Installation costs figure into added home value. Central air conditioning may increase the chances of selling a home faster, especially during a heat wave, but you have to factor in the costs of installation when considering value. A central air system may attract potential home buyers who don't want the expense of installing one at a later date. However, an increase in value of the home also depends on competition and the need for heating or cooling in particular areas. Installation Requirements The cost of putting in a central air system could be high enough for homes that pose installation difficulty to exceed the difference in value. However, having a home that needs less-efficient window units could bring the price down if you want to put your house on the market. It costs less to install central air in homes that already have air ducts, for example. Installers require less labor if there is better access to the pipes. A costly alternative includes connecting the condenser with small pipes to air-handling units through rooms in the home.

Typical Costs An efficient central air system with installation averages about $8,000, but can range from $2,500 to $15,000 as of 2012, according to Johnstone Supply in Corpus Christi, Texas. The cost depends on the condition or size of the home and how easily the system can be installed. The estimated cost for an air system in a 2,000-square-foot house is about $4,000, but prices can vary throughout the country. The need for cooling and heating also depends on geographical areas. Although heating draws concern during the winter in some locations, homeowners tend to consider central air for cooling. Many areas of the country go through sweltering summers, which reminds home buyers of the need for air conditioning. Air System Value Central air conditioning adds about 12 percent to the value of a home on average throughout the country, according to the National Association of Realtors. Estimating the value of a home with an installed air system also consists of the size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the age of the home and various amenities that make your home attractive.

The quality of a central air system can help to sell your home quickly when you compete with other homes in the market. heating/cooling units for small spacesFor example, a buyer might choose your home over an equally attractive home that doesn’t have central air. how does a commercial ac unit workYour Enjoyment When considering the increased value of your home, also think about how often you use your central air system. ac unit installation pricesIt’s possible you won’t get the full return on your investment when you sell the home, even though it adds value to your property, depending on the installation cost. Installing an air system usually brings you pleasure and savings in the long run. If you install an efficient system to replace window units, it could be worth the energy costs you save over time -- a factor that potential home buyers also consider.

: Will Central Heat and Air Increase The Value Of Our Home?Morning Call: New Rules – AC Plays a Role in For-Sale HomesHomeAdvisor: Installing Central Air ConditioningJohnstone Supply: What Percent of a Home’s Value is the Central Air Conditioning?National Association of Realtors: The Value of Housing Characteristics Photo Credits Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images MORE MUST-CLICKS: How Can I Build a Room That My Cats Will Love in My New Home? How to Cash Out Equity in Your Home How to Remove a Co-Borrower From a Home Title Can You Borrow on Your Home to Buy a Second Home? How to Determine the Equity of My Home Checklist for Buying Land & Building a Home Advantages & Disadvantages of Taking the Equity Out of Your Home How Granite Counter Tops Increase the Value of a Home Annual Expense of Home Maintenance How to Refinance a Home With Little EquityMatt Blashaw, host of DIY Network's Money Hunters, and Nicole Curtis, host of Rehab Addict, countdown their top 10 smart home investments.

Matt: Whether it's a nice paver walkway or simply adding some color to your planters, keeping your front yard looking fresh is not only inexpensive, but also adds nice curb appeal. In the case of home improvement, a book is always judged by its cover.This is always the first thing I do for three main reasons:  1. It tells your neighbors that you take pride in your home and neighborhood. 2. It makes your home stand out.  3. It's so easy! I always look online in spring when people are splitting their perennials: I have yet to have to purchase anything, since people actually give stuff away. Also, invest in an edger — clean lines are a favorite on my list — as they can dramatically transform a yard. Matt: This is usually not on the top of anyone's mind when it comes to home improvement, but between the rebates and the energy savings, replacing a forced-air unit can start to pump not only comfort, but money into your living space. When I show buyers a home, if they see a new furnace/HVAC unit, I usually hear a sigh of relief.

Nicole: I don't totally agree. I only suggest this if you are going to be in the home a long time. Typically, you need at least five years to reap the benefits from the cost savings vs. the cost of the unit and installation. Of course, if yours is old and not working, go ahead and replace it. I just had a real estate client that was shocked that his new $15,000 furnace would not bring him a $15,000 increase in price. 8. Adding Attic Insulation Matt: If the insulation in your attic is not up to par, close to 30 percent of the nice, warm, comfortable air that your furnace is producing is going out the window. Laying insulation is an easy DIY project and the materials are pretty inexpensive. Nicole: I love insulating. Not really, but what a relatively easy update. Also, just simple caulking around doors and windows can save you a bunch of money. You may have to sacrifice a weekend, but it will be worth it. 7. Brighten Up Your Space Matt: No one likes a dank, dark living space.

