Should I Replace My Furnace Before Selling My House?
Just because your furnace is running doesn’t mean it’s efficient. Let us determine the state of your heating unit and service your home appropriately!
Just because you decide to sell your home doesn’t mean you should stop caring for it. Actually, it’s when you’re listing your house that you should put in any final touches to ensure you showcase appealing aesthetics that’ll draw in potential buyers and obtain a higher price. One of the best ways to do so is by asking yourself, “Should I replace my furnace before selling my house?”
At Felix Appliance, Heating, & Air, our #1 furnace installation experts in Maricopa, AZ, understand a new system increases household efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Trust us to determine if your furnace is in good standing and install a new one if a newer model provides more benefits.
What Is the State of Your Furnace?
Like air conditioners, furnaces have an average lifespan of about 15 years. However, with regular maintenance at home (like changing the filters regularly and clearing away dust and debris) and semi-annual professional care, the unit can last up to 25.
If your furnace is between 15 and 25 years old, the older system indicates to potential buyers that more funds need to go into the home to make it efficient, lowering the selling price. Therefore, invest in a new furnace, especially if other household parts require fixer-upper projects that may be off-putting to potential buyers.
Even if your unit is relatively new, warning signs of failure are as unappealing as an old unit. So consider a replacement if you notice any of the following:
- Loud noises like banging, squealing, whistling, or popping from the furnace or air ducts
- The inability to start up or stay on, sometimes leading to short cycling and insufficient air
- Long cycling, which contributes to warm and cool spots
- Little to no warm air or cool air blowing from the vents
- Higher utility bills and lower energy efficiency
Does a New Furnace Increase the Sale Price?
When asking yourself, “Should I replace my furnace before selling my house?” ask yourself, “Does a new furnace increase sales price?” A new furnace costs thousands and can cost up to $6,000 just to install, depending on the type and model and if you’re also implementing air ducts. Since it’s not likely it’ll raise your property value by that same amount, you’ll lose money when selling your home.
While it may not improve sales price, it can keep it from lowering. For instance, if an inspection reveals furnace concerns, potential buyers will use this new information to negotiate a lower price point or more credit. Because poor furnaces require a massive replacement job, uncovering issues may also be a deal breaker for buyers, leaving your home on the market longer, which is a problem if you’re trying to move it fast.
Other ways to decipher if a new furnace will give you a bang for your buck include the following:
- Make your house stand out in a strenuous selling market; if there’s an inventory shortage, you’ll have more potential buyers and won’t need to worry about a new installation.
- If the warranty doesn’t transfer, the new owners receive basic coverage, if any at all. They may want to replace the unit after moving in to obtain long-term savings, making your replacement obsolete, so check the warranty before a new installation.
- If you’re not selling immediately, reap the benefits of energy efficiency and lower utility bills before moving.
Would a New Furnace Pique More Buyer Interest?
Finally, ask yourself, “Should I replace my furnace before selling my house if it piques buyer interest?” Understandably, a new, shiny furnace that operates silently is more aesthetically pleasing than a less energy-efficient, rusted one that bangs throughout the heating cycle. But simply installing a newer model isn’t the way to stand out in a difficult selling market.
To pique interest, especially in an environmentally-aware world, consider furnace types with energy-saving attributes that make the homeowner eligible for government rebates, incentive programs, and tax exemptions. Programmable or Smart technology is also a perk for millennials who care about burning less electricity while taking the digital approach.
Trust Our Team with Over 500 Five-Star Reviews!
At Felix Appliance, Heating, & Air, our prompt and professional team of experts has answered, “Should I replace my furnace before selling my house?” for hundreds of your neighbors in Maricopa, AZ, and the surrounding areas. As professionals in furnace maintenance, repairs, and replacements, trust us to determine whether you need this major investment. For a consultation, call 480-406-7487 today!
