Does air conditioning increase home value?There are several different types of air conditing in the Northwest. Keep reading to find out what you should do if your are refinancing, selling or buying a home. Types of air conditioners Wall units are those that go directly into the wall. Real estate appraisers will not give any value or very little value for this type of unit. In home or in the window air conditioning units will be given no value, as they are considered personable property and will not be included in the appraisal or given any value. Air conditioning units built into the duct work of the home: These are the air conditioners that home owners have that are built into the thermostat. When you turn it to cool, the AC will kick on and start to cool your home. These are the most important type of air conditioners, in terms of home value, but they may not make a big difference in the overall value of your home. Heat pumps or GEO-thermal heat pumps: These units can be used to cool and heat your home. Most of these types of units are effecient and work good. The Geo-thermal heat pumps run on extreamly low energy, as they are pulling their energy from the earth. That said, they are one of the most expensive units available. If you are selling your home(Anywhere in the North) If you do not have air conditioning, you should not install it. It will cost more money to install than what you can get from it. If a buyer demands that you install AC, I'd consider it and your timing and do your best to negotiate what you can. In this case, you many want to install AC just to sell your home. But for the most part, AC will bring little value to your home. If you already have AC, it will be another perk for buying your home.If you are buying a homeWhat the heck, look for AC and compare this with other features that interst you. What you'll find is that you'll have ten main features. If you can find a home with 8 of them, you'll be doing good. Turn on the AC and make sure it is in good working order. Ask the owner when it the last time they used the AC and if it is good working order. Make sure that it is not leaking or it is not broken.If you are considering buying an air conditioner, which unit is the best? If you are planning to stay in the home for 10 years or more, I'd really consider the best you can afford, as this will save you in the long run. I've found that geo-thermal units are expensive, but well worth the cost in the long run. For increaseing home value, any type of air conditioner will function that same in most cases and the appraiser will not find a major value difference for these different types of air conditioning units. If you are refinancingIf you have AC, make sure that it is in good working order and that it works when you turn it on. If you do not have AC, do not get it. It will do little to nothing to increase your home value for the purpose of the appraisal. |