MOLLY BOLZ
CA LIC. 00596600
Molly Bolz
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
1289 Main Street Saint Helena, CA
(707) 963-1152
Learn
Repairing or replacing heating and air conditioning
11-22-2011
November 22, 2011
Homeowners planning to sell are often aware of repairs and upgrades their home could benefit from. This presents a dilemma, since competing pressures encourage and discourage such actions. On the one hand, the expense of work on a home can be significant, and if the current homeowners are planning to move out it may seem strange to pay for something they will have little opportunity to enjoy. On the other, upgrades and repairs can make a home more attractive to buyers and can still be enjoyed until it's time to move out.
With heating and air conditioning systems, the decision may be easier in some respects. Selling a home takes time, so if particularly cold or warm weather conditions are approaching, homeowners may decide it's worth the comfort in the time leading up to the home sale, particularly if they are not ready to move just yet but have anticipated a future need.
Pressing needs
Seasonal weather patterns and the geographic location of a home will play a part in determining how crucial the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are. Warm or cold areas, approaching winter or summer and similar factors are important. It will also depend on the residents of a home. Elderly or ill residents may have a greater need of effective systems, for example, in order to maintain their health.
The condition of the system in question is the other deciding factor. If the
heating system is effective but takes a little longer to warm up, then it may not be a major issue. If action is necessary, then homeowners must decide whether to repair what is there or replace it with something new. When evaluating these two options, expense is something to consider. Extensive repairs may cost as much as a new system, in which case there is little reason not to upgrade.
Repair or upgrade
HouseLogic notes that installation and repair costs are not the only ones to consider. For example, newer air conditioning units may be more efficient than older models, using less electricity to perform the same work and thus lowering costs over time. Government efforts to support energy efficiency may also allow tax credits or other assistance programs to reduce the initial cost.
Some problems, such as damage to a heat exchanger in the home's heating system, could pose safety hazards that make replacement a necessity. Another concern is that central units may be functional while air ducts and other components could be the source of the problem. In that case, upgrading could be a waste of money, or at least fail to solve the problem.
About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate. Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of approximately 87,000 sales agents working in approximately 3,100 offices in 49 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to create an iPad application and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On LocationSM YouTube channel. The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC will never sell or provide information to a third party without your
prior consent.
Click here to see our full Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use
Click here to see our full Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use
Top Tools
close