Many real estate experts will say that buying air conditioning for your home is a good investment if you ever want to sell the home. It’s also valuable if ever looking to rent it out.
Truth is that an old and inefficient cooling or heating system can lower the value of your property. Reasons for this include the inefficient operation being reflected in the quarterly energy bill and the perceived cost for imminent system replacement.
The question is, does installing a good ducted air conditioning system add value to your home?
Answer? It certainly does, up to a certain point. The value of ducted aircon depends on many factors that we are going to discuss in this article. First, you should know what exactly ducted air conditioning is.
What is ducted air conditioning?
One of the main options when it comes to installing an air conditioner in your home is ducted air conditioning. The main characteristics of a residential ducted AC system is a centralized air distribution system behind a solid or false ceiling that reaches all the rooms in the house.
It can also have a reverse cycle. This means that you can heat up or cool down your home with just the one system.
What are the main advantages of ducted air conditioning?
The main advantage of ducted air conditioning is the potential for large energy savings. This is because ducted AC works with a single large-capacity outdoor unit, instead of several outdoor units, with less power consumed in comparison.
Also, you can achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome because only small outlets/inlets and a controller may be seen indoors. This is instead of having multiple indoor units installed on the walls, ceilings, floors, or even through the walls or windows.
Furthermore, a ducted air conditioner system allows individual climate control through the addition of zoning. With zoned air conditioning, the ducted AC can regulate temperature and airflow in different rooms/spaces throughout the house.
Finally, you can expect to see savings in the regular energy bill. This is because the air conditioner is ramping down automatically when the desired temperature is reached. This means lower power consumption to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
What are the factors to consider for adding value to your home?
The house itself
Adding value to your home depends on the house itself. For example, you can install the best air conditioner system in your home, but does it go with the rest of the house? Is the rest of the house well maintained? What else are you offering the potential buyer?
Consider this point before thinking that you will automatically recover the cost of your aircon when you sell the house. Speak with a real estate agent regarding limitations on the value of an air conditioner based on the house and neighbourhood it is in.
Air conditioner conditions
If you have a home air conditioning system, then it is generally assumed that routine aircon servicing has been carried out for many different reasons. It is also expected that the air conditioning system is in good working order prior to the sale of the house.
In general, air conditioning will increase the value to your home if it has added benefits such as increased energy-efficiency with the use of a heat pump or other green and/or money-saving technology.
The location
Remember that an air conditioner can be considered basic equipment for a house depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place with 4 distinct seasons in terms of weather, then a proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is expected.
On the other hand, if you live in a place where the weather is good all the time and major temperature fluctuations are rare then, of course, an air conditioner will add value to the house because it could be considered a luxury.
The buyers
If you are in a location where home buyers expect the house to have an air conditioner then you should consider installing one. This is because even though the air conditioner will not necessarily add value to the house, buyers may discount the price for a house that lacks ducted air conditioning.
How does a ducted air conditioner add value to your home?
Good climate all year round
In a country like Australia, a ducted reverse cycle air conditioning is essential for comfort all year. Ducted aircon adds value to a home as this system can create comfort and reverse operations during winter to warm up your home. This could be one of the most important additions to your air conditioning system that will add value to your home.
Extra technology value
A clever way to add value to your property is by using modern innovation to connect with your ducted air conditioner. For example, you can use AirTouch 4 Zoning or high-end iZone Smart System which allows you to control your aircon along with Google Home, Smart Lights, and even Spotify.
Also, technology exists that will allow you to control your home air conditioner from your phone. With this feature, you will be able to turn on the AC before you arrive home in order to create the perfect temperature indoors without wasting energy.
Maximize comfort
A good strategy is to install the supply air outlets in various areas of your home that you know is key to air conditioning the given spaces. By doing this, you can create the perfect home temperature. This will also allow new buyers or tenants to enjoy maximum comfort with minimum energy consumption.
Long life-span
With regular AC maintenance and suitable cleaning, a ducted air conditioning system can last up to 15 years+. This is great because air conditioner lifespan is a big selling point for your home. Remember that the quality of the installation also makes a difference to this lifespan.
Also consider that a ducted air conditioning system will typically create greater interest in your property. If you are planning on selling or renting the house, then a working air conditioner will make your home far more comfortable and liveable, which will naturally increases the value.
So, if you decided to buy a ducted air conditioning system for your property, you should also consider proper installation in order for it to work efficiently for as long as possible. For this reason, it is better to have experts installing your ducted air conditioner to avoid costly mistakes.
