If you’ve ever suffered through a hot, sticky summer, you know just how dreadful it can be. Tower fans simply seem to blow warm air around. Window air conditioners can only cool so much space and aren’t always the most energy-efficient purchases.

However, despite all of this, you’ve hesitated to install central air conditioning. While it’s a fairly pricy investment, there are a few key reasons why you should take the leap. Whether you’re looking to improve your curb appeal as a homeowner or you simply want to invest in home improvement, here’s why you should consider air conditioning for your home.

It improves your home’s resale value.

While almost any home improvement project can boost your house’s value, central air can make a massive difference as a homeowner. Climate control is one of those home improvement and renovation projects that can give you a key edge in the housing market. When you invest in air conditioning, you can raise your home’s value by upwards of $10,000. Air conditioning is a major boost for your home equity, especially if you’re looking to sell your house within the next few years. An HVAC system can also be beneficial if you’re looking to offset closing costs for a new home.

Whether you’re doing a remodel or simply some key renovations, considering an HVAC is well worth your time and money. If you’re not looking to make a lump sum payment for an air conditioning unit, you may want to see if the air conditioning company offers installment payments or credit. You can also borrow against your home equity, especially if you don’t want to take out a second mortgage to improve the value of your home. Talk to your credit union or mortgage lender about a home improvement loan or a home equity line of credit. Even if your house isn’t a fixer-upper and simply needs some modern home renovation, a home improvement loan or even a personal loan can help you secure the upgrades you need.

Air conditioning improves in-home efficiency.

This should come as no surprise if you’re tired of the heat, humidity, and sweaty summer days. Air conditioning is one of those creature comforts that can make any miserable, hot day a little more bearable. Unless you’re looking to install several window air conditioning units, a single system will be a better financial investment, especially when it comes to your energy bill. If you couple your air conditioning system with a smart thermostat, you can save even more. When you’re preparing for an air conditioning install, your chosen AC installation contractor or technician will come by for an inspection first. The technician will then offer a quote for services. It’s at this point that you can decide the best way to pay for your air conditioning.

Whether you’re using a home improvement loan, home renovation loan, or another type of loan or financing option, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. You’ll also want to look at finding a lower interest rate for your credit line. Your loan options and loan term can depend on your credit score which can also impact the line of credit you’re offered as a borrower. For lower monthly payments, you may want to consider collateral on your loan amount. While an unsecured loan may seem like a good option, you may not get the best rate, even if you have good credit.`

If you have excellent credit or you’re still working on your credit score, it’s important to know how to finance large home improvement projects. Set up a robust repayment period, avoid high-interest rates, and make sure your ductwork is in order for both your heating system and air conditioning. When you find the best option for your in-home air conditioning, you’ll know it’s worth the investment. Since air conditioning can improve how much equity you have and improve energy efficiency, it’s one remodeling project worth considering.