Selling Your Home? Don’t Forget About Your HVAC Systems

When you make the decision to move, a lot runs through your mind. Suddenly, you realize there’s plenty of work to be done to get your home ready for open houses and visits by potential buyers.

Home maintenance such as scrubbing, painting and cleaning are likely to be at the very top of the to-do list. You want your home to stand out from the other houses for sale. But that’s part of the problem. Often times, all the emphasis is placed on cosmetics and curb appeal. But take this tip from your friends at Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating: please don’t forget about your HVAC system and other home comfort appliances before you put your home on the market.

If your air conditioner, furnace and ductwork look old, dirty and have been generally ignored, they are not going to make a good impression – and your home will feel outdated. With those things in mind, here’s our HVAC home selling checklist:

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

HVAC systems typically last about 15 to 20 years, but if you’ve been diligent about HVAC maintenance, it’s likely your system will be in good shape and last longer than average systems. It’s a good idea to get on a service plan that includes tune ups in the spring and fall, even if you’re not ready yet to sell your house.

Either way – whether you’ve had maintenance performed on the system or not – you should call a qualified HVAC technician to inspect the entire system before you put your house up for sale. The inspection assesses the overall health of your HVAC system and whether it needs any repairs. As part of the service, have a technician clean all of the equipment.

A few simple steps that you can perform include removing grass clippings, leaves, vegetation and dirt, as needed, from the AC unit after HVAC maintenance has been performed.

Meanwhile, if your air ducts haven’t been cleaned in several years, consider having a technician examine their condition. Ducts that are filled with mold, mildew or heavy particles should be cleaned to produce a stronger, cleaner airflow.

Make Appropriate Repairs

If HVAC repairs are needed as a result of the inspection, schedule them before the house goes on the market. This is especially important for any dangerous issues, such as gas or refrigerant leaks.

Some common repairs you’ll want to make include replacing equipment with mechanical wear and tear, fixing thermostat malfunctions and cleaning dirty AC evaporator or condenser coils.

Should you replace your HVAC system?

There’s not a universal answer to this question, as it depends on several factors. On one hand, replacing an old, outdated HVAC system is a costly proposition, and spending more than $10,000 for replacement is not always the best investment for a seller.

While older systems will turn some buyers away, others, though, don’t mind buying a home with an older system, especially if it’s been maintained and well taken care of.

The best solution is to find common ground. During negotiations, many sellers and buyers find success splitting the cost of a new HVAC system or the cost of an extended warranty. At the very least, you can expect to negotiate with the buyer over the price of the house based on the heating and cooling system alone. You might also be able to price some of the new, energy efficient systems into the asking price. Be sure to discuss all options with your real estate agent.

Choose Sanborn’s for your HVAC Needs

We’ve been handling HVAC systems in San Bernardino for a long time. Take it from us: if your heating and cooling system looks like it has been ignored, it’s going to set off warning bells for many prospective buyers. In their minds they will be asking, “What else about the home has been ignored?”

Sanborn’s gets it. The whole process of selling a home can be stressful. We understand the cosmetic changes are important but don’t get overwhelmed and forget about the mechanical systems. Remember, Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help. We can handle any heating and air conditioning needs in Redlands, or anywhere across the Inland Empire. If you are selling your home, call us for tune ups, HVAC maintenance, duct cleaning and system control updates. Call now to make an appointment.