When most people think about how they can increase the value of their home, significant renovations and aesthetic upgrades often come to mind. However, you don’t need to alter the structure or appearance of your home in order to enhance its value. Simply upgrading key appliances such as your HVAC system can actually have a significant impact on the ultimate selling price of your property. Here are some of the top HVAC upgrades that increase the value of your home.

Replace Old HVAC Systems

If you have a relatively new HVAC system, replacing it likely won’t add a significant amount of value to your home. However, while homebuyers typically won’t take much notice of shining a new HVAC system, they will definitely notice an old, broken, or poor-quality model. Because HVAC systems have an average lifespan of around 15 years, potential buyers will see systems older than a decade as a ticking time bomb.

With the looming notion that they’ll have to shell out thousands of dollars on a new system whenever the old model decides to kick the bucket, homebuyers will be less likely to purchase your home. As such, if your HVAC system has experienced over 10 years of use, replacing it with a new model can make a substantial difference in how much your home sells for.

Invest in an Energy-Efficient HVAC System

Energy-efficient HVAC systems can provide two key benefits: lowering your monthly utility bill and reducing your carbon footprint. Because the temperature control unit of a home typically consumes the largest amount of energy, investing in a more energy-efficient HVAC unit can have a significant impact on a home’s eco-friendliness and average energy expenses. Both of these advantages prove highly attractive to many modern homebuyers and, as a result, they can notably boost the value of your home.

To determine the energy efficiency of an HVAC system, look for the model’s SEER rating. The acronym BTU stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, which divides the average heating or cooling output of an HVAC system by the average amount of energy it consumes in Watts per hour. The more energy-efficient a model is, the higher the SEER rating it will have. Most modern HVAC systems have a SEER rating between 13 to 23. If you have an older system with a SEER rating of 9 or 10, you should consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. 

Opt for a More Discrete HVAC System

Many homeowners aren’t interested in featuring a bulky HVAC system as a part of their home’s interior decor. Instead, they prefer their heating and cooling unit to have a more unobtrusive appearance. If you currently have an unsightly HVAC system that detracts from the aesthetic appearance of your home’s interior, it’s not a bad idea to opt for a more discreet model. Speaking of which, The Pioneer Mini Split Store offers a wide range of HFAV systems that feature a sleek, subtle design. From our concealed duct mini split units to our ceiling cassette ductless models, you’ll hardly even know they're there. 

Invest in a Quieter HVAC System

Potential homebuyers generally prefer quiet, more serene living space. If they walk into your home and hear a loud HVAC system kicking on and off, they may promptly walk right back out the door. To increase the selling price of your home, consider investing in a quieter system. Systems that have around a 20dB rating on their interior unit and a 50 to 60dB rating on their exterior unit or less are typically ideal. Some newer HVAC systems may also have additional features such as variable-speed blowers to further reduce the noise that the system outputs.

When it comes to choosing a quiet system, make sure to keep the size of the HVAC unit in mind. Choosing a system that is too powerful for the size of your home will cause it to kick on and off more frequently and will generally have a noisier operation. To select the right-sized HVAC system for your home, make sure to measure the size of your space, the height of your ceiling, and keep additional considerations such as your home’s insulation and location in mind.

Consider Installing Central Heating and Cooling

Another HVAC upgrade that increases the value of your home is investing in central heating and cooling. Having central heating and cooling offers a number of attractive benefits. For example, central heating and cooling can control the temperature of an entire space evenly and has a virtually unnoticeable appearance since the air is circulated through vents behind the home’s walls.

Such comfort and aesthetic advantages prove highly attractive for potential homebuyers and could increase the value of your home if you don’t currently have central heating. Plus, many homeowners expect homes to have central heating in this day in age. If your home doesn’t have such a common amenity, they simply may not be interested in purchasing it.

That being said, if you only need to heat up one or two rooms in your home, a ductless mini split system that heats each zone individually could be more practical from a cost and installation perspective. Often, a central HVAC system can improve the value of a home by up to 10 percent. However, central heating systems cost around $6,000-$15,000 due to the highly invasive installation process in which contractors have to dig into your walls in order to install the vents. Before making such a large investment, determine if the overall cost of a central system is worth the potential boost in home value that it would provide. 

The Pioneer Mini Split Store is a leading provider of mini split HVAC systems. Our energy-efficient, quiet, and unobtrusive mini splits will surely enhance the appearance and comfort of your home. Whether you’re interested in heating individual rooms or your entire house, we are sure to have a ducted or ductless unit that is right for you. To find the ideal HVAC system for your home, shop our online collection or contact us today!