HVAC system. First, consider having your ducts cleaned if that’s not already part of your regular maintenance routine. Also, you can install a range of air quality products to help improve the air you breathe.
Look at Your Doors and Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping around your doors plays an important role in insulating your home. This stripping breaks down over time, and you’ll need to replace it to maintain a tight seal.
Also, look at your exterior doors and see if they’re providing the right insulating properties. Door technology may not change that much, but you may be able to get a better-insulated door. A new front door returns an average of over 100% on the cost of the door, not to mention improving curb appeal.
Consider Home Automation
Home automation allows you to control many of your home’s vital functions from a smart device. While smart devices are not a standard in mid-market homes, they’re a necessity in luxury homes. If your home is in the top 10% of your local market, consider adding automation.
For your HVAC system, this means upgrading to a smart thermostat. These not only allow you to program your system but also to adjust those settings anywhere you have internet available.
Increase your home’s equity and lower your bills with one or more of these HVAC upgrades. Call Magnolia Heating and Cooling to schedule an HVAC services consultation with one of our service technicians to discuss your options.
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