Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Well, within the last 2 weeks had 2 major failures in our unit.
First, the water heater began acting up passing hot water out the emergency pressure release. Called the office. Heater was inspected within hours and replaced early next morning.
Second, last night the A/C croaked with the hottest day of the year coming up today. Since A/C repairs are not made at night, called emergency maintenance after we left the gym at 7 AM. Tech called right back and came within the hour. Changed the part (capacitor) and we were good to go. Asked him what a retail service company might have charged. He estimated an honest one would be $125 and a crook would sell you a new outside unit for about $4K.
So, no bills this month but my rent. Also, the kitchen faucet was replaced when it wore out.
Two years ago, during my regular check up and maintenance interval, my HVAC tech proactively determined both my capacitors were nearing end of life and replaced both of them free of charge.
BEFORE anything croaked. Capacitors need to be changed out about every 6 years. If you don't have a service contract and wait until something breaks, yeah you might pay $100 or so.
I woke up this morning to find a tree fallen on my front walkway. about 8 inches in diameter at its base. Then I realized it was a BRANCH off an enormous tree that belongs to my neighbors. It barely missed the powerlines, the car and the fence, all of which would have been a huge pain in my neck. Thankfully he removed it for me with help from me and his wife. This is just another example of the unexpected stuff that comes with home ownership.
BTW, the cost estimate for the neighbor to have that enormous tree and a few others removed? $4500.
I can't wait until I can sell this house and become a renter.
Two years ago, during my regular check up and maintenance interval, my HVAC tech proactively determined both my capacitors were nearing end of life and replaced both of them free of charge.
Wow, that's good service. Please tell which company does this and the cost of the service contract.
Wow, that's good service. Please tell which company does this and the cost of the service contract.
.
I'm not going to say any company unconditionally does this all the time, part of staying on top of things involves talking to the tech and understanding exactly what they are going to do for the agreed amount, etc. The company in this particular case was Air Experts and they have deals on Angie's List for $40 for A/C service with no contract.
Capacitors are not really expensive parts, it doesn't take much for them to test or replace them. It should be part of any service interval, but it's really up to the homeowner to know the general age of them and to make a judgment call on whether to replace proactively or wait until the hottest (or coldest) day of the year for things to go wrong. That's when all the techs are busy, service calls become "emergency calls", and the costs really skyrocket due to demand.
I can't wait until I can sell this house and become a renter.
You'll likely be feeling differently once you start dealing with ridiculous rent increases year after year that outrun inflation by a factor of 3 or 4, and realizing you'll have nothing to show for that monthly payment at the end of it all.
You'll likely be feeling differently once you start dealing with ridiculous rent increases year after year that outrun inflation by a factor of 3 or 4, and realizing you'll have nothing to show for that monthly payment at the end of it all.
And what about wild increases in taxes and homeowner's insurance?
The way things are made today, it's nice to know you won't need to fix your old home and find a buyer if you decide to vacate. Just leave it clean at the end of any lease.
Location: River's Edge Inn, Todd NC, and Lorgues France
1,737 posts, read 2,573,818 times
Reputation: 2770
Quote:
Originally Posted by saturnfan
And what about wild increases in taxes and homeowner's insurance?
The way things are made today, it's nice to know you won't need to fix your old home and find a buyer if you decide to vacate. Just leave it clean at the end of any lease.
Some people will always prefer renting, others will always prefer owning.
It is pretty futile to argue about it.
I'm within a year of paying off my 15 yr mortgage , so repairs aren't so painful, and my acre and a half is sure quiet in the evenings.
There is no better feeling than a $0.00 house payment!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm within a year of paying off my 15 yr mortgage , so repairs aren't so painful, and my acre and a half is sure quiet in the evenings.
