Central A/C
The house that I'm rehabbing currently has electric baseboard heat in each room and window air conditioning units. Central air is in big demand here. It adds a lot to the resell value and makes it easier to sell. We have a few estimates and I'm not sure if we should go with the heat pump or gas pack. My best estimates are:
10 SEER Gas pack - $5600
12 SEER Gas pack - $6200
10 SEER Heat pump - $ 6000
12 SEER Heat pump - $6200
Just from the numbers, the 10 SEER gas pack is the best deal since it's just to turn around and resell next month. But the contractor says that people really look into how efficient the a/c is and it would really pay to step up to the 12 SEER. Have you found that buyers ever ask about that? Also, which do people want, gas pack or heat pump? there are pros and cons of each.
Thank you!
g/p or h/p. h/p's are efficient to about 20 degrees after that they are pressed to heat a home. g/p's will heat more efficiently in colder temps. g/p's usually cost more to operate and are subject to the changing gas market. 10 0r 12 seer. the 10 in my area is what contractors use in spec. homes. 12 is more efficient and if buying for my personel use i would buy it over a 10. i am building a new home for myself i am installing a 12 g/p. i am rehabing a 2600 sq. ft. for resell and i am installing a 10 h/p. it is not a major factor in the sell of the home. it boils down to personel taste. good luck.......kenmax
Check on rebates from local utilities
If it's resale, I have never had people ask the SEER rating, just that it was new or not.
Quote:
But the contractor says that people really look into how efficient the a/c is and it would really pay to step up to the 12 SEER. Have you found that buyers ever ask about that?
Did you know what a SEER was before you got into this? If you as 10 people on the street would they even be able to tell you? Your contractor is advising you based upon not being able to understand that you are not his normal customer, who is a homeowner and has been programmed to shop for value. If buyers were so concerned, then you could also say they might not buy your house based upon seeing that the refrigerator isn't energy efficient enough, or their isn't enough insulation in the attic. Not going to happen in the real world. Women are going to be concerned with the kitchen and bathrooms, men are going to be concerned with the back yard and garage, that is about as sophisticated as it is going to get.
The-Rehabinator,
No problem when someone asks me what SEER it is, I just tell them it is someone who has seen into the future and they see you purchasing this quality home.
My SEER story for the day,
John $Cash$ Locke
I spent a few years in Va, I learned to hate heat pumps, I never could accept that my heat bills in Va with a heat pump were higher they were in cold climate areas using gas. One house and one experience isn't exactly conclusive evidence, but I prefer gas.
If it's new and shiny buyers will like it, I don't think the average person is going to get too wrapped up in the exact specifications. Although sometimes spending more for a better unit can actually save $ depending on the circumstances, IE a 98% furnace that can be exausted with PVC thru a wall rather than metal pipe thru the roof might be a viable option on an installation where an exaust isn't already in place.
Work on those prices. A few well placed connections can work wonders.
Thank you all for your input. I have decided to go with the 10SEER Gas. There is already a large gas tank on the property for the swimming pool heater. The previous owner had health problems and kept the pool heated to use it year round. Plus the electrical system will handle the gas a lot better too. Thanks again,
Deb
Just for you info....10 SEER will soon be of the past.
Many utilitiy companies are requiring a higher SEER rating ........plus the money that your clients will save is a plus.
For $600.00 more I would go with the higer SEER.
On any of my homes I do.......custom, spec and rehab.......I do a minimum of 12 SEER.......I also make sure that my agents advice lookers about all the "extra's" that are in my homes......
gas vs. hp......may depend on what area you live in but for the most part most home owners dont care as long as their utility bills are low.....which means a good insulated house with an efficient hvac system..........again....12 SEER.
NC