The HVAC Guide for Home Flippers

Whether you’re flipping the worst house on the block into your dream home or hoping to turn around and make a profit, you should take some careful consideration when deciding what to do with the home’s heating and cooling system.  An updated HVAC system not only keeps the indoor temps comfortable, but it could also raises the value of the home.

So how can you determine whether your best option is repairing or replacing? We’ve got you covered in this article!

Start by evaluating the home’s existing system – does the heating function work? What about cooling? Does it even have cooling functionality or is it a central heating-only system? Is there an HVAC system at all? These are important questions to ask and if you don’t know the answer to them, you might want to call in a professional.

Should I repair?

This is a tricky question to answer with a lot of variables to consider, but a good rule of thumb is – if the system is on the newer side and the cost to repair it is less than a third of what it would cost to replace, then the answer is yes. On the flip side, replacing with a high-efficiency system is always a good choice in the long run, especially if you are putting the home back on the market as a repair doesn’t add the same value for future buyers.

So you’ve decided to replace?

If you’re replacing the system, it is best to choose a central heating and cooling system. If the home is not already mapped for this set up, it might require a bigger investment upfront but is always worth the added value in the long-run. A modulating system will help you control the humidity in the home and a two-stage system helps reduce cycling and as a result, large temperature swings. Then there is variable speed equipment that matches the load requirement and offers optimal efficiency AKA reduced utility bills.

Looking for an alternative option?

As we mentioned before, mapping out the home to accommodate a central HVAC system can be expensive as older homes may not have existing ductwork. Other options include mini-split systems, evaporative/swamp coolers, or window units. These options are not ideal for the home’s value but will offer the dwellers of the home comfort, which is always a plus!