Taking a quick break from working at home today. We're finally replacing our ancient furnace and central air conditioning. We scored a great deal on having both installed at once, and we jumped at the opportunity.
The furnace was original with the house, built in 1980. It was loud, smelly, and had an efficiency rating indicated by a pictograph of a neanderthal rubbing sticks together. The A/C was on it's last legs, having been repaired several times by Minnegasco, often through the shaking of ceremonial beads, banging of drums, and sacrificing of chickens.
It was time.
In the seven years that we've "owned" this house, this is just the latest in a running list of repairs and replacements, including but not limited to: water heater, water softener, sump pump, refrigerator, dish washer, garbage disposal, roof, tree removal... and more!
In short, our house inspector was a freakin' moron.
Now, however, we'll have a brand new efficient furnace with a digital thermostat, an A/C that actually works when you turn it on, and it's all backed by a full warranty. In June we're having the house painted and deck stained again. We're putting in some new flooring, taking on some interior improvements ourselves. It'll be nice.
Now if we could just afford new windows, a new deck door, landscaping...
Tell me again why home ownership is better than renting?
8 comments:
1. No neighbors. I can turn my tunes loud if I want to.
Ironically enough, though, short of a few months after we first moved in, I haven't wanted to.
2. Tax break.
3. I can use the phrase "Git off my land!"
That all being said, I still miss our 1,600 square foot, two floor townhome apartment in Grand Forks that we lived in 10 years ago. THAT was a nice joint.
1. Yeah. We really haven't been loud tunes people, but video games and Rock Band could pose a problem.
2. I think that most years the tax break has been outstripped by maintenance, utilities and repairs.
3. This IS true. Except for another 23 years it's "Git off the bank's land!"
I'll add:
4. We can paint the walls.
The townhome WAS freakin' sweet.
Bottom line, one day we'll sell this place, either for something smaller and newer, or for a in-between rental with no yard upkeep. We won't buy something as old or complicated as we have now... and we'll be far wiser in what to look for.
I'm glad to hear your furnace has been chugging along since 1980. All my appliances in my old condo, the one I'm renting to the priest, are 22 years old. I'm hoping the big-ticket items, like the furnace and AC will last 2 more years until the market turns around and I can unload it.
Having the Minnegasco service plan saved our butts more than once from having to buy and new furnace and A/C outright. If you can, make sure you have that until you're ready to replace them or sell. It's worth it!
Oh, yeah. I pay it happily every month. The Bronze Plan from MN Energy Resources. Love it. Loooove it. And it's only $12.95/month!
Tell me again why home ownership is better than renting?
Because banks make more money from mortgages than landlords make from rent. All hail the Ownership Society!
Uh-oh, Saveau! You just said something that challenges the consumerist society!
Best not climb on a plane anytime soon. You might end up on the "watch list" like GG.
(Sadly, I'm only half-kidding.)
Marie - HUZZAH for service plans!
Saveau - Tsk, tsk, tsk... you're sounding like one-a them COMMIE PINKOS! Good man!
Avindair - I TOLD you I was evil! At least Uncle Sam believes me.
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