The Buyer's and Sellers Guide to HVACs
It might not be exciting or creative or Pinterest-worthy, but it is absolutely worth stopping for a minute to talk about what you need to know when looking at an HVAC system. And because I work with both buyers and sellers, I’ve decided to break this blog down into the top three things you should know depending on if you’re looking at buying a home or selling a home. Let’s get started!
The Buyer’s Guide to HVACS
1. Ask about the age of a home’s HVAC system
This is so important. Most HVAC’s last 15 to 20 years—and can last longer if they’re well maintained, so if you’re buying an older home, chances are, you’re also buying an older furnace, water heater and air conditioner. If that’s the case, it’s okay, but keep in mind that you might have to replace these units in the first few years of owning the home.
2. Ask if the home owner has kept up with routine HVAC maintenance
Most of the time, a seller won’t know the age of their HVAC, which is normal, so don’t be alarmed by that. But if they don’t know the age of the unit, ask if they’ve had the HVAC serviced yearly by a licensed technician. If they have (and they have a service contract to prove that), that’s good news. That means the HVAC should be in good shape and the technician can probably even give you an estimate on the unit’s lifespan.
3. Don’t expect the seller to replace the HVAC
As long as an HVAC system works, the seller is not obligated to replace it, and very few sellers are willing to replace units even when they’re older. Basically, if it works, it’s staying with the home. And that’s okay. Buyers don’t need to be worried about older HVAC systems if the inspector gives it the green light. Most units have a pretty long lifespan, so as long as they’re serviced regularly and you change the air filter often, you should be able to get plenty of life out of your HVAC.
The Seller’s Guide to HVACS
1. Understand what buyers want these days
There has been a shift in what buyers are looking for. In the past, buyers were excited by renovated kitchens and bathrooms, but with more and more home improvement shows inspiring buyers to try the DIY life, a lot of buyers are okay doing those things themselves. That means that now, they’re a little less excited about a renovated kitchen and more excited about higher ticket items like new AC units and furnaces. Newer HVAC’s won’t increase the value of your home, but they definitely increase your homes sellability, and that is absolutely worth something.
2. Get a service agreement with a local HVAC company
Even if you don’t have pets or kids that like to drop things down the air vents, it’s definitely a good idea to have your HVAC serviced twice a year. This is super easy and not expensive. You can get a service agreement with a local HVAC company for around $200 a year. That means they’ll come check out your HVAC once in the fall to make sure your furnace is operating smoothly and again in the spring to make sure your AC is in working order. Sometimes, they even change your air filter for you! But even better, doing this gives you something to show potential buyers who want to know about the condition of your HVAC system. Showing them that the units are serviced regularly will give them peace of mind.
3. Try to identify the age of your HVAC
If you don’t know the age of your AC, furnace or water heater, that’s okay. Your service technician should be able to help you determine a rough age or at least an expected life span. This will be helpful when buyers inquire about the HVAC. If you can tell them roughly when it was installed in the home or the estimated life span, it will help calm any worries they might have.
