Have your home thoroughly inspected by a trained pest management professional. In addition, seal cracks and holes around the home’s perimeter, and ensure you have proper drainage to avoid standing water.
Average cost: Because each pest situation is unique—ranging from an unwelcome guest to the severity of an infestation—it can be hard to determine a general average. Exterminating ants, for instance, can range from $100 for fire ants to $500 for carpenter ants. A rat fumigation, on the other hand, can cost you upward of $6,000.
8. HVAC system
An older home might face several heating and cooling challenges. “It might not have enough space to have a central air-conditioning system and vents,” says Mark Dawson, executive vice president of Trade Brands at Authority Brands. Also, he says, the home may not be designed to handle that much energy.
There are several ways to tackle heating and cooling problems. “You can have the electrical system of the home updated to be able to power a whole-house HVAC system,” Dawson says. Another option is to hire a team of professional contractors and technicians to lower the ceiling of the home so you can install ducts. However, he warns that both of these options are expensive, will require city permits, and could take anywhere from weeks to months to complete. “Additionally, when you make these types of upgrades, you run the risk of damaging historical features, including original floors, wood trims, and plaster,” he explains, adding that lowering the ceilings will also reduce the amount of storage space you have throughout the home.
However, Dawson says there’s a third option: Have an HVAC professional install a ductless split system. So what’s that? “A ductless split system is a heater and air conditioner not attached to ducts that transfers air to a room or portion of your home,” he says. “Ductless split systems are a great option for those with older homes and are predominantly inexpensive to install.” In addition, Dawson says they’re compact, energy-efficient, and provide more security than a window unit.
Average cost: A ductless split system can range anywhere from $950 to $4,100, Dawson says, and the cost will depend on how many units are being installed and the labor involved. “It also depends on the region you’re located in. The price can go up to $5,600 to $10,000 depending on how much of the home will be heated and cooled with the ductless system.” For high-efficiency models, the price can go up to $12,000. Installing a new furnace is $2,806 to $6,785, plus $150 to $500 per hour for installation, according to Angi.
