Whether or not you’re planning to sell your home this season, you may be curious about how much value does central air add to your home? Ultimately, an updated heating and cooling system is a significant upgrade (and expense!) that increases your home’s value — but will it be worth it for you?
There are a few things to consider. First, if you live in a neighborhood where the vast majority of homes offer central air (most commonly in suburbs where the median home value is $250,000 or higher) it may be especially beneficial to upgrade this season. Buyers in these neighborhoods will expect the home’s heating and cooling system to be updated, and you’ll be more likely to recoup the full value of the installation. If you live on a street where most homes don’t have central air, however, it may be more difficult to fully recoup the costs.
You’ll also want to consider the cost of central air installation. In our area, for an average 1800-2000 square foot home, central air installation costs approximately $5,000-6,000 if your home is already equipped with forced hot air. For a home that needs ducts (for example, a home that has a hot water radiator), the costs could nearly double. Installing central air could cost upwards of $10,000 depending on the size of your home.
Of course, the cost also largely depends on the type of system you have installed. For more information, be sure to check out this Consumer Reports guide for buying the best central air conditioner. Plus, new A/C systems are often highly energy efficient, and save you money on your energy bills each month.
Ultimately, central air installation is typically easier and quicker than many homeowners expect. If your home already has ducts, the installation may occur in as little as two or three days. For a home without a forced hot air system already, it typically takes a little less than a week.
As always, we recommend meeting with at least two or three contractors for individualized information and assistance, as well as estimates. Interested in being introduced to a local, experienced contractor? Give us a call at (215) 699-5555!