How to Prep Your Home’s HVAC System Before the Big Sell

Posted On Thursday, 15 September 2022 20:33

Before you sell your home, you’re probably wondering what appliances to include or exclude from the sale. It depends on a few things, like the age of your appliances and if you want to increase the home’s value before you sell. Let’s look at some factors you can consider when selling your home. 

Replace Your HVAC System

When you think about if you should include appliances in the sale of your home, often dryers and washing machines come to mind. However, your HVAC system is one of the most critical aspects of your home, and you should consider its status. Do you need to replace your HVAC system before selling your home?

First, determine the age of your heating and cooling system. To do so, find the serial number, which can easily be Googled, and note any necessary information about your HVAC system. If your HVAC system is the original that came with the house or is more than fifteen years old, you should replace it. Some new models work more efficiently and cut costs, so a new HVAC can even help increase the value of your home.

Buyers can look up the same serial number before finalizing the purchase, and they could negotiate the price down if they know the HVAC system is old. Plus, you could end up paying higher closing costs. 

Your realtor may suggest not buying a new HVAC system. However, if you want to be sure, call in an expert technician to look at the HVAC’s condition to make a better choice.

Get a Professional Home Inspection

To be sure you’re covering all your bases, schedule a professional inspection by a trusted HVAC expert. They can check your home for things you may not be able to find on your own, including corrosion, leaks, and other problems. 

This will help minimize surprises that could cost you more down the road if something breaks down last minute and may hurt any moving timelines you already have in place. They will replace or repair whatever they find, which is cheaper than doing emergency work. 

However, if you’re selling your home in a time crunch, don’t wait until the last minute to make that call. Schedule an appointment that is best for you so you’re not rushing at the last minute. If you’re on a tight renovation budget before selling your home, ask if they have financing options to help cut the costs. 

Get Your Ducts Cleaned

Make sure to get your ducts cleaned, especially if you have pets or are a smoker. The smells linger, and so does dander, which can be awful for people who have allergies or asthma. 

Professional HVAC technicians can easily clean your ductwork, and scheduling this service is a great way to present a clean home to your new buyers. Additionally, make sure you change the air filter before you leave, as this is a simple way to ensure the air is clean that won’t cost you much.

Upgrade to a Better Thermostat

Another asset to consider when selling your home is the thermostat. An old thermostat can look bad to potential buyers, and they may try to negotiate the price down because old thermostats mean higher energy bills when compared to newer models.

A new thermostat is a fantastic addition if you want to increase the value of your home before you sell. More recent models can help reduce energy bills, and smart thermostats can even be customized to fit your needs. They can even be controlled when you’re not at home!  

Improve HVAC Efficiency

To make it easier on the appliances, like your HVAC system, find and seal any drafts in your house before you sell your home. You can quickly fix this with a bit of rubber weather stripping. This will keep the cold air out in the winter months and keep the cool air in during the summer months.

Doing so will help your HVAC system keep the air temperatures consistent in the home. Appliances and HVAC units that work too hard often have shorter lifespans. 

Keep It Clean

Make sure to keep the area around your HVAC system clean of any debris, including dirt, sticks, and leaves. This will ensure that the HVAC systems and other appliances stay in good condition, so you don’t have to replace them before selling your home. 

Making sure appliances are clean is an easy way to put a good foot forward for potential buyers. You’ll want to ensure that all the appliances around your home are kept in good shape and that you clean any dirt or dust around vents as well.


Hiller is an award-winning, industry-leading plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical company that offers many services to delighted clients across multiple cities in the United States.

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