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HVAC system Inspection before selling a house: Is it worth it to replace HVAC before selling a house? When selling a home, we often think about what renovations need to increase the property’s value, but often the home HVAC system is not given a lot of attention. Unfortunately, if there are HVAC-related issues during the sale, it might cause a delay in the process or it could be a deal-breaker.
Luckily, a bad air conditioner or furnace doesn’t need to prevent you from selling your home. Instead, address some of the most common issues before putting your house on the market. So, here is what you need to know about your home HVAC system, and should sellers fix HVAC issues?
What You Need to Know About Your Home HVAC system Inspection before selling a house
⎆ Emissions and Leaks
Leaks are a common issue and can be dangerous. Sometimes, gases or refrigerants can escape the unit. During an inspection, you may learn that the heating unit emits carbon monoxide and is deadly.
As the seller, you must service the unit and clean the ductwork. Then, have an HVAC contractor inspect it to ensure that it is in working order.
⎆ Defective Parts
A leak might also show that there is a bigger issue at play. For example, the heat exchanger might be bad. This is one of the most important parts of your furnace.
It is what converts the fuel to heat. If the exchanger is broken, it might release dangerous gas into the home’s air. However, this will not usually be caught during a regular home inspection.
Many buyers do not know that with forced-air and modern heating systems, home inspectors only do a visual inspection.
This rarely includes the heat exchanger. If you have an older HVAC system, have a professional do a regular service call and write up that, in fact, the unit is in good condition. This is even more important if you have an older system.
⎆ Poor Maintenance or Installation
Routine maintenance is a vital part of keeping the HVAC system running. Many homeowners do not have a service contract for their systems.
However, if it is under contract, the system might be running better as it is more likely to get regular service checks. If a buyer is torn between two homes, they may choose the one that has a service contract.
Not every maintenance issue requires a professional. For example, you can replace the air filters yourself in case the buyer checks. That will help you show that you have maintained the system well and will reflect better on you.
⎆ Old Age Wear and Tear
Many HVAC systems only last around 15 to 20 years, depending on how well they are maintained. If the system is too old, it might even be dangerous for the new owners. For very old furnaces, the buyer might decide that it is too much to deal with.
If your HVAC unit needs to be replaced, see if the buyer can meet you halfway on the replacement, since they will benefit from the new unit. Also, consider getting an energy-efficient unit that can save money and increase the home’s value.
However, if the HVAC system is very old, it might be a good idea to replace it before listing your home. That way, you will not have to worry about it scaring off potential buyers.
⎆ Closing Thoughts
Your home HVAC system should not be overlooked when you are selling a home, as it might delay or even end a deal. It is your buyer’s agent’s responsibility to set the right expectations for solutions to these issues.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below. You will also find links below that take you to more fantastic articles about all things design for your home or business.
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About the Author: Ashley Edwards