Well, some people may like that sort of thing, but not anyone that likes keeping up their home's value. Throw in some can/recessed lighting in the kitchen and bathrooms to brighten the place up. Nicole: I have seen too many lights.  Simple touches like dimmer switches make a dramatic change to any room. Matt: If you have old, rusty iron pipes and fear that you have ingested enough metal in your drinking water to build a small ship, you might want to consider replacing the plumbing.  Believe it or not, an appraiser takes the plumbing into heavy consideration when assigning the value to a home. Back in the day, it used to be a huge undertaking with walls being torn up and drywall flying everywhere. Nowadays though, re-piping is usually done with PEX (basically plastic tubing) that is extremely reliable and can be run through your walls like an extension cord. This means less holes and a lot less mess. It also means less money spent on materials and labor. Heavy metal should be only used to describe music and not the water in your home.

Nicole: Yes, yes — it is all about the guts. No sense in putting good money into a home when the mechanics are bad. This is a win-win situation. The scariest thing for new owners is the thought that something huge like plumbing or electrical will need work. Plus, people always think these updates cost much more than they actually do. 5. Engineered or Real-Wood Floors Matt:  Notice I wrote "engineered or real" and not laminate. People are getting very educated when it comes to wood floors. They can sniff out the cheap laminate stuff. Nicole: I only half agree — I am still not totally sold on engineered flooring.  I deal with real products only. And honestly, shopping around at liquidation centers or salvage yards, my real hardwood floors always come out cheaper than new engineered products. Oak flooring can be picked up for cheap and you can dress it up with different stain. 4. Remove the Paneling and Popcorn Matt: The two things that scream "I'm old and I need help in a bad way!"

The first is wood paneling. Don't fool yourself, that look is NEVER coming back. Especially if you have the old MDF wood panels with the high-gloss finish. Rip it out and put up some drywall. If you really like a "wood" look, use reclaimed wood installed horizontally. It looks amazing, it's not a huge or expensive project and it will instantly throw some value into your home. The second must-go item is popcorn ceilings. I am not going to go into too much detail because it is obvious. A home that looks modern will fetch a more modern home value.The only time I keep wood paneling is if it is knotty pine and matches the era of the home. It is real wood and not the stuff you see sold in large panels at the local big box.  Houses built post-WWII usually came stocked with a knotty pine in the attics and basements. In the right element it looks fantastic. Always keep in mind the market value of your home; some projects will outprice your home for the neighborhood. Sometimes it makes more sense to give the paneling a nice paint job vs. the cost of drywall; 

either way, bright and fresh wins out. For popcorn ceilings — no doubt in my mind — just drywall right over them.  Usually there's a reason they're popcorned: cracks and bad seams. 3. Boost the Bathroom Matt: You don't have to go crazy: Install new fixtures, re-grout the shower, add crown molding and brighten up the room with some paint. I really like the new textures they have for wallpaper nowadays. Yes, you heard me: wallpaper. A little texture can make a bathroom go from a plain Jane to a beauty queen. Just a few little improvements in a bathroom can be a really smart way to spend your money. Nicole: Having removed way too much wallpaper, I have to say nix it. A great paint job and nice architectural detail is easier and will be timeless. Something as simple as a new mirror and light fixtures can make the dingiest of bathrooms look fresh and fabulous. I consider wallpaper trendy and a pain-in-the-backside in bathrooms because of all the moisture. If you do go that route, have the Super Glue handy to reattach the seams.

2. Basement or Attic Renovation Matt:  If you have a basement or a big attic, finish it out. Whether it's making the man cave of your dreams or an extra bedroom for your ever-expanding family, finishing your basement or attic can inject instant equity and square footage into your home.  Just make sure a permit is pulled and all the codes are followed. If not, the square footage may not be added to the rest of the house and may not be considered a "livable" space. Different states have different codes, so make sure to hire a contractor that's on the ball. Nicole: This is one that I would disagree with having so high on the list. I think overall basements are a gamble. Attic space to master suite — yes. Basements are more likely to help you sell, but usually buyers will not pay more for them.  If a house is small and lacking space, sometimes. 1. Kitchen Is King Matt: And sometimes queen. Unless your home is falling down around you, the smartest place to put your hard-earned dough is in the kitchen.

When I hold an open house, the first thing buyers do is make a beeline to the kitchen. That's where all the "magic" happens, so to speak. Now, I can give you the whole speech about putting down tile, stone, nice under-mount sink and yada yada yada. We have all heard it a million times over to put stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Instead think about your layout and workspace. They call it the triangle. Basically it is the space where your cook area, sink and dishwasher meet to create an effortless flow when working. How far is your cooktop from your sink? Is your dishwasher close to the sink? Are you tripping over stools and a butcher-block table to get from one corner of the triangle to the other? If you have the means to invest some money into your kitchen, make sure to place all your new toys into a nice flowing workspace. Nicole: I totally agree. I have seen so many people put in expensive goodies and never fix the bad flow. Spend the money on the layout — it never goes out of style.